Mint Podcast

In this episode of Moneynomics with Mint, Neil Borate, Mint's personal finance editor chats with Vivek Kaul, author and columinist. We combine elements of the economy with how exactly they impact the aam aadmi's pocket.

On this episode, Neil & Vivek discuss how decisions by Japanese housewives impact the Indian stock market, and hence our investments. Also on the show - how Neil & Vivek actually invest their own money!

Watch the full episode on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvjNhW_np-c

#podcast #personalfinance #economy 0:00 - 1:34: Teaser of what's to come1:34 - 2:30: Introduction2:30 - 8:07: Yen carry trade & how Japanese housewives impact our pocket8:07 - 10:48: How Yen carry trade led to a recent stock market crash10:48 - 19:04: How many macro events impact markets?19:04: 23:30: How Vivek and Neil invest their money

To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.https://open.spotify.com/show/7x8Nv1RlOKyMV5IftIJwP1?si=bf5ecbaedd8f4ddc

This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started. 

Trump’s Tariffs Shake Global Trade, But India Stays Steady

Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs—10% on all imports and 27% on Indian goods—sent global markets into a tailspin, yet India’s markets showed resilience. While Japan’s Nikkei plunged nearly 3% and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 1.5%, India’s Sensex and Nifty 50 barely flinched. Analysts say India’s competitive edge remains intact, though foreign investors pulled ₹2,806 crore from stocks. Meanwhile, gold prices surged as investors sought safe havens amid U.S. economic concerns. With central banks increasing gold reserves, the move signals deeper worries about the dollar’s stability.

India’s Fuel Trade With the U.S. Faces New Challenges

The 27% tariff on Indian imports is set to disrupt India’s $6 billion petroleum trade with the U.S., particularly in refined fuels like gasoline. As Western nations cut Russian oil post-Ukraine war, India became a major supplier—but the new tariff threatens that role. Despite a 3.7% rise in export volume, revenue dropped 7% to $40.4 billion this fiscal year. Private refiners like Reliance and Nayara Energy are expected to take a hit. India is unlikely to retaliate with counter-tariffs, as that would raise domestic crude and LNG prices. Instead, officials are considering boosting imports of U.S. WTI crude to maintain trade ties.

India’s Pharma Industry Wins Tariff Exemption

Amid Trump’s tariff spree, Indian pharmaceuticals emerged unscathed. The U.S. exempted the sector, recognizing its role in providing affordable medicines worldwide. India supplies 40% of the U.S.’s generic drugs, saving the American healthcare system $219 billion in 2022 alone. With exports worth $8.7 billion to the U.S. and imports of just $800 million, the exemption benefits both nations. However, legal experts warn of potential future scrutiny under Section 232, which assesses imports based on national security concerns. For now, the exemption reinforces India’s status as the “pharmacy of the world,” opening opportunities for biosimilars and domestic API production.

BMW India’s EV Sales Soar Despite Industry Caution

BMW India defied concerns over slow EV adoption, reporting a threefold surge in electric vehicle sales in Q1 2024. EVs accounted for 17% of its total sales (3,914 units), with overall sales growing 7% year-on-year. While Tata Motors and Maruti Suzuki remain cautious about EV adoption due to infrastructure challenges, BMW sees strong demand even in smaller cities. The company’s latest EV, the BMW iX1 Long Wheelbase, launched at Auto Expo 2024, has already secured 1,500 bookings. However, the auto industry faces headwinds from Trump’s 25% tariff on auto imports, prompting manufacturers to refocus on internal combustion engines (ICE) amid policy uncertainty.

Dusit International Returns to India With a Bold Expansion Plan

After exiting in 2017, Thailand’s Dusit International is making a comeback in India with plans to sign 30 hotels and 3,000 rooms in three years. “This time, we’re getting it right,” says Siradej Donavanik, VP of Global Hotel Development. The company is targeting tier-II and III cities while maintaining a presence in metros. Led by industry veteran Deepika Arora, Dusit’s expansion includes luxury and upper-midscale brands, with upcoming hotels in Raipur, Bhiwadi, Kolkata, Lonavala, Kasol, and Manali. As India’s luxury travel market surges toward a projected $410 billion by 2030, Dusit sees a prime opportunity to establish a strong foothold.

There are two ways of describing what Trump did today. Either Donald Trump took a flame thrower and scorched global trade with it or the other is that this is a game of smoke and mirrors, straight out of a business strategy book. A game of positioning, Trump has armed the US with tools to give itself the upper hand in trade negotiations with various countries.Both arguments carry weight, but in the short term, by imposing tariffs on everyone, Trump has changed the rules of the game.To talk about the impact of reciprocal tariffs on the world, in particular, on India, Abhishek Singh, Deputy Editor, Mint is joined by Rahul Ahluwalia, co-founder of the Foundation for Economic Development, a think tank that closely works with Centre and state governments. He has also worked with NITI Aayog and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in the past.

