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Picture this. You are in the middle of an intense boss fight. Arrows flying from all directions. Beastly creatures are after you and in the midst of it all you spot a large dragon who lands right in the middle of action. You quickly change your weapon choice and instruct your companions to fight the dragon with you. However, just before you could attack, you run into a system error and have to restart the game all over again. Trust me, we have all been there. But this wasn’t the case with the newly-launched Dragon Age: The Veilguard.<br /><br /><div type="image" title="3" msid="116133701" hostid="261" sizebytes="1807404"></div><br />This is a game that pushes both graphical fidelity and hardware performance, delivering a breathtaking journey through a richly detailed fantasy world. With my PC armed with an AMD Ryzen 7 9800 X3D processor, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super GPU, 32 GB DDR5 RAM, I was able to get a great experience with this game. Let us take a look at how the game performed with different settings. <br /><br /><h2>The sweet spot<br /></h2><br />Starting with DLSS set to Balanced mode, I tested the game at a resolution of 2560x1440 with ultra graphics and selective <keyword id="20976394" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ray-tracing" source="keywords">ray tracing</keyword>. Without frame generation, the gameplay clocked in at 90 FPS, offering smooth visuals. Enabling frame generation and turning off V-Sync cranked the frame rate up to 140 FPS, significantly enhancing responsiveness during combat and exploration.<br /><br /><div type="image" title="6" msid="116133722" hostid="261" sizebytes="1410873"></div><br />Lowering the resolution to 1080p further pushed the performance to 180-190 FPS with frame generation, and 120-110 FPS without it, making the gameplay exceptionally fluid.<br /><br /><h2>Prioritising visual fidelity<br /></h2><br />Switching to Nvidia <keyword id="24385578" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="DLSS-Quality-mode" source="keywords">DLSS Quality mode</keyword>, which focuses on visual excellence over raw performance, I saw fantastic results. At 1080p resolution with ultra graphics and frame generation off, the game maintained an average of 118 FPS. <br /><br />Returning to 2K resolution with Quality DLSS, Nvidia Reflex set to “On + Boost,” and frame generation enabled, the frame rates ranged between 130-150 FPS. The experience was smooth and visually stunning, with every texture rendered in incredible detail. In some scenarios, frame rates even spiked to 180-200 FPS, peaking at 220 FPS in less graphically intense areas. I spent hours exploring the vast world with this setting, marvelling at various scenes it had to offer. The environment artists have really done a fabulous job and the game looks breathtaking.<br /><br /><div type="image" title="4" msid="116133742" hostid="261" sizebytes="1234786"></div><br />When I switched DLSS to Performance mode at 2K resolution, the game delivered around 160 FPS, offering a good balance of visuals and performance. <br /><br /><h2>Prioritising performance<br /></h2><br />To test the game’s performance, I tweaked around the settings a bit and here is how it went.<br /><br />At 1080p resolution, with Ultra Performance DLSS, frame rates soared to 230-250 FPS, with only a slight reduction in visual quality—barely noticeable unless scrutinised.<br /><br />To explore maximum performance potential, I switched from ultra to high graphics settings with ray tracing off, DLSS set to Ultra Performance, and frame generation enabled. This unleashed astonishing frame rates of 300-350 FPS, showing that at lower graphical presets, the game resulted in almost unbelievable frame rates without a drop. The visual quality was noticeably reduced but the game wasn’t unplayable. You still will get to see some gorgeous scenarios, even with these graphic settings.<br /><br /><div type="image" title="7" msid="116133766" hostid="261" sizebytes="991975"></div><br />Reverting DLSS to Quality mode under these settings still delivered an average of 260 FPS, proving the rig’s capability to handle demanding titles like Dragon Age: The Veilguard with ease.<br /><br /><h2>Ray Tracing: A visual feast</h2>The pinnacle of visual fidelity in the game came with DLSS Quality mode with ultra graphics, ray-traced reflections, and ambient occlusion at 2K. With these settings enabled, I got an average of 110-120.<br /><br />Even during intense battle sequences, frame rates rarely dipped below 100 FPS. The realistic reflections and intricate lighting effects made environments come alive, with highlights like walking through water puddles becoming a jaw-dropping experience.<br /><br /><div type="image" title="5" msid="116133782" hostid="261" sizebytes="1046215"></div><br /><br />Thus, Dragon Age: Veilguard delivered a stellar performance on my custom water-cooled system, thanks to NVIDIA's 4070 Super GPU and DLSS option.  Whether you’re a player who prioritises ultra-smooth gameplay or one who revels in visual splendour, the game offers a wide range of configurations to suit your preferences.<br /><br />With its flexibility in settings, Dragon Age: Veilguard proves to be a masterfully optimised title that caters to both performance enthusiasts and visual connoisseurs. <br /><br />On my rig, the game performed brilliantly, making every battle, exploration, and story moment a seamless experience. Whether you’re walking through shimmering puddles or taking down foes in epic battles, this is a journey that will keep you hooked for hours. <br />

Dragon Age The Veilguard performance review: How Nvidia 4070 Super GPU powers this aesthetic marvel

Indian companies across multiple sectors have reported disappointing results in the second quarter of fiscal year 2025, notes a new JM Financials report. Consequently, their poor performance has triggered stock price corrections for affected companies. The brunt of this weaker than expected earnings was largely borne by consumer centric sectors like FMCG (fast moving consumer goods), retail, and auto, which slacked largely due to dampened urban demand.<br /><br />For instance, India's largest automaker, Maruti Suzuki, reported a 5% YoY decline in its total domestic passenger vehicle wholesales, largely on the back of pent-up inventory. Similarly, Honda reported a staggering 23% YoY dip in its total sales during October 2024. <br /><br />A recent report by Bernstein noted that around 48% of the companies listed on the NSE100 index missed their earnings estimate for Q2FY25, the highest since March 2020. Most companies have mentioned deteriorated domestic demand, urban slowing, macroeconomic risk, and margin pressures as the main reasons behind the dip. <br /><br />"The quarter's earnings have made investors nervous," noted the JM Financials report. The challenging environment stems from multiple factors: softening consumer demand, rising input costs, and companies' limited ability to increase prices. Moreover, this is not limited to just one quarter. Companies have been reporting weak, single-digit earnings growth for the last six consecutive quarters. <br /><br />Data from India Data Hub also suggests that corporate profits of listed companies plunged by as much as 3.4% during the quarter ended September 30, 2024. This is in stark contrast to the year-ago period, where they had shot up by over 40% <br /><br />The oil and gas sector had a difficult quarter, with refiners hit by weak margins and city gas distributors struggling with higher input costs. Financial institutions showed mixed results. While government-owned banks reported strong numbers, microfinance institutions and some private lenders faced massive difficulties with their unsecured loans. Most notable amongst this was the case of IndusInd Bank, which saw its net profits dip by 40% amidst burgeoning provisions, which climbed 87% to Rs 1,820 crore in Q2, as against Rs 974 crore reported in the year-ago period. <br /><br /><h2>Markets head southwards</h2>The selling trend by FPIs has dragged down the major Indian indices, the Nifty 50 and Sensex, both of which have dropped by around 8% since the beginning of this selling spree in October. According to National Securities Depository Ltd. (NSDL) data, FPIs offloaded equities worth a significant Rs 19,994 crore in just the first five trading sessions of November last week.<br /><br />The impact is clearly visible on Indian stock markets. Data suggests that while every sector in October closed the month in red, auto, oil and gas, and consumer durables were the most badly hit, each declining by as much as 10% during the month. Another indicator underlining the inherent weakness of the market was that the month saw only 242 stocks hit their 52-week high, significantly below the usual monthly average of 310. <br />

India Inc. stares at an earnings dearth in Q2, FMCG, auto, and consumer durables falter

