Best printers for Home

Best Mixer Grinder

Best wired Earphones

Best 43 Inch TV in India

Best Wi Fi Routers

Best Home Theatre in India

Smart Watch under 5000

Best Laptops for Education

Best Laptop for Students

<ul class="summary-list"><li>It's been another tough quarter for the fast-food sector.</li><li>Both KFC and Burger King saw sales fall in the US in Q3.</li></ul>It's been another tough few months for fast-food giants.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-sales-dropped-second-quarter-in-a-row-sharees-down-2024-10">McDonald's kicked off earnings last week by reporting a drop in global sales</a> for the most recent quarter. On Tuesday, Burger King owner Restaurant Brands International and the parent company of KFC followed in its footsteps.Same-store sales worldwide for Yum! Brands, which owns KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut, dropped by 2% year over year.Its biggest brand — KFC — saw same-store sales in the US drop by 5%.Meanwhile, Restaurant Brands International, which owns chains including Burger King, Tim Hortons, and Popeyes, reported a weaker-than-expected 0.3% increase in same-store sales across the group for Q3.Comparable sales dropped by 0.4% for Burger King and 3.8% at Popeyes in the US. Globally, comparable sales fell 0.7% and 4%, respectively.Tim Hortons and <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/taco-bell-cheap-fast-food-gives-diners-what-they-want-2024-8">Taco Bell were bright spots</a> for both parent companies in the US, however, reporting an uptick in sales. The latter has won over diners with cheaper fast food and value menus.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-starbucks-kfc-us-sales-diners-cut-back-prices-expensive-2024-8">Fast-food chains have struggled recently</a> as price hikes have increasingly put off some consumers.Chains raised their menu prices to account for rising food and labor costs in the years after the pandemic.McDonald's, KFC, and Burger King are among those trying to lure back diners with new <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-chipotle-starbucks-fast-food-chains-value-meal-war-customers-2024-11#:~:text=Fast%20food%20chains%20say%20they,temporary%20discounts%20to%20earn%20sales.">value menu deals</a>. But it looks like it hasn't been enough.Some <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-fast-food-is-so-much-more-expensive-value-affordable-2024-4">consumers say they're increasingly turning to independent restaurants, casual dining chains</a>, or <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fast-food-expensive-americans-cook-at-home-visit-independent-restaurants-2024-5">home cooking</a> to get a better deal.

It's not getting any easier for fast-food chains

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Fast-food chains and retailers are using loyalty programs to drive sales amid inflation challenges.</li><li>These programs are key for customer retention and giving chains a competitive advantage.</li></ul>Retailers and fast-food chains are leaning into loyalty programs to drive sales. This week, McDonald's reported its Q3 results. Global <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-sales-dropped-second-quarter-in-a-row-sharees-down-2024-10">sales dropped 1.5% in its latest quarter</a>, following a 1% slide in the previous quarter.However, one bright spot in its earnings was that the fast-food chain reported sales to its loyal members reached over $28 billion for the 12 months ending September — and $8 billion during the quarter across 50 loyalty markets. This is up from $6 billion in Q1 and $7 in Q2. The figure includes sales in both company-owned and franchisee restaurants.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-new-rewards-program-offers-free-burgers-and-mcchickens-2021-6">MyMcDonald's Rewards</a> was first introduced in the US in the summer of 2021. By the end of that year, McDonald's said over 21 million shoppers in the US had enrolled in the system. The program has since expanded to other markets.For every dollar spent on an order, you receive points. When accumulated, these can then be used to redeem free menu items.CEO Chris Kempczinski told analysts that the company's aim to reach 250 million active members by the end of 2027 was achievable. As of December 2023, McDonald's had 150 million 90-day active users in its loyalty program."We know as we drive loyalty adoption, we increase the frequency of visit and the spend from these customers over time," Kempczinski said.<h2 id="88661e47-ef97-4b4a-ae95-3bf701414a31">It's not just McDonald's</h2>McDonald's is not the only chain reaping the rewards from loyal consumers.Starbucks said in its most recent report earlier this week that its own rewards program had reached 33.8 million 90-day active members, a 4% year-on-year increase. Former boss Laxman Narasimhan said in February that <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/starbucks-offer-fewer-deals-under-new-ceo-2024-10">60% of the company's sales</a> were from the nearly 34 million Starbucks Rewards members.Another popular example is Costco, which has become a master at building a superfan base.The warehouse club chain said its executive-tier members, who get 2% rewards on purchases, are <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/companies-are-doubling-down-on-loyalty-programs-2024-8">responsible for about 73% of worldwide sales</a>.For West Paschal, cofounder of Alpine IQ, a Colorado-based customer loyalty platform that works with retail businesses, people are hesitant to spend on non-essential goods, so it is particularly important for businesses to use rewards programs to draw them in."It's especially necessary right now," he told Business Insider, "persuading consumers with loyalty deals can be a way to get them back in the store."<div type="image" title="A Starbucks barista works at an espresso machine" height="3456" width="5184" msid="114852909" hostid="261" sizebytes="514486"></div>As prices have soared due to inflation and shoppers have tightened their belts, fast-food chains have been competing against each other to tempt them back with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fast-food-price-rises-tipping-point-value-deals-combos-mcdonalds-2024-8">the best value meals</a>. McDonald's, KFC, and Burger King all rolled out $5 combo deals, for example."Loyalty programs are among the most effective ways businesses can cultivate customer engagement and repeat business," Kevin Shahnazari, cofounder of FinlyWealth, a personalized credit card recommendation service, said.Restaurants and stores that offer points-earning apps can drive consumers to opt to buy there over shopping at competitors and they would likely continue making their purchases somewhere where they can win rewards, he said.<h2 id="64ce7ac0-7b75-4926-88de-aa38ad203f8c">The power lies in the perks</h2>However, a good loyalty program should be about more than just the points.Financial incentives are still important, but there's a growing appreciation for rewards programs that align with the customer's values and include personalized experiences, Zsuzsa Kecsmar, chief strategy officer of Antavo Enterprise Loyalty Cloud, an AI-powered customer loyalty platform, said.<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/chappell-roan-against-hm-doesnt-bode-well-for-brand-2024-9">H&amp;M</a> is one of the retailers that offers exclusive event invites to its members, while <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nike-ceo-elliott-hill-takes-over-faces-challenges-2024-10">Nike</a> provides a customization service for its app users.For Zarina Stanford, CMO at software development firm Bazaarvoice, today's customer wants to feel recognized, and programs that achieve this can create a powerful cycle of prolonged engagement."In a marketplace where choices are endless, a strong loyalty program doesn't just retain customers, it also builds a relationship that feels personal and valuable," she said.It also provides companies with valuable data to understand customers better and tailor marketing.For the future of rewards systems, Kecsmar said <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/sc/how-your-business-can-leverage-data-to-increase-customer-loyalty">technology will likely play a crucial role</a> in further adapting to the personalized needs of customers."This might include leveraging AI and advanced analytics to create more intuitive and responsive loyalty ecosystems that adapt to individual customer preferences and behaviors," she added.

