Fund Manager Talk | Ajay Khandelwal on India @ 2047: Markets, shifts, and opportunities ahead

Ajay Khandelwal anticipates India’s equity markets will be driven by clean energy, manufacturing, and digital platforms as it progresses towards its 2047 goals. He advises focusing on companies benefiting from domestic growth and diversified exporters, favoring those with strong financials. Khandelwal expects market volatility in the near term, but anticipates earnings growth to broaden from […]

Fitch affirms US credit at ‘AA+’, rising debt a ratings constraint

Fitch has kept the U.S. credit rating at AA+. The agency is concerned about rising debt. But the large economy and the dollar’s global role support the rating. High deficits and debt are problems. Tariff revenues may help this year. Fitch expects deficits to rise long term. The U.S. rating outlook is stable. S&P Global […]

Sammaan Capital raises $300 million via overseas bond issue

Sammaan Capital (formerly Indiabulls Housing) has successfully raised $300 million through a three-year bond issuance to overseas investors at 8.95%. This marks their first international issuance under the new brand and aims to diversify their funding base, targeting 10% from international sources. The company plans further overseas borrowing to reach 10-15% within the next year.

Sebi proposes CAS for derivative stocks to simplify pricing mechanism

Sebi has proposed introducing a closing auction session (CAS) to determine share prices, initially for derivative stocks, with plans to extend it to all stocks later. The move aims to address concerns about operational complexity for passive funds. Sebi suggests extending the CAS framework to all highly liquid stocks to streamline execution for passive funds.

Fed Chief sends strongest signal yet that rate cuts are coming

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell hinted at potential interest rate cuts, emphasizing labor market vulnerabilities amidst accelerating inflation. He suggested a cautious approach, citing a shifting balance of risks and a slowdown in job growth. While acknowledging inflation concerns, Powell downplayed the long-term impact of tariffs, signaling a measured path toward easing monetary policy.

GST exemption could take a toll on insurers’ health

In protection products, commissions initially range between 35% and 40% before tapering off, averaging about 5-6% over time. On top of this, insurers incur about 10% in other expenses. Currently, service tax of around 2% on such costs is offset through input tax credits. If GST exemptions remove that credit, insurers will have to bear […]

Indranil Bhattacharyya named new MPC member

Bhattacharyya was appointed the RBI’s executive director in March. He has nearly three decades of experience across areas such as monetary policy, fiscal policy, banking, and international economic relations. A postgraduate in economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, Bhattacharyya’s research interests are primarily in the areas such as monetary theory and policy, financial markets, […]