Start-up Street| A contrasting tale of two mega acquisitions
The recent acquisitions of Minimalist and Wingify have sparked significant and contrasting discussions in the startup and venture capital worlds. While HUL's acquisition of Minimalist signals a promising future for D2C startups, Everstone Capital's purchase of Wingify heralds consolidation in the SaaS sector
Project 2025: Disowned by Trump, yet echoing his agenda
Despite Trump’s public disassociation from Project 2025, its policies mirror his administration’s priorities—from border security to economic nationalism. The document provides key insights into a potential second Trump term, with implications for global trade, defence, and U.S.-India relations
China’s Two Sessions meeting: Domestic demand takes centre-stage in economic strategy
China has set an ambitious 5 percent GDP growth target for 2025, despite economic headwinds and rising global protectionism. To achieve this, Beijing is ramping up domestic demand, fiscal stimulus, and high-tech innovation, while pledging further economic openness
India's Credit Growth Strategy: Rethinking liquidity, deposits, and innovation
India's financial system is grappling with a severe liquidity shortage, with a Rs 3.34 lakh crore deficit. Despite RBI measures, structural issues like weak deposit growth persist, challenging credit access. Innovative strategies are needed for sustainable growth beyond rate cuts
RBI Governor Malhotra is the new Sheriff in town
On the policy front, benchmark rates were lowered. He has relaxed many regulatory strictures, especially those that intensified risk mitigation and increased the cost of lending for regulated entities. What next is the question
How serious is the IMF warning on NBFC concentration risk in India?
IMF report on NBFC concentration risk is a timely wake-up call to policymakers on potential risks. The RBI and Government need to pay attention.
The puzzling breakdown in the link between GDP growth and private investment flow
Private non-financial corporations have turned into enthusiastic savers. The effect is apparent in the investment-to-output ratio of manufacturing which has declined over the last decade when even agriculture registered an increase. Not even spurts of economic growth have moved the needle. It’s a trend which doesn’t lend itself to an easy explanation
BSP faces a bleak future, thanks to Mayawati’s insecurities
Expulsion of her nephew Akash Anand from the party represents one more example of getting rid of people who have tried to revive it through a different approach. With a second rung leadership purged over the years, all that BSP party functionaries are left with is a distant leader whose problems with enforcement agencies have shrunk the potential of a political party that was once a dominant force in Uttar Pradesh
Did OPEC+ succumb to Trump's pressure?
Firstly, the production hike is mere optics and will barely move the needle. Secondly, OPEC+'s justification of healthy oil demand does not agree with the data
Retail auto sales belie hopes of broad-based consumption recovery
Recent auto retail numbers are perplexing as 2W and lower-end car sales show declining trend indicating pain at the bottom of the pyramid
Martin Wolf: The economic costs of Trump’s assault on the global order
America is trying to undo the very system of open trade that it created
Chart of the Day: Which economies are most at risk from Trump's tariff wars?
Vietnam is the biggest loser in Trump’s tariff plan.
India’s FTA with the EU will face a Trump problem
The EU’s position is sticky after Trump has made America an unreliable ally
Banks are stronger than ever—So why are their stocks falling?
In terms of financial health, banks are in their best shape in at least a decade, valuations of large banks are fair. Bank stocks may be bearing the brunt of indiscriminate selling triggered by global factors
Why India needs 100,000 fintech startups, now
India's fintech ecosystem needs rapid expansion to serve underserved communities. By focusing on incubation, capital access, and collaboration with traditional banks, we can empower more entrepreneurs to build solutions that promote financial inclusion across the nation
Tariff Tuesday: into the unknown
And strong earnings
Where the stock market goes, the US economy will follow
America’s wealthiest households are driving economic growth, thanks to their investing gains
DeepSeek’s ‘theoretical’ profit margins are just that
Companies that want to make money from AI have to do a much better job explaining why customers should pay for these services
Maximising asset value through IBBI regulations
The IBBI plays a pivotal role in maximising asset value under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. New regulations aim to improve efficiency, reduce delays, and ensure transparency in the resolution process, though challenges like prolonged timelines persist
When the music stopped playing for traders
Many retail traders have boarded the market momentum bus when it was about to speed off in early 2020. While there were small bumps along the way, they are unprepared for the potholes that have emerged now
The road to 2047: Can India break free from ‘Business-as-Usual’?
Twelve years ago, the Economic Survey foresaw India's economic trajectory with striking accuracy. Now, the World Bank's latest report echoes similar concerns, mapping out three possible paths for India's future—one of transformation, one of stagnation, and one in between. The question remains: which road will India take?
Capital goods order flows reflect capex slowdown, but is it a blip?
Capital goods firms order flows portray a moderation in economic activity both in government and private sector capex, although some sectors are faring well
Industry loan growth signals a late recovery of private capex
If companies aren’t confident enough to borrow, there is no path for private capex revival
Family offices strengthen Indian capitalism
Family offices in India are reshaping industries by investing in innovation, supporting startups, and strengthening the economy. They ensure domestic capital stays within India, guiding entrepreneurs towards sustainable growth while contributing to long-term economic value