Why fast-food chains and big brands love loyalty programs

Climate Action 15: 2024's top global innovators powering green solutions

<ul class="summary-list"><li>As fast-food prices increase, customers are finding more value in chain restaurants.</li><li>Chains like Chili's are rolling out deals and portion sizes that could best fast-food chains.</li></ul>At Chili's Dallas headquarters, I watched as a staffer dressed in Boyz II Men-themed Chili's merchandise glided through the company's spacious lobby while carrying an oversized margarita. It wasn't even 11 a.m.This, apparently, was the place where everyone lived, ate, and breathed <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trying-chilis-first-time-review-photos-2023-9">Chili's</a>, and it was the first sign I was in for a memorable experience inside where its menu items are born.The second sign was a half-pound burger smashed down, topped with lettuce, crunchy pickles, and a creamy Thousand Island dressing.The Big Smasher burger, Chili's newest menu item, was served in the company's test kitchen before its official launch on April 29. At the company's invitation, I had traveled 1,500 miles from New York to try this burger and other new menu items in development. With the first bite, I knew it was worth the turbulent four-hour flight.As the cheese-covered meat, tangy sauce, and freshly buttered bun hit my taste buds, I thought: This was a burger good enough to take on the Big Mac — but would it best it in a head-to-head competition?It feels like Chili's is open to answering that question as fast-food restaurant prices rise. And if the sheer size and taste of the Chili's burger are anything to go by, it has a shot at beating fast-food chains in the value wars.<h2>Competitive pricing and generous portions at restaurants could spell trouble for fast-food chains</h2>Fast food has long been considered the cheapest way to dine out, but that may no longer be the case.In New York City, a McDonald's Big Mac meal, including a medium-size order of fries and a medium drink, costs $13.89, excluding tax. (McDonald's told BI that local franchisees set pricing, which varies by restaurant.) Similarly, a Burger King Whopper meal combo costs $13.99, excluding tax.Chain restaurants are using promotional deals to get people through the doors, such as Chili's "3 For Me" combo that allows customers to order an entrée like a burger, a side of fries, an <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/trying-chilis-appetizers-ranking-review-photos-2023">appetizer</a>, and a bottomless drink for $10.99. Customers also have the option to upgrade their drink and appetizer for an additional $3.99 each.The chain argues that, based on size, Chili's burgers are a better value than those at a fast-food restaurant. All Chili's burgers weigh a half-pound versus the 3.2-ounce pre-cooked patty weight of a Big Mac.It's not just Chili's offering discounted combo meals.Applebee's "2 for $25" meal deal includes two entrées and the choice of an appetizer or two side salads, while Red Lobster's "Shrimp Your Way" gives customers the choice of three shrimp dishes for $25 or two for $21.Unsurprisingly, the meal deals are popular. In January,<a target="_blank" href="https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/chilis-sees-more-conservative-consumer"> Restaurant Business News</a> reported the percentage of Chili's orders that included a promotional deal like the "3 For Me" or margarita of the month rose to 31%, up two points from the previous quarter.After Applebee's added steak to its "2 for $25" deal in June, John Peyton, CEO of the chain's operator Dine Brands, said the percentage of Applebee's customers ordering limited-time-only or value offerings grew from 15% to 19% quarter over quarter, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nrn.com/casual-dining/applebee-s-neighborhood-grill-bar-parent-dine-brands-global-sees-consumers-grow-more">Nation's Restaurant News</a> reported.Outback Steakhouse also recently brought back its limited-time-only Steak &amp; Lobster deal, which starts at $19.99. It includes a 6-ounce sirloin steak, lobster tail, and two sides. The chain announced the rerelease of the deal in a simple Instagram post: "Back by popular demand."<h2>Fast-food chains are hiking prices and making customers mad</h2><div type="image" title="A woman eats a Big Mac burger." height="2003" width="3000" msid="109738037" hostid="261" sizebytes="157878"></div>Fast-food establishments typically<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fast-food-is-expensive-people-annoyed-eating-out-restaurant-2024"> raise prices by about 2%</a> each year. Still, McDonald's chief financial officer Ian Borden told analysts at the UBS Global Consumer and Retail Conference in March that the<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-low-income-diners-eat-at-home-prices-soar-2024-3"> chain raised US prices</a> by around 10% in 2022 and 2023, blaming inflation.Despite the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fast-food-isnt-cheap-anymore-2023-11">price increase</a>, last year's sales remained steady. McDonald's reported that comparable year-over-year sales increased 8.7% in 2023.However, 2024 has brought even more price hikes for customers. The recent implementation of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fast-food-california-layoffs-less-staff-to-cover-wage-hike-2024-4">California's $20 minimum wage</a> for employees in limited-service restaurants has led to across-the-board increases in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-franchisee-on-raising-prices-to-cover-california-minimum-wage-2024-4">menu prices</a> throughout the state.Still, squeezed franchise owners know there's a limit to what customers are willing to spend."We have looked at price, although I can't charge $20 for a Happy Meal," Scott Rodrick, a McDonald's franchise owner who operates 18 restaurants in California, told<a target="_blank" href="https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/01/business/california-fast-food-minimum-wage/index.html"> CNN</a>. "My customers' appetite to absorb menu-board prices is not unlimited."In a February earnings report, McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski said the chain had declining visits, and customers earning $45,000 a year or less were spending less."We certainly know consumers are more wary — and weary — of pricing and we're going to continue to be consumer-led in our pricing decisions as we look forward to 2024," Borden said on a February earnings call, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/food-prices-grocery-inflation-biden-economy/">CBS News</a> reported.Customers have also taken to social media to bemoan the increases."Outback can do Steak and Lobster for $19.99, but McDonald's can't keep their prices in check. The death of fast food is upon us," one<a target="_blank" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/fastfood/comments/1cabif7/outback_steakhouse_welcomes_back_steak_lobster/"> Reddit</a> user commented.A McDonald's spokesperson told Business Insider in a statement that the chain "always strives to strike the right balance of value for money" when asked to comment on competing with casual-dining chains to attract value-driven customers.<h2>Chain restaurants are coming out swinging with new products similar to fast-food favorites</h2><div type="image" title="UNDER EMBARGO: Chili's Big Smasher burger" height="1050" width="1400" msid="109738038" hostid="261" sizebytes="72780"></div>Chili's Big Smasher burger is the latest example of how chain restaurants are following fast-food chains' playbooks by delivering what customers love while offering better value amid price increases.The burger costs $12.99 but comes down to $10.99 when part of the chain's "3 For Me" meal combo."We've always had incredible burgers on our menu, but for about a year now, we've been hearing more and more frustration from fast-food fans over rising costs," Chili's director of culinary, Brian Paquette, told Business Insider, adding that it's one of the reasons the chain wanted to deliver "some of the favorite drive-thru flavors" on its menu.When Paquette described the Big Smasher during my visit to Chili's headquarters, I noticed its similarities with McDonald's Big Mac, which I've eaten many times. Both burgers include shredded lettuce, onions, pickles, American cheese, and a Thousand-Island-style dressing.It's a comparison Chili's is leaning into.In a press release, Chili's said the new burger has "flavors fast food lovers will recognize." And a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvO_puim4b0">new ad</a> released by the chain takes direct aim at McDonald's most famous burger, saying their iteration is better than "a tiny drive-thru burger" while showing their "3 For Me" combo next to a lone Big Mac.Chili's half-pound burger — "twice the meat of a Big Mac," Paquette said — is made using a hand smasher, and the patty is seasoned with a spice blend on both sides.The result, which is both juicy and crispy, was far better than any fast-food burger I've had recently, thanks to its size and the quality of the toppings. It tasted like a gourmet restaurant burger, as opposed to a fast-food joint burger speedily thrown together.<h2>Leaning into meal deals can win over customers, but chains can risk cutting their prices too much</h2><div type="image" title="People walk outside a Red Lobster in Times Square, New York." height="1402" width="1869" msid="109738041" hostid="261" sizebytes="294986"></div>Promotional deals, while popular among customers, can threaten chains' profits if they're not sustainable.Earlier in April, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-16/red-lobster-mulls-filing-for-bankruptcy-to-fix-balance-sheet">Bloomberg</a> reported seafood chain <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/red-lobster-first-time-review-surprising-things-2024-2">Red Lobster</a> is considering filing for bankruptcy after a blundered roll-out of its signature all-you-can-eat deal.Red Lobster's "<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-many-endless-shrimp-can-you-eat-at-red-lobster-2017-3">Ultimate Endless Shrimp</a>" deal, which has run for over 18 years, offered unlimited shrimp dishes for $20. Initially a one-day-a-week deal, it became a daily promotion last summer to attract more customers. In 2023, Red Lobster raised the price twice, eventually landing at $25 to cope with demand and improve profits.Despite the increased price, the all-you-can-eat strategy backfired. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/red-lobster-home-of-the-endless-shrimp-mulls-bankruptcy-2024-4">Operating losses of $11 million and $12.5 million</a> were reported in the quarters following the daily endless shrimp promotion launch in 2023. By 2024, the deal is only available on Mondays.Chili's executives are aware of the dangers of using discounted meal deals to attract customers. Felix said there was a focus on discounting to drive people into restaurants in years past, but Chili's recently made strategic shifts to pull back on discounts and avoid training the chain's customers to rely on them."You're seeing a lot of kind of desperate value plays out there that might work in the short term, but you're paying for the traffic and the gains you're seeing versus doing it in a sustainable way," he continued.Felix told BI that while the "3 For Me" promotion wasn't designed to compete with fast food, he agreed it could do just that."Fast food and drive-thru prices have gone up," he said. "I think that's just the start of the conversation, and the sticker shock is real."

