HOUSEHOLD INFLATION
US Fed hopeful of achieving 2 per cent inflation target soon
The U.S. Federal Reserve noted a lack of significant progress towards its 2 percent inflation target in its latest meeting. Despite this, there have been modest improvements in recent months. This conclusion was shared in the Fed policy minutes released on Wednesday.
Fed's Powell says more evidence of falling inflation needed before rate cuts
The Fed has kept its benchmark policy interest rate steady in the 5.25%-5.5% range since last July, but officials are debating when to ease monetary policy as inflation edges back to the central bank's 2% target. Inflation is still more than half a percentage point above that target, according to the Fed's preferred personal consumption expenditures price index, and was described as "elevated" in the central bank's June 12 policy statement.
Jyothy Labs stock has earned 91% return in last one year; why analysts are bullish
Jyothy Labs will benefit from multiple growth drivers, including direct consumer sales, rising brand awareness, and expansion of modern retail.
Don't obsess on inflation targets
In my capacity, I stress the importance of preparing for the AI revolution and managing public funds wisely to navigate economic uncertainties. Governments must prioritize debt sustainability and structural reforms to ensure long-term prosperity and stability.
US inflation cools in May, boosting hopes of Fed rate cut
May's stable inflation, influenced by service costs and goods prices, sets the stage for potential Federal Reserve interest rate changes. The report highlights slight consumer spending growth and hints at the Fed's aim for a controlled economic slowdown through core inflation moderation.
FMCG spends up 18% in two years due to inflation- Kantar
Consumers have increased their spending on daily essentials, groceries, and household products by 18% in the first quarter of 2024 compared to two years ago, according to a recent Kantar report. Despite a recent softening in commodity prices, the prices for these goods remain nearly a fifth higher.
- Go To Page 1
More than 50 pc Indian households downing soft drinks; to increase with intensifying heat: Report
The average consumption of bottled soft drinks in Indian households has seen a significant rise in the past two years, crossing 50 percent annual penetration in FY24, according to the latest Kantar FMCG pulse report. This trend is projected to climb further as summer intensifies.
Govt mulls more frequent job data surveys
India's Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is considering increasing the frequency of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) from quarterly urban unemployment data to monthly, and shifting the release of rural employment data from annual to quarterly. Officials are also discussing revising the base year for gross domestic product (GDP) and inflation. These efforts aim to leverage technology to enhance efficiency and reduce data lag, ensuring compliance with international standards.
Rising vegetable prices strain household budgets across India: Survey
A survey by LocalCircles highlighted significant consumer concerns over rising prices of essential vegetables—onion, potato, and tomato. It found that 16% of households are cutting consumption or feeling financial strain due to these price hikes, with another 31% anticipating impact if prices exceed INR 50 per kg. Currently, 2 in 3 households are paying above-average prices: Rs 25/kg or more for tomatoes, Rs 30/kg or more for potatoes, and Rs 35/kg or more for onions.
Households expect inflation to rise over 3 month & one year horizon
Households in India expect inflation to decrease in the short term but anticipate a slight increase over the next three months to a year, according to a survey by the Reserve Bank of India. Inflation expectations for the coming months rose slightly, with more respondents predicting price increases across various product categories. The central bank projects CPI inflation for 2024-25 at 4.5%, with risks balanced and slightly higher projections for subsequent quarters.
Dalal St is likely pricing in a Modi 3.0 but election winners already have a bitter household burden
India's stock market hit an all-time high last week, as investors anticipate a third term for Prime Minister Narendra Modi will boost corporate profits. However, consumer debt poses a significant risk. Slow wage growth, high interest rates, and heavy borrowing have strained spending for over 300 million families. Despite this, investors expect post-election growth in private capital expenditure and infrastructure projects
Charting the Global Economy: New policies considered to be trade-restrictive hit a record in 2023
The world’s three dominant economies are entering a new, combative phase as the US increasingly uses trade weapons borrowed from China’s playbook.
Household income, employment outlook returns to pre-pandemic levels
The study also reveals that overall spending is primarily driven by essential expenditures, which are mostly price inelastic, while non-essential spending shows less alignment with price levels. The higher income groups displayed more optimism post-pandemic.
Household savings likely revived in FY24: Crisil
Household savings in India likely saw a recovery in FY24, rebounding from a low in FY23, driven by increased deposit growth, investments in markets and real estate, and subdued consumption, according to Crisil. Bank deposits grew 13.5%, mutual fund investments rose, and domestic savings financed rising investments.
