It's Friday, March 7th, 2025. This is Nelson John, let's get started. 

India’s Market Turmoil & Potential Rebound

The Nifty 50 has plunged 14% from its September peak, making it one of 2025’s worst-performing global indices. However, India’s steep valuations have cooled, with MSCI India’s forward P/E ratio dropping to 17.93x. Analysts suggest the correction may be nearing its end, as similar past downturns have led to rebounds. While Jefferies India sees potential for outperformance, uncertainty remains due to delayed tax cuts, RBI policy shifts, and global trade tensions. Investors are closely watching upcoming inflation data (March 12), RBI’s April rate decision, and the U.S. Fed’s March 18-19 meeting for liquidity signals. The road ahead remains volatile, but history hints at a turnaround.

Razorpay Expands to Singapore

Fintech giant Razorpay is entering Singapore, its second Southeast Asian market after Malaysia, aiming to simplify payments and cut cross-border transaction fees by up to 40%. “Singapore is the ideal market for our next phase of growth,” said co-founder Shashank Kumar. With digital payments projected to hit $180 billion by 2029 and near-total cashless adoption, the expansion is strategic. Razorpay’s payment gateway Curlec, which launched in Malaysia, is already seeing 30% month-on-month growth. Backed by investors like Tiger Global and Peak XV, Razorpay reported ₹2,501 crore in FY24 revenue, with net profits at ₹34 crore. While expanding globally, the India-born firm is also preparing for a domestic listing.

Mudra Yojana’s Impact on Small Businesses

For years, small business owners in India struggled to access credit due to collateral requirements and complex banking norms. In 2015, the government launched the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) to provide collateral-free loans. Since then, ₹31.85 trillion has been disbursed, with Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka receiving the highest amounts. Over 516 million loans have been sanctioned, fueling entrepreneurship, job creation, and financial inclusion. Q3 FY25 saw a record ₹3.39 trillion disbursed, reflecting strong demand. In response, the government raised the loan limit to ₹20 lakh, effective October 2024. Meanwhile, non-performing assets (NPAs) under the scheme have improved, dropping to 3.4% in FY24.

The U.S.-China Quantum Computing Race

Quantum computing, a technology capable of solving problems in minutes that would take today’s supercomputers billions of years, has sparked a fierce U.S.-China rivalry. In Hefei, a Chinese startup displayed a rare quantum machine, while American giants like Google and IBM pushed the field’s limits. China’s state-backed model has advanced quantum communications, sensing, and cooling technology, while America’s private-sector-led innovation faces investor pressure. The U.S. imposed strict export controls, fearing China’s rapid progress. With China leading in ultra-secure quantum communications and America holding a wide lead in quantum computing, the race for dominance remains heated, with global power at stake.

Nestlé’s Nespresso Bets Big on India’s Coffee Boom

India has long been a tea-drinking nation, but a new wave of young, affluent consumers is driving a coffee boom—one Nespresso wants to tap into. The brand launched its first boutique in Delhi’s Nexus CityWalk mall, catering to consumers eager to recreate café-quality coffee at home. “Young consumers are exposed to coffee trends through social media and cafés. Now, they want that experience at home,” says Nespresso CEO Philipp Navratil. With machines starting at ₹16,500 and coffee pods at ₹95 each, Nespresso is targeting the premium market. The company is also eyeing India’s growing hospitality sector, supplying five-star hotels, offices, and corporate lounges. With the café market growing at 8.1% annually, Nestlé is making a long-term play to redefine India’s coffee culture.

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