Chain restaurants like Chili's are coming for fast-food giants in the latest bout of the value wars 

<keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword>'s <keyword id="19938893" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="defence-exports" source="keywords">defence exports</keyword> have surged from Rs 15 billion in 2017 to Rs 210 billion in 2024, registering a CAGR of 46 per cent, highlighted a report on 'Defence Conference 3.0' by Antique Stock Broking. The report stated that the <keyword id="20861069" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="global-shift" source="keywords">global shift</keyword> towards a China+1 strategy and the impact of the <keyword id="20016971" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Russia-Ukraine-war" source="keywords">Russia-Ukraine war</keyword> offer India additional opportunities to fill supply chain gaps, potentially boosting its share in the <keyword id="23046732" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="global-defence-industry" source="keywords">global defence industry</keyword>. The report noted that the country's long-term goal is to become a global defence manufacturing hub is driven by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), private enterprises, start-ups, and MSMEs. "Indian defence exports have grown multi-fold from INR 15 bn in 2017 to INR 210 bn in 2024 at a CAGR of 46%. The China + 1 strategy and the Russia-Ukraine war provides an additional opportunity for India to fill the gap created in the supply chain and hence increase its contribution to the global defence industry," the report read. The report added that to achieve this target a well-developed domestic ecosystem is crucial as lower import content in products accelerates approvals by reducing international conflicts. The report added that the Ministry of Defence has taken key initiatives to attract Indian private players and global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) include establishing aerospace parks and defence corridors, fast-tracking project approvals, and enhancing development and testing facilities. Highlighting the potential in India's Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) segment the report explained that it holds a significant potential for global aerospace companies due to its technical expertise and cost-competitive solutions. "India provides a huge opportunity in the <keyword id="23046733" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="MRO-segment" source="keywords">MRO segment</keyword> for global aerospace leaders given the expertise the country provides as well as the cost efficiency solutions compared to its global competitors" the report added. India aims to increase domestic defence turnover to Rs 3 lac crore by 2029, Rs 500 billion targeted for exports. This growth will help reduce the Government of India's import bill as India remains the world's largest importer of defence equipment. Under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative of the government, 75 per cent of the defence capital outlay is now reserved for domestic players, up from 49 per cent in FY21. Given the geopolitical challenges and modernisation needs of its Armed Forces, the report added that India plans to invest Rs 8.3 lac crore in domestic procurement, offering substantial business opportunities for local companies. "India intends to place orders worth INR 8.3 trn through domestic procurement and thus it presents a massive business opportunity for local players" it added. As per the Ministry of Defence, India's defence manufacturing sector has witnessed an increase of 16.8 per cent in the fiscal year 2023-24. This significant increase marks the highest-ever growth in the country's defence production value. The total value of defence production reached Rs 1,26,887 crore this year, up from the previous year's figures.

