opinion

HDFC Bank’s shares to display pendulum effect, thanks to MSCI’s index methodology

Its FPI shareholding level is on the cusp of a key factor determining its weightage in the MSCI EM Index. That means frequent inflows/outflows to maintain balance. What’s the message for investors?

Budget 2024 finds India in a sweet spot, thanks to unanticipated revenue boost

Budget should spell out adjustment path for debt to GDP ratio. It’s an opportunity to lay solid foundations for a medium-term growth range of 7-7.5% 

Beyond box-ticking, it's time to reassess the role of independent directors

As tenures of several independent directors end, it's time to evaluate their performance and how to improve it

Budget 2024: It’s time for the government to walk the talk on bank privatisation

With record low NPAs and strong capital ratios, public sector bank balance sheets are the healthiest in a decade. There are better chances of finding buyers now. But actual execution will require strong political will

Budget Snapshot: Interest burden is not changing for the better

The government’s fiscal consolidation is commendable, but it needs to reduce its interest burden to increase its quality of expenditure

Donald Trump wasn’t going to prison anyway, neither was Hunter Biden

As first-time offenders convicted of non-violent crimes, it would be extremely unusual for either to serve time

Budget 2024: How capital gains tax can be used to optimise capital allocation

Uniform tax rate structure across financial instruments will allow investor to choose based on their risk-return trade-off, not tax concessions

The value from Patanjali Foods’ acquisition of promoter business lies in the future

While Patanjali Foods will turn into a more complete FMCG company post-acquisition, the transaction structure involving a royalty and slower market growth implies the gains will not be instant

Budget session will test BJP as Money Bill route for its economic agenda may not be available

The BJP-led NDA is likely to face a tough time in getting its economic agenda through in the Parliament as the resurgent opposition appears determined to not give the government an easy passage 

US trying to kill Chinese tech only makes it stronger

China trails behind the US on R&D. But it is getting a phenomenal bang for its buck

French Election: Macron has one last risky dice roll to keep Le Pen out

A shaky coalition is emerging to block France’s far right from power. But it brings its own risks

Amazon should not join Shein's and Temu’s race to the bottom

With the US group facing antitrust lawsuits on both sides of the Atlantic, better to let challengers flame out in a bid for market share

Voltas: Risks to earnings loom amid sizzling show in AC market

Voltas’ international projects weigh on earnings and return ratios due to delays in realization of receivables and cost overruns

Budget Snapshot: A shot in the arm for electric vehicles?

The share of EVs in 2W registrations rose from just 0.4 per cent in FY2021 to 4.6 per cent in Q2 FY2023, but had been within a 4-6 percent range for most of the last two years

How Suzlon will benefit from Siemens Gamesa’s India exit

Suzlon can focus on quality orders and gain market share in the India wind turbine market

Federal Bank’s deposit game must be strong for investors to stick with it

The private sector lender must make its branches sweat more for CASA deposits

Can’t find a job after graduating? Move to Bolivia

Tough labour markets present an opportunity to branch out and take chances. It worked out for me in 2008 in an unlikely place

US Elections: Biden needs to go for NATO’s sake too

Even as he hosts NATO allies next week, the frail US president can’t dispel the existential doubt he has sown about the alliance

Tesla Sales: Only Musk’s Robotaxi can save investors now

Sales trends in the second quarter all but ensure another decline in earnings this year

Bharatiya Sanhitas Implemented: Myths and realities of decolonizing Indian laws

The introduction of the new laws is an appropriate step to enable access to law and efficacious judicial proceedings. But to implement these sanhitas would be challenging, keeping in mind the poor infrastructure of Indian courts

Climate change is pushing up food prices — and worrying central banks

Shifting weather patterns are reducing crop yields and squeezing supplies, creating what could become a permanent source of inflation

Electric vehicle makers need to shorten design-to-market timeline

Homologation in India has become faster with new testing centres. Eventually, quick product introduction depends on the quality of manufacturing processes 

Budget Snapshot: Why lower budgetary support for defence research is not bad for the sector

Even if the upcoming budget does not significantly increase the defence allocation for research, there is little cause for concern. DRDO is poised to increasingly act as a nodal agency, sharing research and production responsibilities between the private and public sectors.

Should investors be concerned about promoter exits?

The increasing number of promoter sales in smaller companies is a warning sign. It is prudent to monitor stocks where promoters have sold for non-strategic reasons closely

Decoding Economics: The power of narratives

An NBER research paper says narratives may be a significant cause of the business cycle