<ul><li><keyword id="22862470" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="iQOO-Z9s-Pro" source="keywords">iQOO Z9s Pro</keyword> comes with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor with up to 12GB RAM.</li><li>The phone is ideal for gaming and multitasking, with 80W fast charging</li><li>iQOO Z9s Pro sports a sleek, contemporary design, offering a lightweight and comfortable grip.</li></ul><br />iQOO, over the years, has carved a niche for itself in the smartphone market and has various mid-range phones that promise the best performance at a relatively affordable price point. And the iQOO Z9s Pro also falls under this category. We, at Business Insider India, have been using the iQOO Z9s Pro for over a month and after our testing, we can confidently say that this is the smartphone that can give you good performance for under Rs 25,000.<br /><br /><div type="image" title="6" msid="115764952" hostid="261" sizebytes="904220"></div><br />In India, the iQOO Z9s Pro’s price starts at Rs 24,999 for the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage model. The 8GB RAM variant with 256GB storage is priced at Rs 26,999, while the top-end model with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage comes in at Rs 28,999. For our testing, we used the top-end model in white colour. So, should you go ahead and buy the iQOO Z9s Pro? Let’s find out. <br /><br /><h2>iQOO Z9s Pro: Design and display<br /></h2><br />The iQOO Z9s Pro sports a sleek, contemporary design, offering a lightweight and comfortable grip. The phone features a sturdy glossy back panel with a marble feel to it which is visible when the lights are on. The phone, at a glance, looks quite stylish and will stand out in a crowd. I personally am not a fan of prints but the marble feel on the iQOO Z9s Pro looks quite elegant and not at all overdone. Then there is the familiar square camera module and the iQOO branding. The camera module is surrounded by a metallic finish border which elevates the whole look.<br /><br />  <div type="image" title="10" msid="115764970" hostid="261" sizebytes="833759"></div><br />At the bottom is the USB Type C charging port and sim tray. The right edge houses the power and volume buttons that are quite easy to get to while holding the phone in one hand. The left edge is left completely free. The edges also sport a silver metallic finish and are worth noticing. The phone comes with a curved display which further enhances its look.<br /><br />During my usage, I didn’t see any fingerprints on the back panel which is a huge plus. The front, however, did form smudges and gathered dust quickly.<br /><br />  <div type="image" title="3" msid="115764994" hostid="261" sizebytes="1688002"></div><br />Due to its curved display, rounded edges and glossy back, the phone is comfortable to hold and use with just one hand. However, it can also easily slide from your hand if you aren’t paying attention. Hence, it is best to always use it with the cover that comes packed with the phone.<br /><br />The phone’s display is a 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and vivid colours, ideal for multimedia and gaming enthusiasts. This high refresh rate is excellent for gaming and general use, delivering a seamless experience. The phone can be used comfortably outdoors too, but a tad more brightness would have been even better.<br /><br /><div type="image" title="2" msid="115764963" hostid="261" sizebytes="1914142"></div><br /><br /><h2>iQOO Z9s Pro: Performance<br /></h2><br />Equipped with the <keyword id="21694334" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Qualcomm-Snapdragon-7-Gen-3" source="keywords">Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3</keyword> processor and up to 12GB of RAM, the Z9s Pro is a powerhouse in terms of performance.<br /><br />Everyday tasks and multitasking feel incredibly smooth, while gaming performance is also impressive. The phone could easily handle titles like Battlegrounds Mobile India and Call of Duty Mobile at high settings without a hitch. The cooling system helps prevent overheating during prolonged sessions, making it a reliable choice for gamers. The phone also includes virtual RAM expansion, giving it an edge in handling demanding applications.<br /><br />  <div type="image" title="1" msid="115765018" hostid="261" sizebytes="1900985"></div><br />Talking about the software, even though the phone offers a clean experience with customisable themes and settings, it does come with pre-installed apps, which may be a slight drawback for those who prefer a streamlined interface. The good news is that most of these can be uninstalled, and the UI is generally responsive with minimal lag.<br /><br /><h2>iQOO Z9s Pro: Camera<br /></h2><br />The Z9s Pro comes with a 50MP primary sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide lens in the back. The phone also sports a 16MP selfie camera. Overall, the camera performs well in good lighting conditions. Night-time photography too is decent for the price. <br /><br />In daylight, the primary camera captures crisp details and vibrant colours.<br /><br />  <div type="image" title="12" msid="115765082" hostid="261" sizebytes="1558728"></div><br />The front camera too performs well and captures your selfies in style. However, the edge detection might feel tad off at times. But this isn't a dealbreaker considering the price of the smartphone. <br /><br />  <div type="image" title="15" msid="115765094" hostid="261" sizebytes="833942"></div><br />  <br />The portrait shots from the rear camera are simply stunning.<br /><br />  <div type="image" title="16" msid="115765109" hostid="261" sizebytes="1266524"></div><br />I also used the Master B/W mode and the Vintage film mode and loved the results.<br /><br />  <div type="image" title="13" msid="115765126" hostid="261" sizebytes="2287590"></div><br />While the phone captures impressive detail and colours, the details start fizzling out when you zoom in. Even at 2x, the details start going a bit amiss and by 10x, the performance drop in camera is quite noticeable. But this isn’t a big concern.<br /><br />At night too, the phone can capture some decent shots for its price point. <br /><br /><h2>iQOO Z9s Pro: Battery and charging<br /></h2><br />With a 5,500mAh battery, the iQOO Z9s Pro easily lasts a full day of moderate usage. For heavy users, 80W fast charging comes in handy, taking the battery from 0 to around 50% in just 20 minutes. This quick top-up time is a big plus for those who are always on the go. The phone also comes with a charger in the box so you don’t have to buy one separately.<br /><br /><h2>iQOO Z9s Pro: Final verdict<br /></h2><br />  <div type="image" title="5" msid="115765350" hostid="261" sizebytes="1316258"></div><br />The iQOO Z9s Pro stands out in the mid-range segment with its powerful processor, smooth display, and decent camera setup. However, minor improvements in low-light camera performance and UI polish could enhance it further. For users focused on performance and gaming, this phone delivers robust value and is a worthy option in its price bracket.<br />