India's defence exports surge to Rs 210 billion after global shift towards China+1, Russia-Ukraine war: Report

<ul class="summary-list"><li>General Motors is investing $625 million in the electric vehicle supply chain.</li><li>The funds will help Lithium Americas Corp develop and operate a major lithium mine in Nevada.</li></ul>Detroit-based automaker General Motors is pumping money into the domestic supply chain for electric vehicle batteries.Canadian mining company Lithium Americas Corp announced in a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241016466651/en/">press release</a> on Wednesday that GM investing a total of $625 million to fund the mining of lithium carbonate, a critical component of EV batteries. The cash-and-credit joint venture will fund the development, construction, and operation of the Thacker Pass lithium mine in Humboldt County, Nevada, in which GM will acquire a 38% asset-level ownership stake, the press release states.The automaker's investment in Thacker Pass, the<a target="_blank" class="" href="https://lithiumamericas.com/news/news-details/2024/Lithium-Americas-Provides-a-Thacker-Pass-Construction-Plan-Update/default.aspx"> largest known lithium resource in North America</a>, will also help Lithium Americas unlock a $2.3 billion conditional loan from the US Department of Energy, which was first announced earlier this year, the mining company said.GM will give $430 million in cash to help fund the building of Phase 1 of the mine, as well as a $195 million letter of credit facility to be used as collateral for the DOE loan, according to the press release."Our relationship with GM has been significantly strengthened with this joint venture as we continue to pursue a mutual goal to develop a robust domestic lithium supply chain by advancing the development of Thacker Pass," Jonathan Evans, President and CEO of Lithium Americas, said in the company's press release."Today's joint venture announcement is a win-win for GM and Lithium Americas," Evans continued.Jeff Morrison, GM's senior vice president of global purchasing and supply chain, said in Wednesday's press release that investing directly in the raw materials needed for EVs will help the company develop a resilient supply chain and "manage battery cell costs, deliver value to our customers and investors, and create jobs."GM's investment in the EV supply chain comes after the automaker announced this summer that it <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/etf/auto-industry-pulls-back-on-evs-as-consumers-hesitate-over-high-price-inconvenience-1033570316#:~:text=On%20Wednesday%2C%20General%20Motors%20Co,from%20200%2C000%20to%20250%2C000%20vehicles.&amp;text=Even%20Tesla%2C%20Inc.,investment%20in%20battery%2Dpowered%20vehicles.">would be scaling back its 2024 EV production goal</a> by 50,000 units, as consumer demand for the battery-powered vehicles has waned and sales have slowed down.Even so, the investment by GM will help the automaker secure a steady domestic supply of battery metals.Despite the auto industry's recent pullback on EV production, lithium mining company Rio Tinto agreed last week to take over Arcadium Lithium for $6.7 billion, under the expectation that lithium demand will increase in the coming decade, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.wsj.com/business/rio-tinto-to-acquire-arcadium-lithium-for-6-7-billion-2bce3360?mod=article_inline">The Wall Street Journal reported</a>.

GM makes a $625 million lithium-battery move to shore up its EV supply chain

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Last month, the Fed joined a slew of central banks in easing monetary policy.</li><li>That's led the market to assume rates will fall to pre-pandemic lows, BofA's Bernard Mensah says.</li></ul>The Federal Reserve joined other central banks in easing monetary policy last month, but that doesn't mean rates are returning to ultra-low levels see in the years before the pandemic, Bank of America's Bernard Mensah said. Mensah, the bank's head of international operations, pointed to a range of factors that could boost inflation, like shifting supply chains, rising wages, and geopolitical risks."My instinct has been that all of those things add inefficiencies in the system, and as we're moving to a different, perhaps, type of globalization, that we might find that the underlying trend inflation rate is a little bit higher than before," Mensah said in a Wednesday interview with Bloomberg TV.Mensah's comments come amid a flurry of rate cuts from central banks in the US, China, the EU, England, Switzerland, Sweden, Canada and Mexico, among others.Those rate cuts have led the market to expect US interest rates will dip as low as they were before the pandemic, Mensah says."There are bits of the market that do assume that rates will trend back to where we were pre-COVID or soon after that," Mensah said. He adds that the terminal rate may actually be 150 basis points above that.Before the pandemic, in the decade following the Great Financial Crisis, interest rates remained at historical lows. However, as inflation soared, the Fed hiked its benchmark interest rate aggressively, initiating its first move to loosen monetary policy last month with a 50 basis point rate cut. Despite the Fed's apparent confidence that pricing pressures have eased, Mensah says a variety of inflationary risks will keep interest rates higher. "I personally have been worried just about the underlying inflationary pressures that are out there for a bunch of reasons, whether its COVID, whether its supply chain moves," he said.He also pointed to inflationary shocks like the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/port-strike-could-wreck-us-economy-with-price-increases-scarcity-2024-10">US port strike</a>, which started on Tuesday and is expected to continue for weeks.Mensah says the port workers' wage demands, as well as increasing wages for workers around the world, add further inflationary pressure.Finally, he noted geopolitical risks, which he says have weakened the dollar's value as global markets have priced in new developments."I do think the market is trying to be alert to events that are happening on the horizon," Mensah said, adding there's been a dollar weakening versus the euro and British pound in broad foreign exchange markets."You can make some arguments for that. So I think the market is poised for challenges that are ahead," he said.Other analysts have also pointed to inflation risks from geopolitical conflicts.Last month, T. Rowe Price analyst Tomasz Wieladek said that even though trade openness has encouraged inflation stability, ongoing conflicts could mean globalization is at risk in the coming years. That could <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-central-banks-will-be-fighting-high-inflation-for-years-2024-9">drive up global inflation</a>, he said.

