Macroeconomic

The IMF’s latest outlook may appear reassuring, but India’s economic challenge could shift from chasing high growth to sustaining it as oil shocks, volatile capital flows and other constraints test the economy.

This K-pop group’s return after a hiatus doubles as a masterclass in behavioural economics. Regardless of the music’s quality, the domination of minds and consumer behaviour has created a multi-billion-dollar cultural asset.

This is a false trade-off. We must pursue productivist policies that grant workers a stronger voice while also empowering them with new tools of technology like AI. This could raise productivity, serving consumers well, and also improve job quality.

Two and a half centuries after ‘The Wealth of Nations’, the father of economics deserves a fair assessment. Read his ‘Theory of Moral Sentiments’ too. His nuanced exploration of human motives and commercial life remains strikingly relevant today.

Adam Smith’s 1776 classic is widely misinterpreted to cast him as an apologist for selfishness and greed. But an actual reading of his famous book takes apart the myth of his ‘market fundamentalism.’ Here’s why.

The erosion of trust in government may have less to do with culture wars or social media than with economic policy. If countries keep the ‘misery index’ down, with unemployment low and inflation held firmly in check, trust could be revived. Good macro management could do the job.

HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank noted that uncertainty clouds the outlook on the future trajectory of rate cuts, the need for deposit mobilization, and pressure on net interest margins (NIM).

A return to the gold standard is nearly impossible but it’s no surprise that countries want to reduce their reliance on the US currency. Both Trump and Brics leaders are unhappy with the status quo.

Cracks in America’s free-market orientation had appeared earlier, but other major US policies now look set to be overturned. This would make Trump’s rise more momentous than that of any post-war president.