iQOO Z9s Pro review: Excellent performance in a budget

<ul><li>The global foldable smartphone shipments have declined by 1% in Q3 2024.</li><li>Samsung has emerged as the top company in foldable smartphone shipments in Q3 2024.</li><li>Samsung continues to account for over half of the market share, despite a huge decline in shipments.</li></ul>The global foldable smartphone shipments declined for the first time in Q1 2024, recording a 1% year-on-year decline. This marks the first decline for foldable smartphones in Q3.<br /><br />According to a report by Counterpoint Research, one of the factors for the decline in shipments was Samsung’s<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-6-review/articleshow/112497472.cms"> Galaxy Z Fold 6</a> and<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/samsung-galaxy-z-fold-6-galaxy-z-flip-6-galaxy-ring-and-more-launched/articleshow/111637913.cms"> Galaxy Z Flip 6</a> smartphones not performing as expected.<br /><br /><div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112497472" title="Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 review – the complete package" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><br />“The global foldable market appears to have entered a transitionary phase where it is facing challenges as it progresses from a niche segment to the mainstream. User satisfaction is particularly high with book-type foldable devices, but the prohibitively high prices remain the biggest obstacle to mass adoption,” said Jene Park, Senior Analyst, Counterpoint Research.<br /><br /><h2>Global foldable smartphone market share</h2><br /><table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#000000;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Company<br /><br /></td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#000000;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Q3 2024<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Samsung<br /><br /></td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">56%<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Huawei<br /><br /></td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">15%<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Honor<br /><br /></td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">10%<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Motorola<br /><br /></td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">7%<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Xiaomi<br /><br /></td><td style="border-right:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.5008695000000001pt;vertical-align:bottom;background-color:#d9d9d9;padding:0pt 5pt 0pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">6%<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><em>Source: Counterpoint Research</em><br /><br />Samsung has emerged as the market leader in Q3 2024, with a market share of 56%, down from 70% in Q3 2023. While the company’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 performed decently, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 failed to match its predecessor’s sales. The company recorded a 21% year-on-year decline in shipments.<br /><br />Huawei has emerged second, with a 15% market share in Q3 2024, up from a 13% market share in Q3 2023. The company recorded a 23% year-on-year growth in shipments.<br /><br />Honor and Motorola take the third and fourth spots, with a 10% and a 7% market share respectively. Both companies have recorded good growth.<br /><br />While Honor has recorded a 121% year-on-year growth, Motorola has recorded a 164% year-on-year growth.<br /><br />Xiaomi is in the fifth position, with a 6% market share. The company recorded the highest year-on-year growth at 185%. This growth was driven by the Mix Flip, the company’s first clamshell smartphone.<br /><br /><strong>SEE ALSO:<br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/honda-activa-e-and-qc1-electric-scooters-unveiled-in-india-to-go-on-sale-in-2025/articleshow/115725242.cms">Honda Activa e and QC1 electric scooters unveiled in India, to go on sale in 2025</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/indias-pc-market-reaches-new-high-with-4-49-million-shipments-in-q3-2024/articleshow/115719599.cms">India’s PC market reaches new high with 4.49 million shipments in Q3 2024</a><br /><br /></strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/realme-gt-7-pro-with-snapdragon-8-elite-chipset-launched-starting-at-59999/articleshow/115689685.cms"><strong>Realme GT 7 Pro with Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset launched starting at ₹59,999</strong></a><br />

Global foldable phone shipments decline in Q3 2024, Samsung leads with 56% market share

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The post-election rally has led stock exposure to jump to its highest level in 11 years, BofA says.</li><li>The bank's fund manager survey says US stocks will continue to rally, and are set up to be the best performing asset in 2025.</li></ul><p>Donald Trump's election win has sparked a <a target="_blank" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/trump-election-win-stock-market-today-record-high-sp500-dow-2024-11?utm_medium=ingest&amp;utm_source=markets&amp;utm_medium=ingest&amp;utm_source=markets">rally in US stocks</a>, pushing investors' equities exposure to jump to its highest level in 11 years.</p><p>That bullishness is set to continue, too, according to a Bank of America survey of fund managers. The survey showed fund managers predict US equities will be the best-performing asset next year, fueled by the promise of pro-business policies under Trump.</p><p>The survey showed a marked "surge in bulls," strategist Michael Hartnett said.</p><p>Now, a net 28% of those investors expect the US economy to grow at a stronger pace in the next year. That's a stark shift from last month's survey, when 22% expected weaker growth.</p><p>The survey participants, who manage a combined $503 billion in assets, say that apart from US stocks, global equities and gold will also perform well next year.</p><p>Those who made their calls after the election also pointed overwhelmingly to the Russell 2000 index of smaller stocks as the best-performing index for next year.</p><p>Small-cap stocks are expected to do well in a second Trump presidency due to their lack of international exposure, which will minimize risk from Trump's proposals for sweeping tariffs on imports. </p><p>Those stocks have also seen inflows since the election, with the Russell 2000 surging almost 6% since Election Day. </p><p>US stocks have extended their postelection rally into this week. Investors expect that Trump's proposed policies, like corporate tax cuts and less regulation, will be more business-friendly and boost earnings.</p><p>The widespread rally has sparked massive inflows into Trump trades like <a target="_blank" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/currencies/bitcoin-record-price-outlook-crypto-trump-election-digital-assets-altcoins-2024-11?_gl=1*3p5vvo*_ga*MTY3OTgyNjg0MS4xNzIxMDE2MDM2*_ga_E21CV80ZCZ*MTczMTQxOTczNy4zOTIuMS4xNzMxNDE5NzQ0LjUzLjAuMA..">bitcoin</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/tesla-stock-price-trillion-valuation-donald-trump-election-win-tsla-2024-11?_gl=1*jyqhh7*_ga*MTY3OTgyNjg0MS4xNzIxMDE2MDM2*_ga_E21CV80ZCZ*MTczMTQxOTczNy4zOTIuMS4xNzMxNDE5NzcxLjI2LjAuMA..">Tesla</a>, as well as shares of banks that are expected to benefit from his policies.</p><p>The S&amp;P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average have hit record highs since the election. </p>

Stock exposure hits 11-year high as investors expect US equities to be the top-performing asset in 2025, BofA survey says

Indian banks are expected to have steady growth in earnings and returns over the next 3–4 years, according to a recent report by Jefferies. It expects a 13% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in loan growth for banks between FY24 and FY27, helmed by a supportive environment and expected adjustments in interest rates.<br /><br />"We expect steady growth in earnings and stable returns, Over FY24-27, the banks we cover should see 13% CAGRin loans We factor 25-50 bps cut in rates, &amp; depending on timing, NIMs will move," the report said.<br /><br />Depending on the timing, these rate cuts could impact banks' <keyword id="20076541" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="net-interest-margins" source="keywords">net interest margins</keyword> (NIMs), which measure the difference between interest income generated and interest paid to depositors. The report also notes that banks' net interest income (NII), a critical metric that is reflective of how much a bank earns from its lending, could grow at a steady 12% CAGR, which would support overall earnings growth.<br /><br /><h2>Rate cuts probable next year</h2>Per SBI Mutual Fund's monthly outlook for November 2024, while markets were initially speculating possible rate reductions in December this year or February next year these chances now stand dampened due to two reasons. First, elevated CPI numbers in September, which stood at a nine-month high, underlined the stickiness of food inflation. Secondly, RBI governor Das recently highlighted his hawkish stance at a conference, stating that "rate cuts at this stage would be premature and risky’.<br /><br />The report further adds that February 2025, or even April, would be a better time to discuss repo rate cuts in India. Even <keyword id="19985925" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bank-credit-growth" source="keywords">bank credit growth</keyword> has continued to outpace deposit growth for two years now. However, they seem to be inching closer in the recent past. For instance, in October 2024, while bank credit growth remained at 12.7%, the deposit growth rate followed closely at 11.8%. This also means that banks are witnessing an elevated bank credit-to-deposit ratio, standing at 77% in October.<br /><br /><h2>Risks in unsecured lending <br /></h2>However, Jefferies noted some areas of caution that could influence growth in other revenue streams, particularly fees. Growth in fees may be at risk due to expected declines in the disbursal of unsecured loans, which generally carry higher interest rates and generate higher fees for banks. October saw stress and defaults rising in the unsecured lending space, prompting the RBI to intervene. As a result, unsecured loans by banks have only grown by 12.1%, the lowest since the pandemic. <br /><br />Despite these risks, the report expects banks' return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) to remain healthy, underscoring the sector's stable profitability potential. <br /><br />The report also highlights that while the Nifty Banks index has risen by 19% over the past year, it has still underperformed the broader Nifty index, which delivered 27% returns in the same period. BSE Bankex has been along similar lines, generating returns worth 19% over one year. While the Nifty banks' index has a YTD (yield to date) of 7.63%, it continues to trail Nifty's YTD of 11.30%<br /><br />

Indian banks to have steady growth in earning over next 3-4 years, fees from unsecured lending may dip, notes Jefferies report

