BUSINESS
Trump’s tariff hikes increase uncertainty quotient for Indian industry
The US intends to impose a 25 percent tariff on steel and aluminium and also levy reciprocal tariffs on all imports, posing risks to metal producers in particular and industry in general
BUSINESS
Decline in sugar output poses challenge for mills
Unfavourable weather conditions are leading to a sharp decline in projected sugar output for the ongoing season, while flat realisations for certain feedstock-based varieties of ethanol dampens expectations on that front too
BUSINESS
Corporate effective tax rate stabilises at higher levels, larger companies in better shape
Companies with above Rs 500 crore PBT have seen their effective tax rate decline in 2022-23 compared to those in the Rs 50-500 crore PBT range
BUSINESS
A sizeable boost for urban consumption in Budget, will private capex revive now?
Significant tax savings for the middle class should lead to higher spending on consumption, bringing cheer to investors in consumer stocks. The bigger impact could be in encouraging these companies to invest in capacity
BUSINESS
Consumption demand no worry line for the government
Rural demand is strong and expected to continue, urban demand shows a mixed picture, calling for moderation of expectations of a generous budgetary demand stimulus
BUSINESS
Should the Budget do anything to spur consumption?
Rural consumption is in good health while urban consumption trends remain weak. Should the Budget wait for urban consumption to right itself or introduce measures to boost it is the main question
BUSINESS
Quick Take | HUL results show FMCG urban consumption malaise continuing
The near term outlook remains tough with consumption expected to moderate and EBITDA expected at the lower end of its 23-24 percent guidance
BUSINESS
Quick Commerce’s need for speed poses risks to key stakeholders
Blinkit’s expansion plans signal a race to get to the top in the quick commerce market. Investors seem to be worried it may turn into a race to the bottom instead
BUSINESS
Sugar stocks face an uphill year in 2025
Global prices have turned weak, domestic output has acquired a dull look and ethanol procurement has shifted focus to grain-based feedstock
BUSINESS
What a new chief can do for DMart
Quick commerce is posing an existential question for retailers, particularly those with stores on the ground. The new CEO’s expertise in digital commerce and the Unilever way of doing things could reshape DMart
BUSINESS
Is it time for a relook at low corporate tax rates?
A sharp cut in corporate tax rates in 2019 has led to significant benefits for earnings, but this was to also drive private investments up, which has not happened
BUSINESS
Budget Snapshot | How Free Trade Agreements impact customs duty revenues
In 2018-19, the revenue impact of concessions under FTAs on customs was around Rs 49000 crore and in FY24 that’s projected to increase to Rs 89000 crore
BUSINESS
Metals' outlook in 2025 rests on one country’s fortunes
China’s centrality to the metals sector has perhaps never been as evident as it is was in 2024 and is likely to play out in 2025 as well
BUSINESS
Investors in FMCG stocks await urban demand recovery in 2025
The year 2024 is ending on a sluggish note for FMCG companies as consumers in cities turn stingy. Demand and inflation trends will be the two key factors to closely track in the New Year
BUSINESS
Budget Snapshot | What tax incentives say about the odds of a personal income tax cut
Weak urban consumption is leading to calls for some relief on personal tax rates. Tax incentives provided to taxpayers provide some clues on whether it’s likely to happen
BUSINESS
Chart of the Day | Global steel output fell by 1.4 percent YoY in 2024 till November
Falling output should be good for steel prices but China’s slowing economy has led to surplus steel flooding other markets
BUSINESS
Is Quick Commerce’s threat to kiranawalas in the FMCG market overstated?
Kantar data shows that kiranawalas have lost share in Q3’24 but not to online commerce. Shopping trips and spend per trip show what may be bothering them more
BUSINESS
Why has Godrej Consumer's Q3 results warning spooked FMCG investors?
The entire FMCG pack has been stung by Godrej Consumer's update, on how rising palm oil prices and unseasonal weather could hurt its business in Q3, amid slow demand
BUSINESS
Premiumisation theme in consumption faces a few key risks
Even as consumption growth has slowed down, well-off consumers continue to shop till they drop. Companies and investors have noticed this trend but the possibility of higher tax rates on such goods is a risk to be watched out for
BUSINESS
HUL chooses investors’ favourite flavour for ice cream demerger
A separately-listed company post-demerger gives investors the options for staying invested in a business with high growth potential or divesting it if they don’t have the appetite for it
BUSINESS
Unilever is doubling down on India -- What that means for HUL’s investors
The parent company’s hunger for protecting market leadership, accelerating growth as India’s economy transforms and rolling out parts of a global strategy locally could lead to better growth outcomes
BUSINESS
Global food inflation’s upward march keeps key risk in play
Central banks that are eyeing data on inflation as they seek to ease monetary policy are not going to get the prints they seek if this trend continues
BUSINESS
Why India is becoming a hotspot for steel capacity addition
The country’s steady, healthy steel demand growth, preference for domestic capacity, states’ drive for value addition and a healthy balance sheet situation make it an attractive destination
BUSINESS
Upwardly mobile consumers are shaking up the FMCG market
Data from NielsenIQ on growing preference for premium brands across categories, driven by new channels such as Quick Commerce, poses tough questions for listed FMCG companies and their investors
