The world should take notice — the rest are rising again
An emerging market revival has begun, with dramatic global implications
Chart of the Day: Kirana’s FMCG channel share is steady in 2024, so where’s the threat?
Overall market share appears stable but the real story lies in other metrics such as growth within online shopping, and the number of shopping trips and spend per trip
Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir Elections: Crucial test for BJP’s strength
The Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir elections, scheduled for September/October 2024, will be pivotal for the BJP. They will test the party's strength and influence, affecting future alliances, especially in Maharashtra. BJP faces challenges from the INDIA alliance and declining voter support, particularly in Haryana
Government dilutes NPS as political compulsions gain the upper hand
The UPS protects government employees from the vagaries of market forces, providing a solid floor to their post-retirement income
Ukraine visit notwithstanding, does India have any real influence on today’s geopolitical rivalries?
India’s ability to truly emerge as an effective interlocutor or influencer in the Russia-Ukraine crisis is highly limited. It is playing a balancing act that suits its own strategic priorities
Why India needs to establish strong indigenous e-commerce platforms
India is expected to surpass the US and become the second largest e-commerce market by 2034. However, it is fraught with serious dangers if mega entities are not regulated. The need of the hour is for India to promote its indigenous e-commerce platforms
Deposits are the focal point but it's intra-bank borrowings that need scrutiny
Credit growth outpaced deposits in 17 of the last 33 years. Lagging deposit growth therefore should not be a reason for concern. It’s greater reliance by banks on borrowings to fund incremental credit that’s causing anxiety
The Eastern Window: Complaints about floods reveal growing anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh
The recent floods gave an opportunity to anti-India forces in Bangladesh to raise a clamour. India was blamed for triggering the floods though the gushing waters killed many in India as well. The removal of the Awami League government of Sheikh Hasina has offered a golden opportunity for politicians who are unfriendly towards India
The disconnect between the reaction of Fed Funds market and US equities after Powell’s speech
While the probabilities for the Fed Funds rate have barely budged, the US equity market rallied hard after the Fed chief’s Jackson Hole speech
Have central banks pulled off a soft landing, or are they just plain lucky?
Many factors, apart from central bank actions, are responsible for the soft landing
The Reading List: August 23, 2024
Here are some articles and social media gems from the world of economy, business and finance, curated by our research and opinion teams for your weekend read
Central banking is more than tinkering with interest rates
Central bank heavyweights are meeting now in Jackson Hole, US. One issue they should discuss, even if informally, is are their monetary policy meetings too frequent? The Fed’s eight a year forces over-allocation of resources towards monetary policy preparation. It comes at the expense of other critical functions. Four meetings a year are adequate
AI-powered coding pulls in almost $1bn of funding to claim ‘killer app’ status
Software engineering attracts investors but making money from generative artificial intelligence still eludes many
Gold and the dollar
Gold partisans argue the metal’s recent run proves that it is a great hedge against monetary and fiscal incontinence, and the accompanying inflation risks
Real Estate: A pause after breathtaking rally or a trend shift?
The long term potential of the real estate sector seems intact but the recent underperformance may reflect some caution needed for those with a shorter horizon
Paytm deal - Zomato’s ticket to entertainment
Focusing on the business opportunity and potential synergy is more productive than getting bogged down in valuation discussions, especially in new-age businesses
Why the India growth story needs more white collar jobs
Blue collar jobs are good for sustenance and basic consumption, but it is the white collar workers who end up becoming savers and discretionary spenders
Chart of the Day: Market’s steadfast faith in RBI’s forex intervention
The RBI has been the Rock of Gibraltar in the forex market for the past four years
On real rate debate, the gloves are off in the near-expiry MPC
As both Varma and Goyal argued, holding interest rates too high for too long can hurt economic growth. But Das and Patra warn that lowering the guard on inflation too early too can be a mistake.
India’s credibility makes it possible to suggest a way out to Russia and Ukraine
By acting as a messenger, a role that requires an impartial but resolute desire for peace, India can play a substantial role. Modi's Kyiv visit, in itself, is a strong message of India's intentions
Interview | MPC member Jayanth Varma warns high real interest rates can depress private investment, suppress demand
Varma has been cautioning that keeping interest rates too high for too long can hamper growth
Harris has a manufacturing record Trump craves. She should use it
The vice president is too focused on populist inflation proposals. She should brag more about the investment boom she helped foster with Biden
BJP's challenges in Maharashtra; the road to assembly elections
The state is by all accounts headed for another hung assembly in the forthcoming election.
Kolkata rape-murder case: A wake-up call for women's safety and workforce participation in India
The Kolkata doctor’s rape case brings to the fore the impact of unsafe work environment and systemic failures on women. If we want to make more women a part of the country’s labour force, workplace safety has to be one of the core areas of concern
The global power of Big Agriculture’s lobbying
Behind the public image of farming lies a vast industry adept at securing subsidies and exemptions from environmental measures