Imagine this. You have a younger sibling you’re mighty envious of. And why not? Unlike you, they seem to enjoy all the freedom and money in the world. They party like there’s no tomorrow, and here you are, stuck in a boring, ultra-disciplined but responsible routine that feels completely devoid of any independence, and mostly, funds.<br /><br />But of late, things are changing. This sibling is in massive trouble and just cannot escape the parent’s wrath anymore. Long story short, the party is over, and it is time to go back home. The rising defaults on this sibling’s part have now begun pulling the entire house down, thereby attracting the regulator’s ire.<br /><br /><h2>The Wild West of microfinance and unsecured loans</h2>It's hard to ignore the issues with microfinance and unsecured loans in India.<br /><br />Many saw them as a small gamble and ignored the rising defaults much like the younger siblings’ tantrums, and now they find themselves in hot waters. The skyrocketing instances of non-payments aren't a micro-issue anymore and are threatening the stability of the entire banking system.<br /><br />In the quarter ended September 30, 2024, 5 of India’s 8 largest private sector <keyword id="19934118" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="banks" source="keywords">banks</keyword> reported a steep rise in their bad loan book, mostly thanks to microfinance loans.<br /><br />Some banks, in a bid to strengthen their fortress against these <keyword id="142154" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="bad-loans" source="Orion">bad loans</keyword>, have significantly upped their provisions. For instance, <keyword id="46717" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="IndusInd-bank" source="Orion">IndusInd Bank</keyword> set aside Rs 525 crore during July and September 2024 to battle the menace of defaults on microfinance loans, which make up about 9% of its total loan book.<br /><br />See, banks rely heavily on their interest income, which they earn from advancing loans. Any loan where the borrower has not paid interest to the bank or defaulted for 90 days or more becomes bad, i.e., an <keyword id="79363" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="npa" source="Orion">NPA</keyword>, or non-performing asset for the bank. And who likes things going bad?<br /><br />Simply put, there has been a steep rise in three areas, much to the dislike of banks and MFIs (micro-finance institutions). But hey, it's mostly their doing!<br /><ol><li>GNPA ratio (gross net performing assets): The quantum of non-performing assets a bank has in proportion to its total assets.</li><li>Provision: The amount banks set aside to take care of such NPAs.</li><li>Slippage ratio: The rate at which good girls go bad, or the speed at which good loans turn into NPAs</li></ol>But how are these plaguing the Indian banking sector? And what does the road ahead look like? We decode it for you.<br /><h2><br />Microfinance: A not-so-micro-menace</h2>Microfinance loans were initially brought forth for low-income households and individuals, i.e. for those who might not generally have access to traditional ways of credit, like bank loans and more. They don’t require collateral or an asset to be pledged in lieu of the loan, making it a tad bit easier for borrowers.<br /><br />As of June 2024, the amount of outstanding loans in the microfinance industry stood at a staggering Rs 4,20,256 crore. Of this, NBFC-MFIs accounted for 40% and banks made for 33% of these.<br /><br />In 2022, <keyword id="30067" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="RBI" source="Orion">RBI</keyword>, in a bid to inspire some competition in this space, did something radical-they did away with the ceiling on how much interest MFIs could charge their customers. Previously, MFIs could add up to 12% to their cost of acquiring funds to determine the final interest rate chargeable to the consumer.<br /><br />So, assuming that Bank A incurs a 5% cost to acquire funds for further loaning, A could charge up to 17% interest from the end consumer. So, interest rates were in the hands of MFIs, and boy, did they have a gala time with it.<br /><br />Instead of spurring some healthy competition, as RBI expected, MFIs and banks went rogue and all guns blazing, competing for the title of “Who will charge the highest interest?”<br /><br />Recently, RBI banned 4 microfinance institutions (MFIs), namely Asirvad Micro Finance Limited, Arohan Financial Services Limited, DMI Finance Private Limited, and Navi Finserv, from disbursing loans effective October 21, 2024. Why? Because they were charging 14% extra interest over their original cost of funds.<br /><br />To maintain their loan books (and pockets), banks and NBFCs resorted to shady practices like netting off loans, which RBI has now advised MFIs against. Here, lenders allow borrowers to settle a previous outstanding loan by issuing them a new loan! As crazy as it sounds, it helped banks to report less of their total assets as NPAs, since the new credit would cover pending installments of the borrower’s previous loan.<br /><br />Then there was the issue of borrowers overleveraging, i.e. taking multiple loans using different IDs from various lenders and then failing to honor any of them. The consequence? Banks and NBFCs end up with massive NPAs.<br /><br />Data from credit bureaus suggests that over the last quarter, there was a 17.2% rise in the number of borrowers who had 5 or more active loans at the same time.<br /><br /><h2>Growth &gt; Caution</h2>It's an age-old tale unfolding yet again in India’s banking sector- Icarus flew too close to the sun and eventually, fell to its death. Between April and June 2024, NBFCs microfinance portfolio jumped by 2.7%. If you see this in terms of loan sources, microfinance loans issued by banks grew by 11.2% in Q1FY25. But the same portfolio in NBFCs swelled by almost double-23.9%.<br /><br />While most of these loans had an average ticket size between Rs 30,000-50,000, there was a sharp spike in the number of loans that had a ticket size of Rs 80,000 or more. Data suggests that as of March 2024, more than 12% of all microfinance borrowers had over 4 or more active loans.<br /><br />In dating parlance, this is a classic case of borrowers going polyamorous, minus the honesty and transparency. Not the best of situations, you'd agree!<br /><br /><h2>Will banks and NBFCs stand up to this stress?</h2>If their results for Q2FY25 are to be believed, NBFCs are not handling the pressure all that well. Or even slightly well. Only a few banks like Bank of Baroda (BoB), ICICI, and Indian Bank were up for the battle, even witnessing a decline in their loan delinquencies.<br /><br />Some others, like IndusInd Bank, saw their stock dip by a massive 16.2% over the last 5 days.<br /><br />Its slippages in the previous quarter burgeoned from Rs 15.3 billion in Q1FY25 to Rs 17.9 billion in Q2. As a result, the bank pushed a staggeringly high amount of money to create an NPA cushion for itself.<br /><br />While its management has highlighted its preference for secured lending, that was hardly reflected in its actions during the quarter, where growth in unsecured personal loans remained exceptionally high at over 7% on a QoQ basis.<br /><br />Turns out, only 44% of customers in IndusInd Banks’ microfinance loan portfolio were exclusive to it. The rest 47% were, you guessed it right-polyamorous! 27% had borrowed from another lender as well, apart from IndusInd Bank, while 20% were those who had outstanding loans with two other lenders, apart from IndusInd Bank. IndusInd Bank’s credit card segment did not miss the NPA bus and accounted for 7-8% of its GNPAs.<br /><br />Canara Bank’s total slippages during the previous quarter jumped to Rs 11.1 billion, up by 24.7% QoQ, and making up for 3.6% of its total loans. As for Bandhan Bank, its <keyword id="763994" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gross-NPA" source="Orion">gross NPA</keyword> for Q2FY25 inched up on a QoQ basis, up from 4.23% in Q1, to 4.68% in the second quarter.<br /><br /><keyword id="62152" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="IDFC-bank" source="Orion">IDFC Bank</keyword>’s heavy provisioning for its NPAs marred its profits significantly, causing its PAT (profit after tax) to dip by 73% on a YoY basis.<br /><br />Data from ICRA Analytics suggest that the AUM (asset under management) growth in microfinance loans and unsecured (personal and business) loans by the NBFCs will moderate to 10-12% and 19-21%, respectively, in FY2025 compared to 30% and 38%, in FY2024.<br /><br />Says A M Karthik, Senior Vice President &amp; Co-Group Head, Financial Sector Ratings, ICRA, “As bank funds constitute a larger share in the overall funding of NBFCs, a slower credit flow from banks to the NBFCs will compress their AUM growth. The NBFCs in unsecured and digital lending businesses shall face a higher squeeze in funding compared to others, and the unsecured lending space will continue to be a source of stress in the near term.”<br /><br />There has been uninhibited growth in unsecured loans, apart from just the microfinance segment. For instance, Axis Bank’s gross slippages jumped by Rs 4,443 crore, largely thanks to its unsecured business. The same is the case with Yes Bank, which saw 35–40% of its retail slippages emerging from the unsecured loan portfolio. Kotak Mahindra Bank was also quick to follow Yes Bank’s suit, with around 35%-40% of its slippages coming from credit cards.<br /><br /><h2>How is the road ahead?</h2>While RBI has just cracked its whip and served a warning at the moment, experts at Morgan Stanley believe that more changes (read regulatory lashes) are underway. Moreover, with both festive and wedding seasons underway in our country, unsecured lending might pick up momentum, much to the disdain of the calibrated approach banks have been taking towards it so far.<br /><br />But if the situation doesn't improve, RBI will not waste any time in becoming the typical tyrannical Bollywood headmaster who runs his dominion with an iron fist and takes things (and ceiling rates) into their own hands. However, that's a story for another day.