Rates won't fall back to pre-pandemic levels as geopolitical conflict and supply chain issues create problems for world economies, BofA exec says

<keyword id="19895063" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="India" source="keywords">India</keyword> is well positioned to be a driver of greater wealth, according to a <keyword id="22444977" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="global-wealth" source="keywords">global wealth</keyword> report by <keyword id="19896306" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Boston-Consulting-Group" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Boston Consulting Group" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Boston Consulting Group">Boston Consulting Group</keyword> (BCG). In 2023, India generated roughly $590 billion in new <keyword id="22367734" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="financial-wealth" source="keywords">financial wealth</keyword>, marking its largest increase in the history. India will add about $730 billion annually to the overall growth of the region through 2028. The report says <keyword id="19894886" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="China" source="keywords">China</keyword> and India are positioned to drive global <keyword id="20231223" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="wealth-creation" source="keywords">wealth creation</keyword>, "Notably, China and India are positioned to drive wealth creation, having collectively generated $588 billion in financial wealth in 2023. India is expected to add about $730 billion annually to the overall growth by 2028," said Yashraj Erande, India Leader Financial Services, BCG. Financial wealth in the Asia-Pacific region grew by only 5.1% in 2023, predominantly due to a slowdown in wealth creation in China. However, the report anticipates a significant increase through 2028, with the Asian region likely to contribute nearly 30% of new financial wealth by 2028. The report also observed that global net wealth registered a growth of 4.3% in 2023, following a decline of 4% in 2022. Much of this growth was due to a rebound in the financial market, as financial wealth, a subset of global net wealth, rose by almost 7% after a 4% decline in 2022. Looking ahead, the report estimates that $92 trillion of financial wealth will be created over the next five years. It also noted that Generative AI (GenAI) will play a crucial role in the digital transformation of <keyword id="21006652" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="wealth-managers" source="keywords">wealth managers</keyword>, with use cases along the entire value chain. "The financial wealth market has seen an uptick in the last year since its slump in 2022. The trajectory has been fairly well but not as good as it was between 2014-2021. For the wealth creation market to go back to its previous era the condition should continue to be favourable" added Erande. The report also highlighted that financial wealth in North America and Western Europe bounced back in 2023. Supported by strong equity markets, North America was among the fastest-growing regions, accounting for over 50% of all new financial wealth in 2023. The recovery was not as strong in Western Europe, where financial wealth rose by 4.4%. "Wealth creation resumed in 2023--but even so, wealth managers cannot afford to stand still. To capitalize on growing global wealth, industry players, among others, will need to set a clear digital transformation strategy and leverage GenAI to manage costs and improve client experience," said Michael Kahlich, a managing director and partner at BCG and a co-author of the report. The report stated that the most remarkable growth dynamics emerged in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE is currently the world's seventh-largest booking centre and is expected to surpass the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man as the sixth-largest by 2028. Hong Kong's anticipated rise to become the top global financial hub was stalled by a temporary but significant slowdown in Chinese inflow. Singapore now appears to be in a position to challenge Hong Kong's rise over the long term. Switzerland remains the largest booking centre worldwide, growing in line with its historical average of 4.8% and gaining the most wealth in absolute dollar terms. However, Switzerland and other European cross-border booking centres, including the UK and Luxembourg, are growing at a slower pace than Singapore, the UAE, and the US. This shift is occurring mostly because of a stronger demand for geographic diversification, reflecting a continued surge in wealth generation in Middle Eastern and Asian markets.

India and China to drive new wealth creation globally, Asia to contribute 30% of new wealth, says BCG report

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Diners are "price weary" and eating out less often, restaurant executives told investors last week.</li><li>One analyst said Starbucks posted its "weakest" performance outside the pandemic or Great Recession.</li></ul>Many consumers are thinking carefully about how they spend every dollar, with some cutting back on visits to quick-service restaurants, executives told investors on a series of earnings calls last week. To win penny-pinching customers back, some say they're planning smaller price increases for the rest of the year.Many fast-food chains described a gloomy outlook. Wendy's CFO Gunther Plosch told investors on Thursday that consumers are "still under pressure" — especially those with household incomes under $75,000. "They are reducing frequency, so visitation is down."<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/why-fast-food-is-so-much-more-expensive-value-affordable-2024-4">Chains raised prices drastically</a> during the pandemic to offset rising labor and food costs, and it's coming back to bite them. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fast-food-is-expensive-people-annoyed-eating-out-restaurant-2024">Some diners are cutting back, saying that fast food is just too expensive</a> and no longer represents good value.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/mcdonalds-value-diners-cut-back-fast-food-restaurant-price-increases-2024-5">McDonald's</a> CFO Ian Borden told investors that consumers were "price weary" and "certainly" dining out less often. Joshua Kobza, the CEO of RBI, which owns brands including Burger King and Popeyes, told analysts that diners had become "a bit more sensitive to price."Chains including McDonald's, Burger King, Shake Shack, and Wendy's posted sluggish US comparable sales, with a poor growth rate compared to what they posted in the first quarter last year, driven by a decrease in the number of orders.For some restaurant chains, comparable sales even fell. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-starbucks-earnings-how-cautious-us-consumers-spending-sales-decline-2024-5">Starbucks</a> posted a <a target="_blank" href="https://investor.starbucks.com/press-releases/financial-releases/press-release-details/2024/Starbucks-Reports-Q2-Fiscal-2024-Results/default.aspx">3% drop</a> in North America comparable sales, which it attributed to a 7% fall in the number of transactions. William Blair analyst Sharon Zackfia said in a note to clients that it was the "weakest traffic performance at Starbucks outside the pandemic or the Great Recession."Global comparable sales also fell in the first three months of the year for both KFC (down 2%) and Pizza Hut (a 7% decline), compared with the same period in 2023.Some chains, though, including Popeyes, Domino's, and Wingstop, posted a growth in same-restaurant sales.<h2>Pricing caution</h2>Before the pandemic, limited-service restaurants in the US put their prices up by less than 3% a year on average, data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows. That all changed during the pandemic, and while it's now cooling, price inflation is still well above pre-2020 levels.Some chains last week vowed to keep price increases low this year, though many noted that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/california-restaurant-operator-adapts-to-20-wage-kiosks-less-staff-2024-4">California's new $20-an-hour minimum wage for fast-food workers</a> had pushed up prices there."We're going to stay careful on pricing," Plosch, the Wendy's CFO, said. "We are expecting low-single digit pricing that the system is going to execute this year. I don't think we're going to get too greedy."McDonald's would "certainly" be "prudent and thoughtful" about any further price increases in the rest of 2024, Borden said.<a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/shake-shack-doesnt-plan-to-increase-prices-fast-food-value-2024-5">Shake Shack</a> went one step further. CFO Katie Fogertey told investors on Thursday that the chain, which has raised prices by in the mid-single digits this year, had no further increases planned for 2024.Is fast food now too expensive? Contact this reporter at gdean@businessinsider.com

