indian economy
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The Price of Good Intentions
We often compare real estate prices in Mumbai or Delhi with cities like Dubai, London or New York. For owners of Mumbai homes, this may provide an illusion of wealth. However, the reality is that homes in Indian cities are among the least affordable, relative to incomes. Nearly half of Mumbai’s population lives in slums.… Continue reading
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The Comfort Trap
Indian companies have record cash reserves. Banks have clean balance sheets and want to lend. Yet private Capex remains subdued. Instead of leveraging excess cash and cheap loans to invest, companies are hoarding cash, buying government bonds, or returning money to shareholders via dividends and buybacks. So why is this? The usual excuse is poor… Continue reading
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India Isn’t Spending Less. It’s Spending Differently.
We’ve grown up in a world where consumer spending meant FMCG. So when FMCG growth slows, we instinctively conclude that consumers are not spending. But that’s a lazy conclusion. The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023-24 provides a clue – the share of food has fallen sharply, while non-discretionary spending has risen. However, generic words… Continue reading
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Indian of the Year 2025
Awards or titles are usually controversial. Only one wins, while all the others are unhappy. Take Donald Trump, still upset about not getting the Nobel prize despite “stopping” several wars. So much so, that he abducted a President. But this article is not about Mr. Trump, despite his best efforts. This is about a strong,… Continue reading