Is the lending party over? The dangerous tango of Indian banks with microfinance and unsecured loans

Have you ever wondered why some bosses, despite their abusive behaviour, are revered and tolerated? Take <keyword id="19907283" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="steve-jobs" source="keywords">Steve Jobs</keyword>, for example. While his leadership pushed Apple to the top, there are countless examples of Jobs being a general jerk to the people around him. Many accounts note that the Apple visionary was often observed yelling and name-calling his employees when irked — behaviour certainly unworthy of any ‘Best Boss Ever!’ mugs.<br /><br />But how do employees reconcile such behaviour? What makes them willing to stay under such crass leadership? A new study has answered these questions, revealing that a leader's success can significantly influence how employees interpret their actions — including abusive behaviour in some instances.<br /><h2><keyword id="21268696" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="tough-love" source="keywords">Tough love</keyword>, and little else</h2>The research surveyed 576 workers from various industries across the United States, reporting on their bosses' abusive behaviours, such as ridicule and dismissive comments, and rated their overall effectiveness. The findings showed that employees who viewed their bosses as high performers were more likely to label the abuse as "tough love" rather than outright abuse. Descriptions of tough love included phrases like “stern but caring,” “insensitive but nurturing,” and “rough but well-meaning.”<br /><br />“If employees see their boss as a successful leader, that seems to be incompatible with being abusive,” explained study author Robert Lount. “So they label the abuse as something more positive, like ‘tough love”.<br />    <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111556067" title="Having Elon Musk as a boss is a tough gig — just ask X&amp;#39;s Linda Yaccarino" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Interestingly, the study also found that employees who were subjected to abuse by high-performing bosses endured it out of hope for better <keyword id="21068409" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="career-prospects" source="keywords">career prospects</keyword>. They thought enduring such treatment might lead to promotions, which made them less likely to rebel against their tormentors.<br /><br />“If the leaders have high performance, that suggests they are successful at bringing out the skills of their followers,” notes author Bennett Tepper. However, this could not be further from the truth, considering how years of research have already shown that abusive behaviour is detrimental to both employees and organisations.<br /><h2>Students think similarly</h2>These findings were further fortified in the second part of the study where 168 undergraduate students were misled into thinking they were working in teams led by MBA students. Some received abusive messages from their fictional “leaders,” while others got encouraging ones. After being told their teams either excelled or underperformed, the students evaluated their leaders. Those who received abusive messages rated their leaders as less abusive if their team performed well.<br />    <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="111380874" title="Gen Z workers vs. millennial bosses: &amp;#39;Having high expectations and wanting work-life balance and an employer who cares isn&amp;#39;t a bad thing&amp;#39;" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>“Just finding out your team did better because of your leader’s judgement really dampened the willingness to label that person as abusive — even though your leader made the exact same statements as the other leaders who were called abusive after a below-average performance,” Lount remarked.<br /><br />This might also explain how some abusive bosses manage to sustain longer careers. As per the authors, the high performers' track record may be “insulating” them from consequences because their employees refuse to view them as an abusive character.<br /><br />This study is a wake-up call for organisations to scrutinise not just what leaders achieve, but how they achieve it. No matter how impressive the results, abusive behaviour should never be excused in the name of success.<br /><br />The findings of this study have been published in <em>Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Process </em>and can be accessed <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749597824000311">here</a>.<br />

When a boss is successful, employees are less likely to realise they are also abusive, study finds

You might think that constant notifications from workplace chat apps like <keyword id="19920032" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Slack" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Slack" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Slack">Slack</keyword> or <keyword id="19938051" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Microsoft-Teams" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Microsoft Teams" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Microsoft Teams">Microsoft Teams</keyword> are productivity killers. After all, the constant stream of pings, emojis, and @mentions can feel more distracting than helpful. But, as it turns out, these platforms could actually be hiding a powerful productivity tool — praise.<br /><br />New research has found that giving <keyword id="23157614" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="public-praise" source="keywords">public praise</keyword> to employees can boost overall office performance. Public praise has the potential to light a fire under others too, spurring them on to better work. And with remote work the new norm (if some tech companies don't have their way), this boost might be just what the digital doctor ordered.<br /><br />"One important challenge faced by many companies is how to motivate remote workers and keep them productive," explains Wen Wen, lead author of the study. "Our research gives practical advice on how to construct the right messages regarding peers and how to share them on <keyword id="19979951" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="digital-platforms" source="keywords">digital platforms</keyword> in order to achieve a significant productivity gain."<br /><br />Wen and her colleagues examined a Chinese tech company where praise was doled out in public messages over a Slack-like app. Every time a sales rep closed a deal, human resources sent a message to the whole team, highlighting the success — with plenty of personal details and emojis to boot.<br /><div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113238355" title="Can AI help companies boost employee well-being?" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>They found that productivity noticeably spiked when these approving messages were publicly sent, not just for the star salespeople, but for their colleagues too. Whether the message highlighted a worker’s effort or their natural abilities, others got inspired to step up. A simple 10% increase in praise-filled message intensity led employees to make roughly one more call per day.<br /><h2>Praise efforts, not ability</h2>But here’s where things get even more interesting. Wen’s research showed that not all praise is created equal. When co-workers were praised for their <em>effort</em> (think “Wow, look at how hard they hustled to close that deal!”), everyone felt inspired. It didn’t matter if the person receiving the praise was socially close or distant from their colleagues — the impact was the same. Everyone worked a little harder.<br /><br />On the other hand, when the praise focused on someone’s <em>ability</em> (as in “They’re a sales superstar with unbeatable skills!”), the results were different. Close colleagues still felt inspired, but those further removed from the praised worker didn’t feel the same motivation. Maybe it’s because effort feels achievable, while abilities can seem like an unattainable gift.<br /><br />In short, people are more likely to push themselves when they see others praised for their hard work rather than innate talent. It’s the “If they can do it, so can I!” mindset in action.<br /><h2>Why this matters more for remote workers</h2>With many teams now scattered across cities (or even continents), public praise becomes even more critical. In the office, employees might get an informal pat on the back or a shoutout during a meeting, but remote workers can easily feel invisible. In fact,<a href="https://hbr.org/2020/04/how-to-keep-your-team-motivated-remotely"> studies</a> have shown that it is quite far easier for workers to lose motivation when working from home, when compared to office-goers.<br /><div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113300695" title="Hybrid work boosts satisfaction and productivity and is here to stay, PwC says" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>This is where those digital platforms come in. Sharing public praise in all-company channels creates a virtual "hallway high-five" that helps remote workers feel seen and appreciated. And more importantly, it gives them something to strive for.<br /><br />"For a distributed workforce, managers should probably consider crafting effort-focused messages when sharing peer successes, instead of ability-focused messages,” Wen explains. “People can be influenced by effort-focused messages about peers whom they don't even know."<br /><br />So the next time someone in your team hits a milestone, don’t just send them a private note. Shout it from the digital rooftops, emoji and all! You’ll be surprised at how much harder the rest of the team will work when they see that recognition is within reach.<br />