Watch the full episode on YouTube-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLj2aWxwHmI&list=PL2A-r6Y8n7prviOoxUrtbPs4XgX8AovG1&index=2&t=52s

On this episode of our podcast with Mint personal finance editor Neil Borate and author & columnist Vivek Kaul, we talk all things budget, taxation, indexation... and all other kinds of vexation for the middle class!

Vivek argues that the only way to simplify taxation is to have slab rate of tax across asset classes. Neil finds that amusing - and wants all hate mail to be directed only to Vivek's handles!Tune into this discussion on taxation on various asset classes and whether the middle class really matters. And biggest thing - who even is the middle class in India?

Watch the full episode on YouTube-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnE_vNKyzD0

To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.

This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started. 

Trump’s Tariffs Shake Global Trade, But India Stays Steady

Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs—10% on all imports and 27% on Indian goods—sent global markets into a tailspin, yet India’s markets showed resilience. While Japan’s Nikkei plunged nearly 3% and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 1.5%, India’s Sensex and Nifty 50 barely flinched. Analysts say India’s competitive edge remains intact, though foreign investors pulled ₹2,806 crore from stocks. Meanwhile, gold prices surged as investors sought safe havens amid U.S. economic concerns. With central banks increasing gold reserves, the move signals deeper worries about the dollar’s stability.

India’s Fuel Trade With the U.S. Faces New Challenges

The 27% tariff on Indian imports is set to disrupt India’s $6 billion petroleum trade with the U.S., particularly in refined fuels like gasoline. As Western nations cut Russian oil post-Ukraine war, India became a major supplier—but the new tariff threatens that role. Despite a 3.7% rise in export volume, revenue dropped 7% to $40.4 billion this fiscal year. Private refiners like Reliance and Nayara Energy are expected to take a hit. India is unlikely to retaliate with counter-tariffs, as that would raise domestic crude and LNG prices. Instead, officials are considering boosting imports of U.S. WTI crude to maintain trade ties.

India’s Pharma Industry Wins Tariff Exemption

Amid Trump’s tariff spree, Indian pharmaceuticals emerged unscathed. The U.S. exempted the sector, recognizing its role in providing affordable medicines worldwide. India supplies 40% of the U.S.’s generic drugs, saving the American healthcare system $219 billion in 2022 alone. With exports worth $8.7 billion to the U.S. and imports of just $800 million, the exemption benefits both nations. However, legal experts warn of potential future scrutiny under Section 232, which assesses imports based on national security concerns. For now, the exemption reinforces India’s status as the “pharmacy of the world,” opening opportunities for biosimilars and domestic API production.

BMW India’s EV Sales Soar Despite Industry Caution

BMW India defied concerns over slow EV adoption, reporting a threefold surge in electric vehicle sales in Q1 2024. EVs accounted for 17% of its total sales (3,914 units), with overall sales growing 7% year-on-year. While Tata Motors and Maruti Suzuki remain cautious about EV adoption due to infrastructure challenges, BMW sees strong demand even in smaller cities. The company’s latest EV, the BMW iX1 Long Wheelbase, launched at Auto Expo 2024, has already secured 1,500 bookings. However, the auto industry faces headwinds from Trump’s 25% tariff on auto imports, prompting manufacturers to refocus on internal combustion engines (ICE) amid policy uncertainty.

Dusit International Returns to India With a Bold Expansion Plan

After exiting in 2017, Thailand’s Dusit International is making a comeback in India with plans to sign 30 hotels and 3,000 rooms in three years. “This time, we’re getting it right,” says Siradej Donavanik, VP of Global Hotel Development. The company is targeting tier-II and III cities while maintaining a presence in metros. Led by industry veteran Deepika Arora, Dusit’s expansion includes luxury and upper-midscale brands, with upcoming hotels in Raipur, Bhiwadi, Kolkata, Lonavala, Kasol, and Manali. As India’s luxury travel market surges toward a projected $410 billion by 2030, Dusit sees a prime opportunity to establish a strong foothold.

In the third episode of Moneynomics, we look at RBI's crackdown on P2P lending and what exactly will the impact of it be.

What even IS P2P lending, why did it come into play, and considering it's been around for so many years, why did the RBI act now? Vivek & Neil discuss!

Watch the full episode on YouTube-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kV3kp4tfqaM

Two things that you must do in the first week of April are contributing to PPF and NPS - 1.5 lakh rupees and 50,000 rupees, respectively.

