Interplay between globalisation and nationalism has transformed right wing politics
Donald Trump’s championing of protectionism represents prioritising cultural identities over economic ideology. Uneven benefits of globalisation have led to nationalism leading a pushback. Even India hasn’t been insulated from it. Traditional categorisations of left and right in politics do not explain this dynamic
Vault matters: Why the business of banning businesses by RBI is justified
A person with direct knowledge of the matter said, the four companies charged highest interest rate to microfinance customers. A few of them had issues on operational and procedural fronts with two lenders facing the greatest concerns regarding operational aspects. If repeated warnings were not adhered, the regulator’s action to ask these entities to stop business till they mend their ways is logically the right thing to do
‘The Simpsons’ has become a parody of itself. That’s good
The long-running animated series recently teased a final episode that wasn’t what it seemed. Its creators should let it end — because it lives on elsewhere
Corporate wizards out-magic the muggles
Sectors like semiconductors and AI can reshape — or, in some cases, conjure up entirely new — markets
IMF says inflation battle is over, but Central banks remain coy
IMF projections suggest rapid price increases are yesterday’s problem. So why are central banks not embracing the win?
Tech and energy transition will fuel strong demand for copper globally
Copper’s demand is expected to shoot up but its supply through mines is another story
Markets have slipped, unable to regain lost ground -- What does the future hold for investors?
We can look at the stock markets from three angles – fundamental, technical, and liquidity. And none of them look great at the moment
Maharashtra government increases stamp duty payable on Arbitral Awards
Maharashtra has introduced an ordinance raising stamp duty rates to enhance government revenue. Notably, the stamp duty on arbitral awards has significantly increased, marking the first adjustment since 2015, when it rose from Rs 100 to Rs 500
SBI Life’s growth comes under pressure in Q2, but FY25 won’t disappoint
Protection business fell during the September quarter, which could weigh on profitability prospects.
Road developers set to gain from NHAI’s asset monetisation push
Monetising road assets through TOT and the rising FASTag collections could help garner funds for NHAI’s new projects
Chart of the Day | Hotel room supply to tilt towards midscale economy segment
The pan-India increase in average room rate has gone up in the last two years in US dollar terms, but it is still 50 per cent lower than that of FY2008
Germany is India’s gateway to tighter European integration
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and PM Modi will today co-chair the 7th Intergovernmental Consultations. India’s largest trade partner in Europe is upbeat about cooperation with India in the backdrop of its goal of reducing economic dependence on China. An institutional framework to enhance cooperation built over two decades offers an ideal platform to take ties to the next level
Strong orders from India help Suzlon climb global league tables
Suzlon’s wind turbine generator emerges as one of the most in demand models
India-China equation reset is at a new normal, not the old one
Power asymmetry between the two countries and the likelihood of just a limited easing in the trade relationship make going back to pre-2020 phase impossible. Moreover, there’s no evidence of a dialogue yet on next step towards de-escalation. Keep your fingers crossed and expectations contained
Modi-Xi meeting is a good start but hard yards lie ahead
The meet in Kazan was high on symbolism but sparse on content on the path forward. It’s unclear if China will accept status quo ante in the negotiations going forward. The mistrust between the two Asian powers is deep and the summer of 2025 along the LAC will be crucial for future ties
Is it time to press the panic button on urban FMCG demand stress?
Rural demand may be recovering but its bigger counterpart in cities appears to be under pressure. What are the likely reasons and should investors be worried?
Countdown in Ukraine has begun as Russia will win a battle of attrition
Ukraine is running out of men, materials and funds. Russia has come through severe Western sanctions without losing capacity to keep its economy ticking. The outcome of the US presidential elections will have no bearing on the likelihood that parts of eastern Ukraine will be absorbed by Russia. It’s now a question of time
Japan’s stock market is producing too many ‘punycorns’
The country urgently needs a vibrant business pipeline to replace the unicorn’s unambitious cousin
US: Cheaper rent and airfare going away due to inflation
The market dynamics that delivered a few pockets of deflation are close to running their course. Some prices should start to creep higher
Growth shouldn’t be the only goal for India’s startups
The hottest young companies have scaled up quickly, but need stronger governance to match their greater size
October Flash India PMI signals growth rebound, higher selling prices
PMI numbers for October suggest that the growth slowdown seen in the July-September 2024 quarter was temporary
FII selling fuelled by US interest rates, rather than a shift to China
As the US elections approach, FIIs are shifting their focus to selling in emerging markets, driven by rising interest rates in the US
Is a Global Central Force needed for Artificial Intelligence regulation?
The debate over a global central governance body for AI raises important considerations. While centralisation can promote standardisation and address transnational challenges, a decentralised approach may better accommodate national sovereignty and diverse ethical frameworks
Startup Street: Incubators and startups -- different strokes for different folks
Incubated start-ups have a better success rate with 87 percent of them operational after five years compared to 44 percent of non-incubated firms
IMF report says markets ignoring rising economic, geopolitical uncertainties
The Global Financial Stability Report says complacency has led to valuations being too high in several markets, which makes them vulnerable to downturns emanating from policy or geopolitical shocks
