Vault Matters | Bank or NBFC, the valuation dilemma
Remaining an NBFC has merit, but converting to a bank offers long-term funding advantages. The dilemma lies in the cost and valuations involved in the transition
The Reading List: July 11, 2025
Our research and opinion teams have curated a selection of articles and social media gems from the world of economy, business and finance for your weekend read.
Building trust through strong governance for sustainable startup growth
Startups often chase scale at the cost of structure. But in the long run, it’s strong governance that builds trust, unlocks value, and sets enduring businesses apart
WPP turns to Microsoft executive as AI threatens ‘Kodak moment’
British advertising group hopes Cindy Rose will revive its fortunes as AI shakes up ad land
Controversy Over Bharat Mata's Portrayal: National symbol or political icon?
RSSFACTS: A controversy in Kerala arose over depicting ‘Bharat Mata’ with a saffron flag, which the LDF sees as a partisan symbol linked to RSS and Hindutva, questioning its alignment with India's secular nationalism
A heritage treasure in UP by the Betwa river
A walk through the forest, moving towards the riverbank, as the sculpted remains slowly emerge from the vegetation. This place evokes the thrill of an Indiana Jones-style adventure
The frightening world without the dollar
What will the global economy look like if it loses its monetary anchor?
Amazon's diagnostics foray could lead to a seismic shift in the market
Amazon is partnering with Orange Health Labs to offer over 800 diagnostic tests across six major cities
Chart of the Day: A slowing nominal GDP growth signals soft corporate earnings in FY26
A slowing nominal GDP growth means softer consumption demand conditions.
Giving workers their due can lower income inequality
Trade unions have become a diminished force exemplified by the response to the recently concluded Bharat Bandh. But that does not mean collective bargaining has lost its relevance
Jane Street under SEBI’s scanner, but is the real problem still lurking?
The other side of the coin is a build-up of huge speculative interest among retail traders, enabling such an event. Why curbing it may be a bitter but life-saving medicine
How the US is using tariffs to undermine China’s global trade network
The latest US tariff threats appear chaotic on the surface but reveal a deeper strategy aimed at stalling China's rise while also extracting concessions from allies
Can a new CEO turn around HUL’s underperformance?
Rohit Jawa is stepping down as HUL’s MD & CEO and Priya Nair will be taking over charge from August 1. What her mandate is as the new chief will determine her tenure’s impact on the company’s performance
EC’s special intensive review is a corrective to contaminated electoral rolls
The task may not be as difficult as it seems. That illegal immigrants have entered the voter rolls is evident from the recent deportation drives after Operation Sindoor
Dr Copper faces a tough tariff challenge
The steep 50% tariff, similar to that levied on steel and aluminium, could be a bargaining chip for Trump or a move to localise production. Which one it is will determine how the industry shapes up in the coming years
How thorough are RBI’s stress tests?
RBI evaluates impact to NPAs and capital adequacy based on macroeconomic stresses under two scenarios. But surely it also needs to stress-test them against an increased demand for wholesale credit from industry and infrastructure. Even on interest rate risk management banks seem to be dependent on benign regulatory forbearance
The law of unintended consequences strikes again
A cooking oil subsidy has given fraudsters in Malaysia both motive and opportunity
India’s defence ecosystem is entering a new era of innovation strategic shift
India’s defence sector is transforming through integrated commands, digital infrastructure, and co-development ecosystems, aligning industry and innovation to build a more agile, mission-ready national security framework
Chart of the Day | Risks to auto sector earnings mount
As auto sales across vehicle segments hit the skids, other challenges too increase the risks to lower earnings
IPO corner: Is ICICI Pru AMC a strong bet in the booming mutual fund industry?
ICICI Prudential AMC is set to become the largest listed asset management company in India, but how does it compare with its peers in profitability, retail reach, and growth potential?
Siddaramaiah vs DK Shivakumar outcome in Karnataka may hinge on ‘corruption scandals’
Shivakumar’s supporters through public statements are seeking to create conditions for a change in CM. All signs point to the current CM Siddaramaiah digging in and the Congress central leadership all at sea. The deadlock could be broken by adverse court rulings on ‘corruption scandals’ the CM confronts
Will Modi magic be able to redefine BRICS?
The current global economic milieu suggests the possibility of a bipolar world order where India will have to play its cards right
Pressure builds on Indian pharma as Trump threatens massive tariffs
Indian drug exporters have been on a wait and watch mode till now
Can the world break free from China’s rare earth dominance?
China’s chokehold on rare earth supplies has triggered global alarm, forcing nations like India to rethink their strategies for resource independence
‘Sinister scheme’: India ban threatens Jane Street’s money machine
Allegations of market manipulation and temporary block on activities pose wider risks for Wall Street trader