Fast food chains are getting the message about soaring prices

<ul><li>Deal volumes jumped by 21% to 191 while the values declined by 37% to USD 9.4 billion in <keyword id="20061151" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="April" source="keywords">April</keyword> compared to March 2024</li><li>Adani Group's three major domestic consolidations of around USD 2 billion in value marked 38% of the total deal values in April 2024.</li><li>Experts predict sustained momentum and growth in deal activities, supported by strong fundamentals and a conducive investment climate.</li></ul> In the dynamic landscape of Indian business transactions, the manufacturing sector has emerged as a beacon of value, while consumer retail reigns supreme in volume. April 2024 marked significant shifts in deal-making compared to the month before with a notable absence of billion-dollar deals. Overall deal volumes jumped by 21% to 191 while the values declined by 37% to USD 9.4 billion in April compared to March 2024, as per the latest <keyword id="20034170" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Grant-Thornton-Bharat" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Grant Thornton Bharat" meta.hostid="83" meta.entityid="Grant Thornton Bharat">Grant Thornton Bharat</keyword> Dealtracker report. The past month has witnessed a flurry of activity, with notable shifts and surges across various industries, offering a compelling glimpse into the evolving economic terrain. "Deal volumes increased in April 2024 marking the highest monthly volumes since May 2022. There were no billion-dollar deal but witnessed 12 high value (&gt; USD 100 million) deals amounting to USD 3.8 billion," said Shanthi Vijetha, Partner at Grant Thornton. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Adani Group leads M&amp;A activity" comment="subhead" text="Adani Group leads M&amp;A activity">Adani Group leads M&amp;A activity</cmsannotation> At the forefront of deal values stands the manufacturing sector, boasting an impressive tally of nine transactions amounting to a staggering USD 1,919 million. This surge is underpinned by two monumental deals, notably the Adani Group's strategic stake increase in Ambuja Cement and ACC, which was the most significant M&amp;A activity of the month. Adani Group secured a significant 7.5% stake in Ambuja Cements, injecting a substantial USD 1.8 billion into enhancing the manufacturing capacity of cement makers, signaling a bold step towards industry expansion and innovation. Overall, the group's three major domestic consolidations of around USD 2 billion in value marked 38% of the total deal values in April 2024. Despite this, the <keyword id="21645622" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="merger-and-acquisitions" source="keywords">merger and acquisitions</keyword> transactions saw the highest decline in value, dropping by 75 percent to USD 2.5 billion from USD 10.2 billion in March. This was mainly because of the absence of large-scale mergers like those seen in March. However, M&amp;A deal-making remained robust in April with significant domestic consolidations. "This month's activity, characterized by deal volumes spanning across breadth of sectors and by large deals by select players, illustrates a market that is both diverse and robust," observed Shanthi. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Private Equity landscape remains vibrant" comment="subhead" text="Private Equity landscape remains vibrant"><keyword id="19895041" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="private-equity" source="keywords">Private Equity</keyword> landscape remains vibrant</cmsannotation> The private equity transactions also experienced a slight decrease in value, reaching USD 2.666 billion, according to the report by Grant Thornton Bharat. However, with a total of 130 deals, the overall market landscape remains vibrant. The numbers indicate a clear shift towards enhanced number of investments while the size of the deals remains smaller compared to previous months. "The stable value of investments, despite the higher number of transactions, indicates a strategic adjustment towards spreading investments across various sectors, aiming to capitalize on emerging opportunities while mitigating large-scale risks," says the report. "The deal outlook for 2024 continues to remain positive as India stands at the cusp of a new era of growth and investment supported by a growing consumer market, a flourishing tech start-up ecosystem, and supportive government policies," concludes Shanthi Vijetha. Factors that could influence domestic markets in the near future include the outcome of Lok Sabha elections, global and domestic trends in interest rates driven by inflation, and supply chain dynamics. However, experts predict sustained momentum and growth in deal activities, supported by strong fundamentals and a conducive investment climate.

Volumes up, values down: April 2024 marks notable shifts in India's deal-making landscape

