With the 2018 budget season around the corner, many expect a populist budget tone from the government. The reason for a populist budget are two-folds: Government is on a back-foot after their relatively narrow margin of victory in Gujarat. There is a clear indication of rural unrest post demonetisation and multiple years of poor monsoons. Added to this is the 2019 election which is just 18 months away. This means …

It’s the first time in 14 years that India’s credit rating has been upgraded by an international agency of repute. Moody’s upgraded India’s sovereign rating from the lowest investment grade of Baa3 to Baa2. It has also changed the outlook from stable to positive. It is on the expectation that continued progress on economic and institutional reforms will, over time, enhance India’s high growth potential. A rating upgrade for India …

Indian markets are inching up, and is touching its new highs. With the earnings season all around, the key focus is on how the corporate results will pan out this quarter. Since it’s the first quarter after the GST rollout, investors are waiting for corporate earnings numbers. So far, there has been no negative news flow to disrupt markets lately. However, stocks may see a correction if foreign investors continue …

The countdown has begun for the GST with just a few days to get rolled out from July 1. It (GST) has many positive factors for the industry but could lead to short-term disruptions as well. Many of the market experts hope for some correction in the market factoring GST into picture. However, the true impact will be uncertain as there is no precedent and will onlAy be known when the new procedure starts.

Looking at the wider economy, the GST could lift growth by 2%. Greater tax compliance and efficiency has the potential to increase government revenue, and narrow budget deficit. However, there could be a one-time bump in inflation after introducing GST but it can soon be normalized...