Did banks do a good job of passing on RBI rate hikes? Here’s what the data show
The past two years have seen RBI increase repo rates by 250 bps. Data on transmission across bank groups show that increase in lending rates was higher in the case of private banks than among public sector banks. However, in the case of deposits, transmission was higher for PSBs
A new currency tries to defy conventional wisdom
The world’s newest currency, Caribbean Guilder, is the outcome of a currency union between two countries with different economic structures and a sharp disparity in income. The underlying economic conditions are far removed from the ideal scenario for such a union. The journey of the Caribbean Guilder will be followed with interest
The Reading List: September 20, 2024
A selection of articles and social media gems from the world of economy, business and finance, curated by our research and opinion teams.
Vault Matters: Are banks steady to absorb a rate cut?
While loans may get less expensive thereby sprucing demand, on deposits front banks cannot afford to be complacent about reducing deposit rates and yet be comfortable about deposit mobilization. A rate cut may do more harm than good for banks at this juncture
India's Digital Transformation: Empowering MSMEs for e-commerce growth
India's Digital India Mission marks nine years of progress, positioning the nation as a leading digital economy. As e-commerce is projected to reach $350 billion by 2030, the focus shifts to how MSMEs can harness this growth through digital integration, skills training, and supportive policies
Young women are starting to leave men behind
Men’s education deficit is increasingly becoming an employment, earnings and outcomes gap, with significant repercussions
Why Foxconn’s next bid for growth is a room on wheels
The stakes for the parent group riding on Sharp’s new electric minivan may not make for a comfortable ride
China's Guotai, Haitong securities merger resembles the Swiss model
The biggest brokerage merger in years looks more like a bailout, masking billion-dollar losses from bond underwriting
How a slow-mover NTPC built a renewable energy powerhouse
The company can become one of India’s top renewable power generators if it achieves the stated targets
Why the strike at Samsung’s Chennai plant is not just Stalin’s headache
Tamil Nadu cannot antagonise the labour force or even foreign firms
How are successful startup hubs created?
A start-up city from the ground up is a great idea but a hub is built on serendipity and network rather than infrastructure
Even a huge US Fed rate cut did not excite investors, what lies ahead?
The rate cuts are here but a slowing economy while interest rates remain high is a worry. But, for Indian equities a pivot will mean good news for stocks although not across the board
Chart of the Day: Fund managers get their optimism back on US economy
Investors would fret on whether the Fed’s rate cut was in response to cooling inflation or more towards safeguarding growth
Kolkata Hospital Rape and Murder Case: Hurried investigation and trial need not necessarily dispense justice
In response to the tragic incident at RG Kar Hospital, the West Bengal assembly passed the Aparajita Bill to amend existing laws on rape and child protection. Though the Bill aims to enhance penalties, expedite investigations, critics argue that rushing these processes may lead to overlooked evidence and compromised justice, emphasizing the need for thorough procedures over speed
ONOE represents a disruptive move when federalism is under stress
The biggest cost of transitioning to ONOE is the political cost as the natural life of most state assemblies will have to be terminated. Centre-State relations are under stress which makes this moment unsuitable to go back to where we started
Why India needs to implement ‘One Nation, One Election’ policy
The Modi cabinet approved 'One Nation, One Election' policy, reminiscent of the practice from 1951 to 1967 when Lok Sabha and state elections were held simultaneously. Numerous commissions have supported this approach to reduce electoral costs, streamline administration, and lessen the electoral burden on citizens
Strengthening of group audits should benefit investors
When consolidated financials are more material than standalone financials, the audit quality of group entities gains importance. The accounting regulator is seeking to reform how that’s done
Private equity is doing badly — however you measure it
Investors desperate to get cash back are putting pressure on funds to capitulate on sales
Chart of the Day | Are SME IPO returns showing signs of fatigue?
Reports about the market regulator intending to issue stringent guidelines following laxities by auditors, merchant bankers and the bourses, may have put investors on guard
Europe, Africa, North Carolina Flooding: Once-in-a-lifetime floods are becoming routine
Once rare deadly deluges are happening more frequently and causing more damage as the planet heats up
Revolutionising Industry: The transformative role of collaborative robots
As Industry 5.0 reshapes human-machine relationships, collaborative robots (cobots) emerge as vital assets. Designed for flexibility and safety, cobots enhance productivity across various sectors, from manufacturing to healthcare. Their integration with advanced technologies promises to drive innovation and sustainable growth in the digital era
Diddy’s sex trafficking charges suggest a crime hiding in plain sight
The indictment against music mogul Sean Combs should be a reminder that we often fail to recognize trafficking even when it’s right in front of us
US Federal Reserve’s uncertain destination troubles the bond market
The central bank cut interest rates by 50 basis points and yet 10-year Treasury yields, a benchmark for mortgages, actually went up
Bajaj Auto’s market share expands, will margins follow?
Unfortunately, two export regions for the company- Nigeria and Bangladesh- are under pressure, and that could cap margin expansion
Geopolitical rivalries are changing global natural gas industry dynamics
The oil and gas industry argues that LNG could replace much of the global coal consumption as a transition fuel while renewable and alternative like green hydrogen develop to capacity