Publicly praising your employees online when they succeed at something can boost overall performance in the office, study finds

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Top performers receive the worst feedback, driving them to quit, a Textio analysis found.</li><li>High-performing women face the most stereotypes, with 38% of reviews containing clichés.</li></ul><p>Being a top performer at work is a double-edged sword.</p><p><a target="_blank" class="" href="https://textio.com/feedback-bias-2024">A new analysis</a> by the management and HR platform Textio of 23,000 performance reviews across 250 workplaces in the US has found that top performers are getting the worst feedback, and it's driving them to quit.</p><p>High-performing women have it the worst, according to the analysis, with 38% of language used in their performance reviews containing exaggerations, clichés, and fixed-mindset labels.</p><p>In other words, this is the group most likely to be stereotyped.</p><p>Ylva Baeckström, a researcher in finance at King's College London who is also an entrepreneur and psychotherapist, told Business Insider that when people — often women — do well at work, managers can think they don't need help.</p><p>"That's also a problem at school — the well-performing, quiet girls are ignored," Baeckström said. "It's the same in the workplace that you don't need to give that person feedback in that sense because they're already doing well. But maybe that's not enough."</p><h2 id="7e104515-9af2-40fe-9c4e-902f3362d8b6">Poor feedback is bad for retention</h2><p>Good-quality feedback is vital to keep top talent.</p><p><a target="_blank" class="" href="https://textio.com/blog/how-performance-feedback-quality-impacts-employee-retention">Separate Textio research from 2023</a> found that workers who receive poor feedback are 63% more likely to leave their jobs within a year.</p><p>Workers say feedback must be embedded in a company's culture rather than simply a box-ticking exercise for it <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/boss-manager-positive-feedback-employee-appreciation-work-quit-job-2023-3">to be appreciated</a>. That's <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/oct-corp/image/private/s--XG19pHOM--/v1693428631/website/OCTanner-2024-Global-Culture-Report.pdf">according to global reports</a> by the workplace software company O.C. Tanner.</p><p>Otherwise, feedback may be perceived as <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/effective-feedback-should-be-a-two-way-conversation-2021-1">a one-way conversation</a> or <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/micromanager-boss-being-better-manager-tips-advice-2020-9">micromanagement</a>, which can lead to burnout among managers and staff.</p><p>Cheryl L. Mason, the CEO of the Catalyst Leadership Management consultancy and author of "Dare to Relate: Leading with a Fierce Heart," told BI that good-quality feedback benefits both employees and organizations.</p><p>"This goes to our core as human beings; we want to know we matter and that what we do is valuable," she said. "Your employees are human beings."</p><p>Feedback allows managers to engage and connect with their staff and vice versa, she said.</p><p>Mason added that an example of bad feedback is a supervisor telling an employee they have to do better work without providing any advice, support, or tools to help them do so, meaning the employee "feels adrift."</p><h2 id="88c03c32-ac38-441e-aed1-de2ddbbaf4f8">Stagnation and imposter syndrome</h2><p>Courtney Murphy, an author and HR expert, and the founder of the workplace consultancy WorkWell People Solutions, told BI that good feedback motivates people to continue to grow and develop in their roles. It also boosts morale and incentivizes continued high performance, she said.</p><p>Overly positive feedback, however, can be received as "generic or stunting," she added.</p><p>"This can cause a high performer to perceive that their development is unimportant to the company, prompting them to consider development opportunities elsewhere," she said.</p><p>The consequences of poor feedback can also be severe and wide-ranging, according to Murphy.</p><p>It can lead to stagnation in skills and performance, with top performers plateauing and struggling to identify their areas for improvement. Disengagement and a lack of motivation can also result.</p><p>Murphy said one unexpected outcome could also be workers experiencing imposter syndrome, where they start to doubt their abilities and contributions.</p><p>"For high performers, who often have a strong drive for excellence and growth, the absence of quality feedback can be particularly frustrating," Murphy said. "It can leave them feeling undervalued and uncertain about their career trajectory within the organization."</p><h2 id="235c060c-3e03-4acd-8bb2-3f9d4667d623">No more 'feedback dumps'</h2><p>Diane Rosen, a workplace expert, leadership coach, and president of the HR consulting firm Dr-squared Consultants, told BI that organizations should "strive to communicate" with their employees and create a workplace environment where they "feel seen, heard, acknowledged, and appreciated."</p><p>She added that a "feedback dump" once a year is counterproductive because the information can be outdated, and the employees are only likely to focus on whether they got a raise or promotion.</p><p>"Performance feedback should be delivered in real time whenever possible rather than waiting for a year-end review," Rosen said. "Timely feedback captures both positive and negative information and gives the person a chance to course-adjust before poor performance gets baked in."</p><p>Mason said there are three steps to providing effective employee feedback. Good-quality feedback, she said, should be varied and include acknowledgments of great work and reviews of an individual's performance.</p><p>The first step is to know what your employees are doing and how they are doing overall.</p><p>The second is to develop a plan of action, including how often feedback is going to be given, such as implementing monthly acknowledgments.</p><p>And finally, the feedback should come from an employee's direct manager, not someone from HR.</p><p>"This is an investment of time in your employee," Mason said. "And by doing this, you show that you care and they matter."</p>

There's a double-edged sword high performers face at work, and it's costing employers their talent

