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.
Over generations, Bihar’s bane has been its utter lack of urbanisation. But now, even Bihar is urbanising. Or let’s say, rurbanising. Two decades under Nitish Kumar have created a new elite in its cities.
Indian govt officials last month skipped Turkish National Day celebrations in Delhi, in a message to Ankara following its support for Islamabad, particularly during Operation Sindoor.
Bihar is blessed with a land more fertile for revolutions than any in India. Why has it fallen so far behind then? Constant obsession with politics is at the root of its destruction.
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