<ul><li>Tech brands have fared badly in 2023 due to global headwinds, recession threats and more.</li><li>Banking and financial services companies including fintechs saw their value swell during the year.</li><li>PhonePe and Cred were the new entrants into Kantar’s list of Top 75 Indian brands.</li><li>Auto companies made a comeback from Covid-lows with TVS and Mahindra being among the fastest risers. </li></ul>It is not just the share prices of technology services companies that are falling, even their brand value has taken a beating. India’s top brands have borne the brunt of the global economic downturn in 2023. The combined value of Kantar BrandZ’s top-75 Indian brands shed 4% of their value to $379 billion in 2023. Yet, they have fared better than their global counterparts, as its global list has shed 20% of its value. Most of this loss in brand value was seen in Indian tech brands whose value shrunk by 14%. The brands have a major presence in international markets, and have been impacted by global pressures, recession threats and geopolitical instability, says Kantar. “If you exclude tech, the combined brand value is quite stable,” said Soumya Mohanty, managing director and chief client officer, South Asia, Insights Division of Kantar. TCS on the top, as usual The spot of India’s most valuable brand, however, is retained by tech giant TCS. It has shed 6% of its value but has fared better than tech as a sector. “TCS has a strong corporate reputation which makes it more likely to retain clients and business. It can also help enable customer retention which is also a factor that adds to brand value,” Deepender Rana, executive managing director of South Asia Insights Division at Kantar told Business Insider India. Infosys’ brand value dropped by 17%, while HCL Tech’s brand value rose by 3%. Both these brands made it to the top 10. Wipro’s brand value dropped by a sharp 42%. The rest of the list is dominated by banks, telecom companies with only one consumer company, Asian Paints in the top 10. Kantar BrandZ Top 10 Most Valuable Indian Brands 2023 <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Rank 2023 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Brand </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"> Category </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Brand Value 2023 </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">1 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Tata Consultancy Services </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Business Technology and Services Platforms </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">$42.9 bn </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">2 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">HDFC Bank </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Financial Services </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">$33.6 bn </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">3 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Infosys </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Business Technology and Services Platforms </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">$24.1 bn </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">4 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Airtel </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Telecom Providers </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">$22.5 bn </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">5 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">State Bank of India </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Financial Services </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">$14.4 bn </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">6 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">ICICI Bank </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Financial Services </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">$12.9 bn </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">7 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Asian Paints </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Paints </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">$12.8 bn </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">8 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Jio </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Telecom Providers </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">$11.7 bn </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">9 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Kotak Mahindra Bank </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Financial Services </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">$10.3 bn </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">10 </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">HCL Tech </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Business Technology and Services Platforms </td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">$9.3 bn </td></tr></tbody></table> Source: Kantar Autos zoom ahead Auto brands have been buzzing in 2023 and the sector has provided two of the fastest risers of the year. TVS, valued at $1.9 billion, occupies the 51st rank. The company has gained 59% in value and leapt 24 places thanks to a number of successful product launches and a 10-year partnership with BMW that gives it leverage in markets such as Europe, the US and Canada. Mahindra is valued at $2.01 billion and occupies the 47th rank. Mahindra, which grew its value by 48%, made itself incredibly meaningful in consumers’ eyes, and also significantly boosted its salience. The sector saw the second highest category growth of 19%, after tobacco. Royal Enfield’s value also swelled, thanks to Indians’ preference for premium products. A lot of Indian auto brands, like Tata Motors, also entered EV markets and are able to meet consumer needs better, observes Rana. “Auto companies’ value declined during Covid and made a comeback after they dealt with supply chain issues and dealt with bottlenecks,” said Mohanty. India’s largest auto company Maruti Suzuki, however, shed 5% of its brand value, while Bajaj Auto’s brand value went up by 9%. The value in finance Financial services brands have grown their brand value by 6% with 16 brands and contributing to the biggest chunk of the total brand value. Their growth is attributed to growth in digital banking and Axis Bank whose value swelled 28% and now ranks at 17. ICICI Bank which ranks at no 6 also has seen its brand value swell by 18%. Two of this year’s new entrants also belong to the fintech sector — PhonePe and Cred. This is in spite of the fact that tech as a sector saw its value go down during the year. PhonePe has made its debut on the list at No.21 with a value of $4.4 billion. It has quickly become India’s leading digital payment app by investing heavily in the strength of its infrastructure, building connections with partner banks, and developing a huge network of merchant acceptance points, said Kantar. Meanwhile, Cred has entered at no 48 with a brand value of $2 billion. “Growth of credit and other digital trends are adding to the value of fintechs. There is a need for these services and brands are doing a good job of providing them,” Mohanty tells Business Insider India. PayTM, Zomato, Swiggy, Flipkart, Naukri, Oyo and Nykaa have shed value; while Byju’s hasn’t been included in the list this year. FMCG as a sector has seen its brand value remain stable during the year.

TCS retains No 1 spot as India’s top brand but tech sector takes a hit

<ul><li>The Dollar is strengthening in December adding to downward pressure on the <keyword id="6355302" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="rupee" source="Orion">Rupee</keyword>.</li><li>Festive-led consumption is the reason why it’s moving downward in spite of softening crude and buoyant markets.</li><li>Rupee is expected to trade with a depreciation bias, but without any sharp falls.</li><li>A depreciation rupee will support India’ ambitions to become an export-oriented economy. </li></ul>Indian rupee has hit new lows of 83.4 against USD in early December, when domestic markets were scaling new highs and crude prices coming down. It has recovered little since then, and economists say that it will keep trading with a depreciation bias in the near-term without central bank’s intervention. Unlike in November, the Dollar has also started strengthening in December, which is an added downward pressure on the Rupee. “Even as FPI flows continue and crude prices remain in check the <keyword id="6368584" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="us-dollar" source="Orion">US Dollar</keyword> has remained firm ahead of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) and general buildup of uncertainties,” <keyword id="321486" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="upasna-bhardwaj" source="Orion">Upasna Bhardwaj</keyword>, chief economist at Kotak Mahindra Bank tells Business Insider India. The November trouble It however needs to be mentioned that the Rupee barely moved up even in November, when the dollar index was weakening. But in November, FII were selling their equities in the stock market, as they did in September and October. But now, they reversed their trend. In December until now, FIIs pumped in as much as ₹12,135 crore, but that too barely had any effect. In addition, Brent crude is now trading at around $75 per barrel which should have given Rupee some respite. It has missed this cue too. Widening trade deficit due to festival-linked consumption might have been the culprit, surmises Bharadwaj. “Rupee has been trending more with a depreciation bias with some volatility. Trade deficit for October 2023 reported at the highest led by imports (gold, oil and consumption) ahead of the festive season,” <keyword id="18350669" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="anitha-rangan" source="Orion">Anitha Rangan</keyword>, economist at Equirus, told Business Insider India. <keyword id="30067" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="rbi" source="Orion">RBI</keyword> on ‘wait and watch’ mode India’s central bank is sitting on foreign exchange reserves to the tune of $604 billion as on December 1, 2023. Yet, it has not been selling dollars and intervening to rescue the rupee in November. “RBI having spent sizable reserves in September-October, has not utilized its reserves to defend the rupee. Rupee has not appreciated while RBI reserves have grown in November,” comments Rangan. However, between March and October of 2022, RBI spent $100 billion in reserves to defend the rupee. This time too, it’s expected to intervene. “We expect RBI to continue to intervene and manage the volatility in INR very closely. We thus do not expect any sharp depreciation in INR in the near term,” says Bharadwaj. Rupee is expected to trade between 83-83.5/USD in the near term. Moreover, any new lows that it might hit will come gradually and will not be a sharp fall, expect economists. Over the last one year, Rupee depreciated by around 2.5% with interim bouts of strength and weakness. And this trend might continue going into the new year. “Let’s be mindful that the country is looking to strengthen its export franchise and taking advantage of global supply chain shifts and bolster its manufacturing capabilities. A depreciation rupee will be a support to exports, when global recovery arrives,” observes Rangan. In the meanwhile, India’s relative growth attractiveness will continue to make a case for FPI and FDI flows.They will also provide the much-needed immunity from volatility. SEE ALSO <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/personal-finance/news/gold-rush-dont-recycle-or-book-profits-yet-another-bull-run-on-the-way-say-analysts/articleshow/105803018.cms">Gold rush: Don’t recycle or book profits yet, another bull-run on the way say analysts</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/childs-play-high-recall-and-dominant-position-add-to-doms-appeal/articleshow/105923825.cms">Child’s Play: High recall and dominant position add to Doms’ appeal</a>