Though these instruments are not entirely tax exempt under the new regime, they still are good saving instruments and still offer attractive benefits. Neil Borate explains.

Watch the full episode on YouTube-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFbhqropWr0&t=39s

To get your dose of daily business news, tune into Mint Top of the Morning on Mint Podcasts available on all audio streaming platforms.

This is Nelson John, and I'll bring you the top business and tech stories, let's get started. 

India’s Power Surge: Railways to Boost Coal Transport

With a sweltering summer ahead, India is gearing up for record electricity demand, pushing coal consumption higher. To keep power plants well-supplied, Indian Railways will increase daily coal rakes from 440 to 470 in FY26. Currently, 415 rakes transport coal daily, but rising demand—expected to peak at 270 GW this summer—necessitates the hike. Domestic coal plants will require 906 million tonnes in FY26, up from 874 million in FY25. With heatwaves looming, coal stocks stand at 58 million tonnes, enough for 19 days. As coal remains India’s power backbone, efficient logistics will be crucial to avoiding shortages.

India Eyes Bigger Green Bond Target

India is considering increasing its ₹25,342 crore sovereign green bond issuance for FY26, riding on investor interest. Green bonds, which fund renewable energy and climate projects, currently see a 2-3 basis point premium (“greenium”) over regular bonds in India, lower than the 3-8 points seen in developed markets. Officials expect higher returns this year amid global shifts towards sustainable finance. However, if investor demand falls short, the government may scale back. Since 2022, India has issued ₹58,000 crore in green bonds to support its 500 GW non-fossil fuel energy target by 2030. The coming months will determine investor appetite and the country’s green finance trajectory.

Manufacturing Rebounds, But Trade Risks Loom

India’s manufacturing sector rebounded in March, with the HSBC PMI hitting 58.1—its highest in eight months—driven by surging new orders. Strong demand and marketing efforts fueled the recovery, but concerns over potential US tariffs linger. President Trump is set to announce new trade measures on April 2, raising fears of weakened exports. A 20% tariff hike could shave 0.4% off India’s GDP, according to Capital Economics. Inflation is also rising, with higher costs for copper, electronics, and rubber. The RBI, meeting April 7-9, may cut rates to support growth, but with Q4 GDP tracking at 6.7%, below its 6.5% target, economic uncertainty remains.

IPL Drives Food Delivery Boom

The IPL season is fueling a surge in food orders, with fast-food chains cashing in. Domino’s sees no sign of demand slowing, doubling down on promotions like its six-in-one pizza. Streaming and TV viewership are soaring—JioHotstar reported a 40% spike in digital engagement, while TV audiences hit 253 million in the first three matches. Rebel Foods, which runs Wendy’s and Oven Story, increased marketing spend by 10-20%, banking on the cricket frenzy. Last year, IPL-driven sales jumped 60-70%, and brands expect another blockbuster season despite broader economic concerns.

Harvard in Trump’s Crosshairs

Harvard is the latest Ivy League school facing Trump’s crackdown on alleged campus antisemitism. On Monday, the White House launched a review of its $9 billion in federal funding—weeks after stripping Columbia University of $400 million. Harvard’s new president, Alan Garber, has acted swiftly: dismissing Middle Eastern Studies leaders, cutting ties with a West Bank university, and reinforcing academic diversity guidelines. Critics say it’s not enough. Former Harvard President Larry Summers accused the school of ignoring Israeli perspectives, while faculty worry Garber is caving to political pressure. Princeton, too, is caught in the crossfire, with Trump pausing dozens of its research grants. Princeton’s president calls it “the greatest threat to American universities since the Red Scare.” Garber warns that losing federal funds could cripple research, but with Trump’s task force investigating multiple institutions, the battle is far from over.

On this episode of Moneynomics with Mint, Vivek Kaul and Neil Borate debunk several myths that mutual fund investors may believe.

First of all, why are fund houses coming out with so many New Fund Offers?

Second, if you have invested in 30 mutual funds, are you really more diversified?

And thirdly... well, it's just a fun and insightful conversation.

Watch the full video on YouTube-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kALpGIepa28#mutualfunds #investing #investmenttips

Jim Walker, Chief Economist at Alethia Capital was among those who predicted the 2008 recession. Today, he says he would be amazed if the U.S doesn't enter another recession soon - and the main reason is the tariffs that Donald Trump is imposing.

Why does he say that? What's the rationale behind how tariffs affect business and markets, and is there any way out of it?On this episode of Mint Money Talks, we figure it out!

Watch the full episode on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qw6x3ubWOMc&t=16sDonald Trump | Tariffs | Recession | US Recession | Jim Walker On Trump Behind Recession | Trump News | Trump Tariff Plan | US Tariff Plan | Alethia Capital | Jim Walker Economist | US News