In 2024, we are in the era of epic games like Elden Ring, God Of War, Ghost of Tsushima, and so on. These story-rich, graphic-heavy games have the power to take us to worlds beyond our imagination, promising an experience worth remembering. Last month, another game joined this list - <keyword id="22855845" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Black-Myth-WuKong" source="keywords">Black Myth: WuKong</keyword>. If you’ve ever dreamed of entering a mythical world where graphics push the boundaries of reality, this is just the adventure you’re looking for. <br /><br />To truly appreciate the game’s potential, I tested it on the <keyword id="21425999" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Alienware-X16-R2" source="keywords">Alienware X16 R2</keyword> powered by an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H CPU and Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 4090 GPU. Thus, armed with the power of <keyword id="20659771" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Alienware" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Alienware" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Alienware">Alienware</keyword>'s flagship gaming laptop, I dove deep into this action-packed universe, tweaking various settings to see how far the performance could stretch while keeping the cinematic beauty intact.<br /><br />  <div type="image" title="1" msid="113575846" hostid="261"></div><br />Whether you’re after flawless graphics or buttery-smooth gameplay, this review explores how the game fared against one of the most powerful gaming machines on the market. Spoiler alert: It’s a battle worth witnessing.<br /><br /><h2>Performance with maxed-out graphic settings<br /></h2><br />I started by testing the game at its highest possible graphics settings, with the resolution set to 2560x1600. The configuration included super-resolution maxed out, <keyword id="20555614" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="DLSS" source="keywords">DLSS</keyword> with frame generation enabled, <keyword id="20976394" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ray-tracing" source="keywords">ray tracing</keyword> off, and the graphics set to Cinematic, which is the game's highest preset. <br /><br />Under these conditions, the Alienware X16 R2 delivered frame rates between 80 to 90 FPS, occasionally dipping to around 70 FPS during scenes with heavy action or complex visual effects.<br /><br />  <div type="image" title="4" msid="113575852" hostid="261"></div><br /><br />This setup provided an impressively smooth gaming experience, with only minor, almost imperceptible lag in highly intense moments. The visual quality was breathtaking, with rich details and fluid animations bringing the mythical world of Wu Kong to life. Even without ray tracing, the lighting and shadows were handled excellently, offering a visually rich environment without sacrificing too much on performance. <br /><br />For players who prioritise visual fidelity and are willing to accept minor performance dips during peak moments, this setting is a solid choice.<br /><br /><h2>Ray-tracing enabled and its impact<br /></h2><br />To test the boundaries of the laptop’s capabilities, I enabled ray tracing while keeping all other settings the same.<br /><br />This pushed the system's performance, resulting in frame rates that hovered between 50-60 FPS. The addition of ray tracing enhanced the visual effects, adding realistic reflections, shadows, and lighting effects that made the game’s world even more immersive. However, this came at the cost of performance.<br /><br />The drop in FPS was noticeable, making the game feel slightly less responsive and less fluid, particularly in combat-heavy sequences where every frame counts.<br /><br />  <div type="image" title="2" msid="113575857" hostid="261"></div><br /><br />Ray tracing undeniably enhances the game’s aesthetic appeal, but the impact on performance suggests that it might not be the best option for players who prioritise a smooth gameplay experience. For those who are more focused on cinematic visuals and are okay with lower frame rates, enabling ray tracing could still be worthwhile. <br /><br />However, given the hit on performance, it might be best reserved for exploring the game world rather than for intense combat scenarios.<br /><br /><h2>Exploring various DLSS modes<br /></h2><br />To find a middle ground between visuals and performance, I experimented with various DLSS quality modes. Setting DLSS to Balanced mode, which uses 55% super-resolution, yielded frame rates in the range of 60-70 FPS. This configuration struck a reasonable balance, offering decent graphics quality while keeping the gameplay smooth enough for most scenarios. However, there were still occasional drops during graphically demanding scenes, which slightly detracted from the overall fluidity.<br /><br />Switching to DLSS Ultra Performance mode, with a super-resolution of 25%, drastically boosted the frame rates to between 100-120 FPS. The gameplay felt exceptionally smooth and responsive, especially during fast-paced combat and exploration. However, this setting comes with a trade-off in visual quality. Textures appeared less detailed, and some of the finer visual elements seemed a bit blurred or less defined. While the difference wasn’t drastically game-breaking, it was noticeable, especially when compared to higher DLSS settings.<br /><br />  <div type="image" title="6" msid="113575871" hostid="261"></div><br /><br />After testing various settings, I found that DLSS Performance mode with a super-resolution of 50% offered the best overall experience. This setting provided a stable frame rate range of 90-100 FPS, striking a harmonious balance between high-quality visuals and smooth performance. The game ran very smoothly, with rich details and vibrant effects that fully showcased the capabilities of the Alienware X16 R2. <br /><br />During intense combat scenarios, such as boss fights against formidable foes like the wolf, the game maintained its smooth performance with only minor lag. These brief interruptions were rare and didn’t significantly impact the overall experience. This setting seems to be the sweet spot, delivering excellent visuals without compromising on frame rates, making it ideal for both casual exploration and high-stakes combat.<br /><br /><h2>Sound quality and immersion</h2>Sound design plays a crucial role in enhancing the gaming experience, and Black Myth: WuKong does not disappoint in this regard. The audio quality on the Alienware X16 R2 was excellent, with every footstep, weapon clash, and environmental sound coming through clearly.<br /><br />  <div type="image" title="5" msid="113575876" hostid="261"></div> <br /><br />The subtle rustling of leaves and the distinct thud of footsteps added depth to the game’s immersive world. While the clarity of the sound was impressive, the bass also deserves a special mention. If you don’t have access to your headphones or an extra set of speakers, you can still enjoy <keyword id="23273348" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="black-myth-wukong" source="keywords">Black Myth WuKong</keyword> and other games on this laptop. And that is really something.<br /><br /><h2>Verdict: which configuration should you opt for?<br /></h2><br />Overall, Black Myth: WuKong performs admirably on the Alienware X16 R2 across various settings, but the ideal configuration depends on the player’s preferences for visuals versus performance. For those who value stunning graphics and can handle slightly lower frame rates, playing with super-resolution maxed, DLSS enabled, and ray tracing ‘on’ offers a visually immersive experience. However, if the goal is to achieve the smoothest gameplay possible, adjusting DLSS to Performance mode with a 50% super resolution provides the best balance between visual fidelity and frame rate stability.<br /><br />  <div type="image" title="7" msid="113575880" hostid="261"></div><br /><br />The Alienware X16 R2 handles the game’s demands well, showcasing its capability to deliver high-end gaming experiences. As a powerful gaming laptop, it proves more than capable of meeting the needs of modern, graphics-intensive titles like Black Myth: WuKong. Whether you are exploring breathtaking landscapes or battling against mythical foes, this setup ensures a seamless and visually stunning journey through the world of Wu Kong.<br /><br /><h2>About the Alienware X16 R2<br /></h2><br />The Alienware X16 R2 used to test this game featured an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H CPU and GeForce RTX 4090 GPU. The laptop has a 16-inch display with 240Hz refresh rate.<br /><br />  <div type="image" title="3" msid="113575892" hostid="261"></div><br />I also played other games like GTA V, Horizon Forbidden West, Shadow of The Tomb Raider and Doom: Eternal on the laptop. All of these games ran splendidly on high graphic settings. I could even pause a game, return to the home screen to do some quick work, and get back to gaming on the laptop without noticing any lag or issues. For a detailed review of the Alienware X16 R2, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/alienware-x16-r2-review/articleshow/110879384.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">click here.</a><br /><br /><em>Disclaimer: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a purchasing guide or recommendation. We advise readers to do additional research, including hands-on usage of the device at a retail outlet, before making a decision.</em><em><br /></em><br />

Black Myth: WuKong performance review — Here is how the game runs on Alienware X16 R2 with Nvidia RTX 4090

