Beyond Market - February, 2025

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The beginning of February saw Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman present the Union Budget FY26. Many called it well-balanced, amidst concerns over global economic uncertainty and India's slowing economic growth rate. One of the standout moments in the budget was the revision in income tax slabs, expected to drive consumption-led growth. With an estimated Rs 1 lakh crore remaining in the hands of the middle and lower-middle classes, this shift could boost the economy. Given its potential impact, we decided to pick this topic as our cover story.

This issue also features insightful articles on the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF’s) revised growth estimates for India, the banking sector’s struggle with shrinking margins, and the booming baby food industry. Also, we have explored the state of India’s water treatment industry, filmmakers leveraging AI for superior as well as cost-effective content, the growing role of interior design in real estate, and India’s progress on its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the
Paris Agreement.

In the Beyond Basics section, one article examines how investors should assess New Fund Offers (NFOs) in mutual funds, while another highlights the advantages of multi-asset allocation funds in volatile markets.

Meanwhile, the Beyond Learning section covers the importance of maintaining a margin of safety in investing and deciphers credit scores to help market participants make informed investment decisions. Happy reading!

MOUNTING CHALLENGES

India's economic momentum is slowing due to various factors, leading to a revision of growth estimates by IMF

6 mins

BUDGET'S CONSUMPTION PIVOT

The Union Budget FY26 has set the stage for a transition from state-driven infrastructure spending to a model where rising household consumption would kick-start private capex cycle

6 mins

SHRINKING MARGINS, RISING PRESSURES

Banks grapple with shrinking margins, deposit pressures, and lending shifts as the RBI resets interest rates

5 mins

MILKING THE BABY FOOD BOOM

India's baby food market is booming - led by working moms, busy lives, and growing health awareness

3 mins

CLEAN WATER MEANS BIG BUSINESS

India's water treatment industry is making waves on the back of tighter regulations, green goals, and a growing thirst for wastewater recycling and ZLD solutions

5 mins

THE REEL GAMECHANGER

AI is streamlining filmmaking - faster cuts, lower costs, and no drama (except on screen)

4 mins

STEALING THE SPOTLIGHT

From luxe living to Insta-worthy spaces, India's interior design game is getting a bold makeover

4 mins

DELAYED, NOT DERAILED

India's delayed NDC update reflects its balance between climate goals, economic needs, and funding challenges

4 mins

HYPE, HOPE, OR A SOLID BET?

NFOs open new investment opportunities, but careful evaluation is key to ensuring they align with both financial goals and market realities

5 mins

DODGING DIPS, CHASING PEAKS

MULTI-ASSET ALLOCATION FUNDS JUGGLE RISK AND REWARD, KEEPING PORTFOLIOS STEADY WHEN MARKETS WOBBLE AND SEIZING GAINS WHEN THEY RISE

3 mins

MARGIN OF SAFETY: A SHIELD AGAINST MARKET MADNESS

Seth Klarman's Margin of Safety is a masterclass in investing wisely, where patience, independent thinking, and a margin of safety shield investors from market mayhem

5 mins

CRACKING THE CREDIT SCORE CODE

Understanding how lenders decode credit scores can help shape loan terms and pave the way for smarter financial decisions

7 mins

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