Need to reconsider sachetisation of F&O trade to safeguard household savings: CEA
"When we take pride in the fact that we have the world's largest trading volume in futures and options (F&O), we need to ask ourselves is that a sign of progress or a sign of concern," the CEA said.
'Mahalakshmi Scheme': Congress leader Sonia Gandhi promises assistance of Rs 1 lakh to women of poor households
Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has announced a financial assistance scheme called 'Mahalakshmi,' offering Rs 1 lakh annually to women from poor households. This announcement comes during the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections. Meanwhile, Jairam Ramesh criticized Prime Minister Modi for not responding to Rahul Gandhi's invitation for a debate. The Lok Sabha polls are ongoing in 96 constituencies across nine states and one Union Territory, with significant contests in various constituencies.
Jairam Ramesh accuses Modi government of 'Hum Do Humaare Do' policy, draining household savings to cronies
Jairam says, "In nominal price terms, the net household savings is at their lowest in five years. But the reality is that the real household savings are at their lowest since 2014 once we adjust for inflation. This means that for the entirety of the Modi Sarkar's Anyay Kaal, real house hold savings have grown at just 1.1 per cent per year."
Financialisation of savings & SIPs are all very well but 75% of Indian wealth is in cash: Harish Krishnan
Harish Krishnan discusses the gradual shift towards financialisation of savings in India, emphasizing the potential of equities to outperform traditional assets over time. The trend is expected to continue as more households embrace equity investments.
Pricey affair: Vegetables likely to pinch your pocket until monsoon
Experts anticipate a prolonged period of high vegetable prices due to strong demand, heatwaves, and an expected delay in relief until the monsoon arrives, with significant inflation impacts and price spikes observed across a variety of produce.
How to manage household income
The need for personal funds arises when allocations become acrimonious. Couples have their own personal finance personalities, honed by their upbringing and attitude to money. A portion of household income, even if one spouse is not earning, allocated for personal use with no questions asked, is essential to enable assertion of one’s preferences.
Your household shopping bill may not come down soon
Most consumer goods companies raised prices by more than a quarter in the past two years to offset rising costs under heads such as raw materials, supply chain and energy.
Households expect inflation to moderate further
Households’ inflation expectations for both three months and one year ahead moderated by 20 basis points (bps, one bps is 0.01 percent) each to 9 percent and 9.8 percent, respectively. Their perception on current inflation, however, remained unchanged at 8.1 per cent.
Domestic household savings needs to increase to finance pvt capital formation in economy: Finance Ministry Eco Review
India needs to bolster domestic household savings to support private sector capital formation, as per the Finance Ministry's Monthly Economic Review. The report anticipates a better current account balance in the ongoing fiscal year due to a reduced merchandise trade deficit and increased net services receipts. However, concerns persist regarding the current account deficit in FY25.
Food for thought: What the new consumption pattern can mean for inflation
Conducted once in every five years, HCES findings are key to several economic indicators, including the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), poverty levels, and the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The government, after nearly 11 years, has released the latest numbers for the survey conducted after August 2022 and July 2023.
Food weighting in India's consumer price index may be cut as spending shifts: Official
The Indian government is considering reducing food's weighting in the consumer price index to reduce inflation volatility. However, this decision has sparked protests from farmers who feel it favors urban consumers. Critics argue that actual consumer spending on food should be taken into account.
Household consumption won't hit inflation much
The latest Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) is not expected to have a significant impact on consumer price index and inflation calculations. Rural spending on food was down 6.5 percentage points in 2022-23 to 46.4% from 2011-12.
Rural-urban household spending gap narrows
The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2022-23 in India reveals that the gap between urban and rural household consumption has significantly narrowed. The survey will impact the calculation of inflation, poverty, and consumer price index series.
Mixed outlook on household inflation expectations
Household inflation expectations, as per the Reserve Bank's survey, depict a mixed scenario. While current perception declined slightly, expectations for the near term increased. The central bank's caution regarding future inflation, particularly concerning food prices, aligns with household assessments. Adverse weather conditions and geopolitical tensions contribute to uncertainty. Majority foresee higher inflation in the short term, especially in food products. Demographically, the self-employed and men express greater concern about inflation. The survey, conducted bi-monthly, offers insights into near-term inflationary pressures, reflecting respondents' consumption patterns.
Household consumption to revive in FY25, growth at 6.3%: Standard Chartered
India needs household consumption to pick up for GDP growth of 6% or higher in the coming fiscal. Standard Chartered revised its FY25 forecast to 6.3% from 6%, projecting muted inflation and higher food spending to drive growth. The report expects a revival in consumption to offset the impact of lower commodity prices, slower global growth, and moderation in government capex.
Load More
