March has been a good month for equity & currency, backed by FPI inflows & weak dollar. Going forward, tariffs, Chinese markets, oil prices & corporate earnings may have a role to play.
Inclusion of Indian bonds on J.P. Morgan’s emerging markets index may lead to more foreign investment & lower borrowing cost. Dollar inflows could imply rupee appreciation & higher liquidity.
While bank credit looks healthy, there are signs of stress. Pvt investments show green shoots but merchandise exports are contracting. Foreign investors continue to find India attractive.
Overseas ownership of Indian govt & sovereign bonds has fallen to record lows. FPIs have utilised less than 25% of their investment limit in govt bonds & just 17% in corporate bonds.
A group of ministers is likely to meet on 4-5 March to decide whether the govt should go ahead with the IPO, as foreign portfolio investors could be key to its success.
Central Board of Direct Taxes Chairman P C Mody said the govt will soon issue a clarification on the increase in tax rate on foreign portfolio investors.
On the first episode of Two Much With Kajol and Twinkle, Aamir Khan and Salman Khan were confronted with another hypocrisy: age gaps. And they didn't come out looking good.
SEBI probe concluded that purported loans and fund transfers were paid back in full and did not amount to deceptive market practices or unreported related party transactions.
While the IAF remains committed to the Tejas programme and has placed orders for 180 Tejas Mk1A, the force is eagerly waiting for the Tejas Mk 2 version.
What Munir has achieved with Trump is a return to normal, ironing out the post-Abbottabad crease. The White House picture gives us insight into how Pakistan survives, occasionally thrives and thinks.
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