Explained: Why Rupee is missing market and crude oil cues

<keyword id="6446946" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ghee" source="Orion">Ghee</keyword>, a quintessential ingredient in Indian cuisine, is more than just clarified butter; it’s a symbol of tradition, taste, and health. This golden elixir has transcended culinary boundaries, captivating taste buds globally. Known for its rich flavor, aromatic essence, and therapeutic properties, ghee holds a revered position in both kitchens and Ayurveda. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="What is Ghee?" comment="subhead" text="What is Ghee?">What is Ghee?</cmsannotation> Ghee, derived from simmering butter to remove milk solids, is a concentrated form of butterfat. This process renders it free from lactose and casein, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance. Its nutty, caramelized taste and high smoke point make it a versatile cooking medium. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Nutritional Value:" comment="subhead" text="Nutritional Value:">Nutritional Value:</cmsannotation> Rich in fat-soluble vitamins like A, E, and K, ghee aids in boosting immunity, improving vision, and maintaining healthy skin. Additionally, it contains butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid known for its anti-inflammatory properties and gut health benefits. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Health Benefits:" comment="subhead" text="Health Benefits:">Health Benefits:</cmsannotation> The benefits of ghee extend beyond taste. It’s believed to promote digestion, support weight loss, enhance brain function, and nourish the body from within. Its unique composition and fatty acids may assist in reducing inflammation and aiding in nutrient absorption. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Indian Household Use:" comment="subhead" text="Indian Household Use:">Indian Household Use:</cmsannotation> In Indian households, ghee is more than a culinary ingredient; it’s a cultural emblem. Used in religious rituals, traditional medicine (Ayurveda), and daily cooking, it adds depth and richness to a plethora of dishes, from aromatic curries to delectable sweets. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Culinary Uses:" comment="subhead" text="Culinary Uses:">Culinary Uses:</cmsannotation> Ghee’s versatility shines in various cuisines worldwide. Its high smoke point makes it ideal for sautéing, frying, and baking. Its distinct flavor enhances the taste of dishes, be it drizzled over steamed rice or used as a base for flavorful sauces. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Ways to Store Ghee:" comment="subhead" text="Ways to Store Ghee:">Ways to Store Ghee:</cmsannotation> To preserve its freshness, store ghee in an airtight container away from direct sunlight. Its low moisture content allows it to be stored at room temperature for an extended period without spoilage. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Precautions and Potential Side Effects:" comment="subhead" text="Precautions and Potential Side Effects:">Precautions and Potential Side Effects:</cmsannotation> While ghee is considered healthy in moderation, excessive consumption may lead to weight gain due to its high calorie and fat content. Individuals with high cholesterol or heart conditions should consume it in moderation. Furthermore, some people may be allergic to milk proteins still present in traces in ghee, so caution is advised for those with severe dairy allergies. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Five Frequently Asked Questions:" comment="subhead" text="Five Frequently Asked Questions:">Five Frequently Asked Questions:</cmsannotation> 1. Is ghee suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals? Yes, ghee is lactose-free as the milk solids are removed during the clarification process, making it suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals. 2. Can ghee be used for frying? Absolutely! Ghee's high smoke point makes it an excellent choice for frying and sautéing without burning or emitting harmful compounds. 3. What distinguishes ghee from butter? Ghee is clarified butter where the milk solids and water content have been removed, resulting in a pure, golden-colored fat with a nutty flavor and a higher smoke point than butter. 4. How can one identify good quality ghee? High-quality ghee is golden-yellow in color, has a rich aroma, and a slightly nutty taste. It should be free from any impurities or off smells. 5. Can ghee be consumed by individuals on a weight-loss diet? Moderation is key. While ghee is calorie-dense, its healthy fats may aid in weight loss when consumed in controlled portions as part of a balanced diet. Ghee, an ancient culinary treasure, continues to enchant palates while offering a myriad of health benefits. Its legacy as a sacred, flavorful, and nourishing ingredient persists, transcending borders and centuries. Remember, moderation is essential when incorporating ghee into your diet, allowing you to savor its richness without compromising on health. Note: The article is based on content generated by AI models like Bard and Chatgpt. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/food/article/15-delicious-foods-to-help-manage-high-blood-pressure-naturally/articleshow/105408882.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">15 delicious foods to help manage high blood pressure naturally</a>

You Searched For "Global Value Chains" and got 13 results

It's not getting any easier for fast-food chains

Mary Hanbury,Nora Redmond

Why fast-food chains and big brands love loyalty programs

Nora Redmond

Climate Action 15: 2024's top global innovators powering green solutions

Insider Inc.

Chain restaurants like Chili's are coming for fast-food giants in the latest bout of the value wars

Erin McDowell

India's defence exports surge to Rs 210 billion after global shift towards China+1, Russia-Ukraine war: Report

ANI

GM makes a $625 million lithium-battery move to shore up its EV supply chain

Grace Eliza Goodwin

Rates won't fall back to pre-pandemic levels as geopolitical conflict and supply chain issues create problems for world economies, BofA exec says

Kelly Cloonan

India and China to drive new wealth creation globally, Asia to contribute 30% of new wealth, says BCG report

ANI

Fast food chains are getting the message about soaring prices

Grace Dean

Volumes up, values down: April 2024 marks notable shifts in India's deal-making landscape

Deekshith Pinto

TCS retains No 1 spot as India’s top brand but tech sector takes a hit

Katya Naidu

Explained: Why Rupee is missing market and crude oil cues

Katya Naidu

Unveiling the golden elixir: The many facets of Ghee

Ayush

Shagun

Popular Keywords

Buying Guides