COVID RECOVERY
UPI usage surges in India on the back of small businesses
India's adoption of digital technology, particularly UPI, has seen a significant increase in business activities, particularly in the informal sector. A recent survey by the Statistics Office revealed that internet usage for business purposes increased from 7.7% in rural areas to 30.2% in urban areas during 2022-23. This represents a 7.2 percentage point increase, highlighting the rapid adoption of digital payment methods in the informal sector.
UK election-winner Starmer inherits weak economy with 'no magic wand'
Living standards have stagnated since Conservatives took power in 2010 and Britain's recovery from the COVID pandemic has been the weakest among big rich nations after Germany. Starmer will be under pressure to use Labour's huge majority in parliament to end the sense of decline, from creaking public services and inflation-hit personal finances to a shortage of housing and weak business investment.
Xi says China planning 'major' reforms ahead of key political meeting
Chinese President Xi Jinping said Friday the ruling Communist Party was planning and implementing "major" reforms, ahead of a closely watched political conclave that is expected to put economic recovery high on the agenda. Xi said in a speech on Friday policymakers "are planning and implementing major measures to further deepen reform in a comprehensive manner".
Sri Lanka reaches deal on debt restructuring with bilateral creditors including India, China and France
Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced a debt restructuring deal with India, France, Japan, and China, a critical step in economic recovery after the 2022 debt default. Under an IMF bailout program, the agreement is expected to revive stalled foreign projects. Sri Lanka declared bankruptcy in 2022 due to economic mismanagement, COVID-19 impacts, and tax cuts. The deal defers loan payments until 2028 and extends repayment until 2043. Supporters celebrated the announcement in Colombo as it promises to restart crucial infrastructure projects.
"It's all happening again": The supply chain is under strain
The intensifying upheaval in shipping is prompting carriers to lift rates while raising the specter of waterborne gridlock that could again threaten retailers with product shortages during the make-or-break holiday shopping season. The disruption could also exacerbate inflation, a source of economic anxiety animating the U.S. presidential election.
Auto, auto ancillary sector a good theme to play the rural recovery: Devang Mehta
Some of the FMCG participants also came in this analyst guidance that most of these companies are now trying to come back and there was a decent volume growth which is seen.
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Informal sector shows resilience, witnesses recovery post-pandemic: Survey
The informal sector faced a severe blow during the second wave of the pandemic, leading to a reduction in the number of units and workers. However, a gradual recovery was observed after the July quarter of 2021, according to the findings of an official survey reported by TOI. The annual survey of unincorporated sector enterprises (ASUSE) revealed the resilience of the informal sector, with the total number of establishments increasing from 5.8 crore in 2021-22 to 6.5 crore in 2022-23, marking a growth of nearly 5.9%.
FMCG and consumer durables poised for growth : Trideep Bhattacharya
I think the market has taken comfort over the last few days since the election result has come out, until yesterday that the ministries have been announced that broadly speaking the policy directive is likely to remain the same.
Microlenders’ books up 24.5%, asset quality improves
The microfinance market expanded by a fourth in FY24 with improved asset quality, driven by better loan recovery. Data from the Microfinance Institutions Network (MFIN) shows a 24.5% growth in the gross loan portfolio to ₹4.34 lakh crore.
Higher property prices, changes in law to boost debt recovery from stressed realty projects: Report
The recovery of debt from stressed residential realty projects is expected to increase in the current financial year due to rising property prices and regulatory changes. Crisil forecasts a bad loan recovery rate of 16-18% by FY25, driven by improved project viability, strong demand, and investor interest. Recent amendments to IBBI regulations are also seen boosting real estate asset resolution. With residential realty demand projected to grow by 10-12% and low unsold inventories, ARCs are expected to expedite the turnaround of stressed projects.
Modi-led NDA govt must tackle unemployment problem, especially in unorganised sector: Rajiv Kumar
Former NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar emphasized that the Modi government's third term must address unemployment, particularly in the unorganized sector and SMEs. He highlighted the need to finalize the delayed four labor codes and recognized the K-shaped economic recovery post-COVID. Large corporations and highly skilled individuals have prospered, while lower-end workers and SMEs struggle.
ARCs to see 5-7% higher recoveries from residential realty in FY25: CRISIL Ratings
Additionally, recent amendments to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) regulations are expected to expedite the resolution of stressed real estate assets in the medium term, enhancing the overall recovery process for ARCs.
'Kaun hain Narendra Modi?' Congress criticizes PM before his oath-taking ceremony
Congress listed 15 reasons questioning 'Kaun hain Narendra Modi?' including allegations of misleading public with trivial issues during elections. The opposition has launched a direct attack on Modi following a surprising performance in the Lok Sabha elections on June 4th. In a strong showing, the INDIA bloc won 232 seats, with Congress winning 99 seats. The INDIA bloc also won a majority of seats in India’s most populous state, the BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh.
Domestic air passenger traffic grows 5.1 pc to about 138.9 mn in May: ICRA
In May, domestic air passenger traffic grew 5.1% YoY to 138.9 million, 14% higher than pre-Covid levels, as per Icra. The Indian aviation industry outlook is stable with a continued recovery in passenger traffic and stable cost environment, expecting the trend to continue in FY2025.