<ul><li><keyword id="22529872" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Vivo-V40-Pro" source="keywords">Vivo V40 Pro</keyword> comes with impressive photography capabilities</li><li>The phone is powered by Mediatek Dimensity 9200+ processor</li><li>It can handle multitasking like a pro</li></ul><br /><strong>Pros</strong><br /><br />- Excellent camera performance with various modes for photography enthusiasts<br /><br />- Smooth multitasking and gaming experience without lag<br /><br />- Sleek, premium design with a vibrant display<br /><br /><br /><strong>Cons</strong><br /><br />- Slight loss of detail when using zoom beyond 3x<br /><br />- Pre-installed bloatware detracts from a cleaner experience<br /><br />- Pricey for its range, especially in the above Rs 50,000 category<br /><br /><br /><br /><keyword id="19936542" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Vivo" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Vivo" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Vivo">Vivo</keyword> recently launched yet another powerful mid-ranger in the market -- the Vivo V40 Pro. The company says that the phone is the slimmest smartphone in the 5500mAh battery category. The phone also boasts a powerful camera setup in collaboration with Zeiss. It is available in two storage variants and two colour options. We, at Business Insider India, received the 256GB storage variant in Titanium Grey colour for review.<br /><br />  <div type="image" title="9" msid="113455659" hostid="261" sizebytes="1152461"></div><br />I have been using the phone for nearly a month and have absolutely loved the experience so far. So, is the Vivo V40 Pro as promising in real-life as much as it looks on the specs sheet? Read on to find out. <br /><br /><br /><h2><keyword id="22642110" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Vivo-V40-Pro-review" source="Orion">Vivo V40 Pro review</keyword>: Design and display</h2><br />When I first looked at the phone, I couldn’t help but marvel at how gorgeous it looks. <br /><br />The phone boasts a sleek and modern design that feels great in hand, thanks to its curved front and back glass panels, which effortlessly blend into the rounded frame. The phone also comes with curved edges and a super smooth back panel.<br /><br />  <div type="image" title="Vivo V40 Pro comes with great in-hand feel" msid="113455684" hostid="261" sizebytes="1068611" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Vivo V40 Pro comes with great in-hand feel&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br /><br />However, this also means that the phone tends to slip off of your hands easily. Hence, I would recommend using it with the back cover on always. <br /><br />The Titanium Grey colour makes it look like it belongs in a conference room and is built for serious business. I am a fan of minimalist designs and if that’s what you prefer in a phone, you will love the design language of the V40 Pro.<br /><br />The camera module at the back mimics a pendulum, with two cameras neatly positioned in a circular arrangement at the top, while a third camera and a distinctive aura LED ring complete the look in the bottom module. The symmetrical, artistic design of the camera module adds to the phone’s elegance. <br /><br />Then there’s the usual Vivo branding on the left and Zeiss branding placed within the camera module. <br /><br />On the right edge, there is a power button and volume buttons. The placing of these buttons is spot on as I could easily turn the volume up and down using my thumb while holding the phone. The bottom edge has the Type-C charging port and speakers along with the SIM tray. <br /><br />On the front, the phone comes with a 6.78-inch FHD+ AMOLED display paired with a 120Hz refresh rate. The display is surrounded by slim bezels that result in an immersive experience and also has a punch-hole notch which enhances the experience. The display comes with a peak brightness of 4,500 nits. Even while using the phone in peak sunlight outdoors, I didn’t face any issues as the screen was bright enough.<br /><br />  <div type="image" title="Vivo V40 Pro sports a sharp display" msid="113455708" hostid="261" sizebytes="1218993" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Vivo V40 Pro sports a sharp display&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> <br /><br />The display is crisp, clear and has vibrant colours, which are perfect for watching your favourite shows and movies on various OTT platforms. I watched a couple of episodes of The Modern Family and The Walking Dead on Netflix and loved the experience. <br /><br /><br /><h2>Vivo V40 Pro review: Software, performance and battery</h2><br />When it comes to performance, the V40 Pro meets expectations. The phone is powered by the Mediatek Dimensity 9200+ processor and everyday tasks feel smooth and seamless. Whether you're making calls, jotting down notes in a meeting, editing photos in Adobe Lightroom, or playing games, the phone can take care of it all. I didn’t encounter any lags or performance issues, even with multiple apps running simultaneously. In fact, I managed to have 18 apps open at once without the phone slowing down, showcasing its impressive multitasking capabilities.<br /><br />I also played a couple of games on the phone including COD Mobile, Genshin Impact, The Sims Freeplay and Battlegrounds Mobile India. The phone was capable of running all the games perfectly at medium and high graphic settings. It did get fairly warm after some intense gameplay but it never got to the point where I had to keep it down. The speakers, enough to fill up a medium-sized room, felt adequate. The sound quality deserves a mention too as I enjoyed the sound effects in all the games.<br />  <div type="image" title="4" msid="113456073" hostid="261" sizebytes="1226977" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Vivo V40 Pro promises strong performance&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />Talking about the battery, the phone will easily last you for a day and a half with medium usage. If your usage is light, it might last a couple of hours over that too. Hence, the battery life is quite impressive. I used the phone at work extensively every day and found myself reaching for a charger only on the following morning when I woke up.<br /><br />When I played Battlegrounds Mobile India on the phone for an hour, the battery dropped by 13 per cent. I was playing with full brightness on. Hence, if you are gaming on the phone for long hours, it is a good idea to have your charger next to you. The phone also charged to a full 100 per cent in about 50 minutes.<br /><br />On the software side, the Vivo V40 Pro runs <keyword id="21133649" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="FuntouchOS-14" source="keywords">FuntouchOS 14</keyword>, built on Android 14. While the interface is feature-rich, it does come with a fair amount of bloatware. Thankfully, most of these pre-installed apps can be removed or disabled, but it would’ve been better if the phone arrived with a cleaner setup right out of the box. Vivo has committed to providing two major OS updates along with three years of security patches, which is a reasonable promise for long-term users.<br /><br /><br /><h2>Vivo V40 Pro review: Camera</h2><br />The Vivo V40 Pro boasts an impressive quad-camera setup, featuring four 50MP sensors. At its core is a 50MP primary camera with Sony's IMX921 sensor and optical image stabilisation (OIS). Alongside it is a 50MP portrait lens (Sony IMX816) offering 2x optical zoom and up to 50x digital zoom, a 50MP wide-angle lens, and a 50MP front camera, all supported by ZEISS optics.<br />  <div type="image" title="Vivo V40 Pro comes with great camera capabilities" msid="113456112" hostid="261" sizebytes="756595" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Vivo V40 Pro comes with great camera capabilities&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br /><br />The phone is capable of producing some great shots in bright sunlight. The photos are rich in colour and detail, making it a great option for anyone passionate about photography. Users can choose between three colour modes—Vivid, Texture, and Zeiss Natural. In my opinion, the Zeiss Natural mode delivers the most accurate colour reproduction, and it quickly became my go-to for its lifelike results. However, if you're after a bit more flair, the Vivid mode adds a touch of saturation for a more eye-catching finish.<br /><br />  <div type="image" title="15" msid="113456223" hostid="261" sizebytes="1108066" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Vivid mode adds a dash of colour&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br /><br />Even though the V40 Pro’s camera captures impressive detail, zooming in tells a different story at times. Once you hit 3x zoom, there's a slight drop in texture sharpness, and by 5x zoom, the clarity starts to degrade. At 50x zoom, the images are noticeably blurry and not very useful.<br /><br />  <div type="image" title="14" msid="113456237" hostid="261" sizebytes="1763532" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Zooming in loses details&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div> <br /><br /><br />One standout feature is the OIS, which allows for some fantastic shots even in motion. I managed to snap clear images while in a moving vehicle, which is a testament to the phone’s stabilisation capabilities.<br />  <div type="image" title="Vivo V40 pro image sample" msid="113456300" hostid="261" sizebytes="1787546" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;Image clicked from a moving car&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br /><br />When it comes to low-light photography, the Vivo V40 Pro performs admirably. I took several evening and night shots, and the phone consistently produced bright, detailed images. The aura light also proves helpful for flash photography, delivering well-lit photos in darker environments. The front camera also captures some impressive low-light selfies.<br /><br />When I was out celebrating my birthday at a low-lit cafe at night, it was a delight having this phone around to capture special moments with my loved ones. The phone is also great for group selfies, as it captures as many as 15 people perfectly.<br /><br />In terms of portrait photography, the V40 Pro once again offers great texture and detail. However, if you look closely, the edge detection feels slightly off at times.<br /><br />  <div type="image" title="10" msid="113456414" hostid="261" sizebytes="1033134" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;V40 Pro captures great images indoors as well&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br /> You can also adjust the aperture and choose from six special Zeiss bokeh modes. Each of these modes has its own charm, but I liked the Sonnar mode the best.<br /><br />  <div type="image" title="12" msid="113456326" hostid="261" sizebytes="1098419" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;V40 Pro captures great images in low-lit environments&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br />The phone also has a food mode and it really makes those lip-smacking dishes appear even tastier. So if you are a food blogger or plan on being one, here’s a win!<br />  <div type="image" title="11" msid="113456355" hostid="261" sizebytes="1159292" caption="&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;V40 Pro comes with a food mode in photos&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;"></div><br /><br />The V40 Pro doesn't disappoint on the video front either and delivers crisp and vivid videos that capture all the action smoothly.<br /><br /><br /><h2>Vivo V40 Pro review: Verdict</h2><br />The Vivo V40 Pro is an excellent choice for photography lovers and multitaskers. Even casual gamers will appreciate its capabilities. However, its premium features come at a price, with the phone sitting in the above Rs 50,000 range, which might give some potential buyers pause. Nevertheless, for those who prioritise camera performance and have the budget, this phone is a strong contender. I would rate it an 8 out of 10.<br /><br /><br /><em>Disclaimer: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as a purchasing guide or recommendation. We advise readers to do additional research, including hands-on usage of the device at a retail outlet, before making a decision.</em><br />

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