Carbon capture in mission mode, but challenges remain
India needs international climate finance and technology transfer to implement CCUS on any significant scale
Starbucks’ new boss should beware its backseat barista
Brian Niccol’s appointment suggests a win for ex-CEO Howard Schultz
A bumper business growth won’t bring margin relief for private life insurers
July saw business growth at high double digits for most private sector life insurers
Rice inflation is not a supply problem, but one of poor management by government
Currently, we have a situation where paddy/rice inflation is largely a problem of distortions in the market introduced by governments, both centre and some states
Walmart’s safety premium
Walmart trades at 28 times this year’s expected earnings, Alphabet at 21
The gig economy is staying strong on US love of convenience
Consumers are loath to give up hailing a ride or home deliveries
Competition Commission’s standard to gauge cartelization is in the midst of a quiet change
Data and a July order of CCI which reversed an earlier decision indicates a shift in the standard of proof required in order to establish a contravention. Preponderance of probabilities may no longer be sufficient
‘New Bangladesh’ in the grip of retributive justice as mobs send Hasina’s accomplices packing
The counterblast is felling one heavyweight after another. The biggest gun to have been thrown out so far is the Chief Justice of Bangladesh, Obaidul Hassan. The severity of reprisal attacks on security forces after Hasina fled forced the police to go on a strike
Why are hedge funds bearish on commodities?
Copper, often seen as a barometer of industrial growth, is now trading 20 percent below its May peak, nearing a four-month low, signalling a potential economic slowdown
India’s Olympic Future: Strategies for success beyond Paris games
The 2024 Paris Olympics yielded a 40% success rate for India. To achieve a minimum of 15 medals in LA 2028, India needs 30-35 serious contenders. A strategic, multi-tiered approach, including dedicated funding and consolidated programmes, is essential for future success
Revisiting the Marshmallow Theory of investing
The secret to trading success as a professional trader is not just to make more money in profitable phases but also to lose less money during drawdowns
For banks, cheaper deposits are not easy to come by
Declining CASA ratios are adding to the cost of funds for many banks, thereby forcing them to up lending rates as well to manage margins. The problem may persist going ahead as interest rate differentials persist
Global natural gas supply under threat from war, geopolitics
Ukraine’s attack on Russia’s Kursk region raises the risk perception for natural gas from geopolitics, adding to the existing uncertainty on demand-supply and shipping fronts
Industrial production shrinks in June from the previous month
Consumer durables production in June contracted by 2.53 percent from the previous month, while consumer non-durables output shrank by 5.86 percent
How RSS played a crucial role in protecting millions during partition
The RSS played a major role during India’s partition protecting Hindus and Sikhs, with leaders like MS Golwalkar coordinating efforts. Their bravery during the crisis was later overshadowed by political controversies and a subsequent ban by Congress
Low July inflation entirely due to base effect, month-on-month inflation has gone up
The rise in month-on-month retail inflation from 1.33 percent in June to 1.42 percent in July is mainly due to the rise in mobile telephony charges
Chart of the Day: India Inc is using its capital more efficiently than ever
The number of companies generating more than 15 percent return on equity has increased significantly from FY16-20
Apple and Alphabet’s freakish earnings broke this market barometer
It’s time to revamp a once-reliable gauge of stock returns that just couldn’t cope with Big Tech
Harris and Walz need more than weird memes and brat videos to win
The demographic that dominates internet discourse is not representative of the broader electorate
Online gaming drives economic growth, boosts GST collections
The online gaming sector has seen substantial growth, with revenues quadrupling since a 28% GST was imposed. The industry’s success boosts GST collections and drives significant economic impact, including job creation and investment
Delivery Diaries: Diversity tadka in Indian F&B — a brilliant interplay of local and global flavours
Indian food trends are shifting away from rigid statistical norms, embracing diverse and fusion cuisines through food delivery. It reflects a growing consumer appetite for variety, transforming the F&B sector with innovative offerings
The low-tax countries wooing the world’s wealthy
Countries such as the UK are tightening tax rules for well-off foreigners, while others are competing to offer them a new home
Hindenburg’s desperate attempts to target India’s economic and political ecosystem
The responsibility lies squarely on the government to protect the interests of its citizens and institutions. It cannot take a passive role leaving the defence to individuals
Chart of the Day | Will ethanol deliver for sugar mills in FY25?
Initial estimates point to a slight cut in the sugarcane output. The government too appears to be signalling mills to diversify into alternate feedstocks for ethanol, perhaps, a sign of times to come
Is Kamala Harris a better bet for India than Trump?
trapline: With Kamala Harris joining the U.S. presidential race, Indian leaders and diplomats are evaluating if she or the Republican candidate Donald Trump would be best for India. The evaluation is based on the assumption that Harris would continue with Biden’s foreign policy and Trump is unlikely to change his known attitude towards different issues.