Sinking profits bring reality check to AI-driven rally in emerging market stocks
Unilever Plc’s Indian unit reported a 5.5% drop in net income for the first quarter, missing analyst estimates. Behind the decline was sluggish rural demand combined with high net-worth urban consumers pivoting to other brands. Similar trends can be seen elsewhere, with Chilean retailer Cencosud SA, restaurant chain operator Yum China Holdings Inc. and Swiss-South African jeweler Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA all delivering weaker-than-expected results.
IMF upgrades China's 2024, 2025 GDP growth forecasts but warns of risks ahead
"China's economic growth is projected to remain resilient at five percent in 2024 and slow to 4.5 percent in 2025," the IMF said in a press release, adding the decision was "driven by strong first-quarter GDP data and recent policy measures".
UK recovering faster than expected after slipping into technical recession: IMF
The UK economy is approaching a soft landing, with a recovery in growth expected in 2024, strengthening in 2025, IMF said. Soft landing in economic parlance is managing inflation at comfortable levels without hurting economic growth.
Expect significant growth from insurance income this year: City Union Bank MD
City Union Bank, led by N Kamakodi, aims for significant growth in insurance income to Rs 55 crore in FY'24, with a PAT of Rs 1,016 crore and NIM within guidance levels.
FMCG demand most in five southern states: Discretionary or essential, sales go north in south
South India leads post-Covid demand recovery with increased FMCG sales, higher consumer spending, and more shopping trips in 2023, a Kantar report shows. Retail sales growth in the peninsula region outperforms the rest of India. The region's rapid recovery is fueled by a young workforce, new-age sectors, and robust manufacturing investment.
Creditors' haircuts in bankruptcy cases jump to 73 pc in FY24, resolutions taking longer: Report
Creditors' haircuts in bankruptcy resolutions rose to 73% in FY24 from 64% in FY23. 269 resolution plans were approved by NCLTs, with a decline in new admissions due to Covid-19. The average resolution time also increased, impacting CIRPs and entities. NCLT passed liquidation orders for 446 corporate debtors in FY24.
Strong sales growth for entry-level two-wheelers in H2 of FY24; big relief for automakers
The trend continued in April, driven by an improvement in income levels thanks to healthy economic growth, making the automobile industry bullish of a sustained recovery in the twowheeler segment and sparking green shoots of recovery in small car sales.
Sri Lanka extends visa-free access for Indian tourists
Sri Lanka has renewed visa-free entry for tourists from India and six other countries to boost tourism industry recovery post-pandemic and economic crises. The initiative aims to enhance accessibility and convenience for international travelers, signaling the government's commitment to promoting tourism and creating seamless travel experiences. Online visa application process introduced for security checks.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali withheld food on 'Heeramandi' set? Aditi Rao Hydari reveals why the director kept her hungry
Aditi Rao Hydari recently shared her experience working with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali on the period drama series 'Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar,' known for its mixed reception. She discussed challenges on set, including a scene where Bhansali's direction initially didn't resonate with her due to exhaustion and post-Covid recovery. Despite this, she delivered the desired performance, fueled by her admiration for Bhansali's vision.
Welcome to the great Indian indoors
The pandemic underscored the need for larger spaces where family members could get on with their daily routines without getting in each other's way. This trend has endured post-pandemic and houses have become larger in gated communities, with an expanding list of add-on features for work and living.
Twin tailwinds: Banning of Russian metal and Chinese revival, 5 metal stocks with an upside potential of up to 23%
It is not easy to quantify how much impact it will have in the short term, but the fact that the two of the world largest commodity exchanges, London Metal Exchange (LME) and Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) have banned any metal of Russian origin produced after 13th April, have a higher probability of pushing up the metal prices higher after some time. Now this comes on the back of Chinese GDP numbers which were better than expected. If one looks at the trend in metal prices, they are incher higher. If the revival of the Chinese economy gets further momentum than probably two years old, the bearish phase of metal prices might be over. What does this mean for the Indian metal companies, probably another round of higher profits given the fact that their balance sheets are in much better shape as compared to 5 years back.
Covid-like flu affects dozens, here's what we know about the symptoms
A high alert was issued internationally due to a potential public health crisis as 60 people were reportedly affected with a COVID-like flu in Argentina.
Leisure is leading although individual business travel is coming back:Hyatt Hotels CEO
Hoplamazian sees a positive outlook for India's hospitality sector with strong demand drivers in domestic business travel, international tourism recovery, and a sustainable growth environment as leisure travel leads the industry. He says, the amount of money spent on domestic leisure travel versus inbound leisure travel is something like seven to one.
Here's how Covid did a number on our lungs
The study revealed a high prevalence of respiratory symptoms among Indians who recovered, even after a mean of over two months following acute illness, with shortness of breath reported in 49.3 per cent and cough in 27.1 per cent of the cohort.
India's steel sector still in recovery mode post Covid pandemic: Tata Steel CEO and MD T V Narendran
The steel sector in the country is still in recovery mode after the Covid pandemic, Tata Steel CEO and MD T V Narendran said on Monday. He said demand for steel will continue to grow, backed by the government's focus on infrastructure development.
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