BUSINESS
Comment | US FDA to get a new chief, watch for side effects on pharma shares
The US FDA has been driving generic drug approvals under its current commissioner. His resignation raises a question mark on whether life could change for Indian pharmaceutical companies
BUSINESS
Comment | The rise and rise of Patanjali in oral care
Patanjali’s threat has been downplayed by the Street in recent years, as its performance has faltered and its competitive streak appears more subdued. Don’t write it off just yet, says the data
BUSINESS
Comment | Sugar loans: a soft touch to clear cane arrears
The government’s decision to give subsidized loans to sugar mills is designed to solve the politically sensitive issue of cane arrears in the run-up to elections
BUSINESS
Comment | Merck’s dividend gift is extra special for P&G
Merck’s Rs440 a share special dividend is good news for investors but more so for its new parent P&G. After the dividend, life for investors will return to mundane things such as performance-driven valuations
BUSINESS
Comment | Real estate GST rate cuts don’t go far enough
Investors were looking forward to a cut in GST on under-construction properties, to spur real estate sector growth. What the government gave with one hand, the other took away
BUSINESS
Comment | The Baltic Dry Index is capsizing
The Baltic Dry Index has fallen sharply after the Vale dam incident in 2019 and also due to global developments that have affected trade
BUSINESS
Comment | Dr Copper signals an improving economic outlook in 2019
Copper prices have risen sharply in 2019 partly due to tight supply conditions. It may also be a pointer to improving economic conditions
BUSINESS
Dr Reddy’s Suboxone launch: Why investors shrugged it off
Dr Reddy’s generic Suboxone launch is set to be a reality. A much-awaited event, a mounting threat from competitors may limit its benefits
BUSINESS
Comment | Sugar minimum price: small carrot, big stick
The increase of Rs 2 per kg in the minimum selling price of sugar is much less than what the industry wanted but even this comes with strings attached. The government wants cane arrears cleared.
BUSINESS
100-Word Take | Dr Reddy's: Slipping on familiar ground
Dr Reddy’s investors baulked after news that an inspection by the US FDA found four repeat observations.
BUSINESS
Comment | Bhushan Power adds heft to JSW Steel, deal structure holds the key
Bhushan Power adds to JSW Steel’s domestic capacity but will the latter settle for a minority stake again?
BUSINESS
Comment | Tata Steel-Thyssenkrupp: Drawing a line in the sand
Tata Steel’s joint venture with Thyssenkrupp is a much anticipated event but it needs to clear the EU’s anti-trust hurdle. An update is due this week.
MUTUAL-FUNDS
Comment | What falling equity MF inflows mean for investors and markets
Gross inflows high, but so are redemptions.
BUSINESS
Comment | Imports may cease to bother steel producers if iron ore continues its upward march
Steel producers have asked for a hike in import duties, to protect the domestic industry. Help may be at hand. Iron ore prices have been rising sharply, due to Vale’s regulatory issues. Eventually, steel prices will too, giving steel producers relief.
BUSINESS
Comment | Investors fear Vedanta’s Anglo American detour may only be a trailer
Vedanta’s investors fear that their company may become an investment vehicle for the group’s global ambitions and the effect that could have on its financials
BUSINESS
Opinion | A sting in the FMCG tale
Expensive valuations of FMCG companies make them vulnerable to even small shocks. The implementation of the revised FDI guidelines by e-commerce companies could disrupt sales growth in the near term.
BUSINESS
Opinion | Why investors may be overestimating the Budget’s impact
Consumption and real estate are two sectors that have been targeted with sops in the Budget and investors seem to be buying into that. Here's why they should be careful
BUSINESS
Comment | The effective tax rate stands between India Inc’s creamy layer and a lower tax rate
Every Budget brings hope that the corporate tax rate will be cut, as promised. Till the effective tax rates for big companies remain well below the statutory rate, a sweeping cut looks unlikely.
BUSINESS
Comment | Iron ore prices spike after Vale output cut, steel prices may be next
Vale's move comes after disaster struck after one of Vale's tailing dams in Brazil burst, killing at least 65 people with hundreds still missing.
BUSINESS
Quick Take | Aluminium prices soften as US sanctions won’t bite Rusal
The move could affect Indian aluminium companies
BUSINESS
Quick Take | Tata Steel's SE Asia sale will sharpen its India focus
Tata Steel's profitability will improve after the sale of its South East Asian steel business, letting its management focus on the country that matters the most to its future—India.
BUSINESS
Quick Take | Mindtree’s case shows tussle for control remains a hot issue for investors
A large investor’s impending exit from Mindtree raises a larger issue of control and whether a financial investor or a strategic investor, and what would the minority prefer.
BUSINESS
Quick Take | ITC may have a new blend in its strategy pack
ITC’s decline in margins in its cigarettes business is worrying investors but this may simply be a symptom of a shift in how it manages its main cigarettes and consumer businesses
BUSINESS
Quick Take | Sun Pharma: Is this much sunlight enough for investors?
Sun Pharma’s measures when completed will close out some of the transactions or structures that were causing concern among investors. There may be still some way to go, before they get full closure
