WHISKEY CONSUMER TRENDS IN INDIA
Why are foreign investors flocking to BFSI stocks in May?
Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) significantly increased their investments in Indian markets during the first half of May, with banking and financial services (BFSI) stocks attracting the highest inflows at ₹4,728 crore. Capital goods and oil & gas sectors also saw substantial investments, while FMCG experienced the most significant selling pressure. Experts anticipate further FII inflows driven by global de-dollarization.
Insider job? Pirated versions of Hindi films surface days before box office release
Several high-profile Hindi films, including Sikandar and Raid 2, have been leaked online before their official release, severely impacting their box office performance. This emerging trend of pre-release piracy, suspected to involve insiders, undermines theatrical potential and digital deals.
One Piece Season 2: What we know about live-action show’s cast and storyline, and watch a preview of Loguetown
Netflix’s One Piece live-action series is preparing for its second season. Although a release date is not confirmed, new locations and characters will be introduced. Actor Mackenyu, who plays Zoro, plans to develop his character further.
UPI, credit cards grab top spots for insurance premium payments: Policybazaar data
According to PB Fintech-run Policybazaar, in the last one year, health, term, and motor insurance products have witnessed the highest adoption of UPI payments. Meanwhile, credit cards have emerged as the most popular payment method for term insurance products and insurance-cum-savings products, where the ticket size might be on the higher side.
Gold to remain a long-term strategic asset amid geopolitical shifts: Manishi Raychaudhuri
Manishi Raychaudhuri favors private sector banks due to potential consumption and investment rebound, alongside consumer discretionary stocks benefiting from tax cuts. Industrials, boosted by infrastructure spending and defense equipment manufacturing, are also promising. While cautious about generics, he sees potential in domestic healthcare, particularly hospitals and diagnostics, driven by increasing urban affluence.
52% consumers are switching to private labels - EY report
Indian consumers are increasingly opting for private label products, with 52% switching due to perceived better quality, according to the EY Future Consumer Index. 70% believe private labels meet their needs as effectively as branded products. Retailers are responding by increasing private label options and shelf visibility.
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Diageo to cut liquor prices in India as UK trade deal slashes Scotch duties
Diageo plans to reduce liquor prices in India by a high single-digit percentage following the India-UK FTA, anticipating full implementation by fiscal year 2027. This move aims to boost growth in the Indian market, the company's largest by volume.
Smartwatch boom cools off in 2025
Smartwatch shipments in India have declined for five consecutive quarters, dropping 33% year-on-year in Q1 2025. The industry is shifting from budget devices to premium features, with fewer new models being launched. Experts predict a correction year, focusing on the ₹5,000-10,000 price segment, expecting a slight shipment growth by year-end after a significant drop in 2024.
Commodity Radar: Aluminium prices fall on rising output, Trump’s tariff impact. Here’s how to trade it
Aluminium prices declined as US tariffs and higher Chinese output pressured global supply-demand dynamics. Domestic futures slipped, while technical resistance capped recent recovery momentum near ₹245 levels.
India Playbook 2025: Global Cheer, Local Resilience Amid Geopolitical Risks
Global equity markets have surged, fueled by eased trade tensions and a shift towards bilateral agreements. India's markets reflect improving macro fundamentals, including rebounding forex reserves and increased banking liquidity. Government capex revival and renewed FII inflows further bolster resilience. While consumption slowdown and geopolitical tensions pose challenges, sectors like auto and capital goods outperform.
Is credit on UPI the game-changer India needs to responsibly unlock consumer lending?
Credit on UPI offers a solution by leveraging real-time data for better monitoring and underwriting, potentially transforming consumer lending and promoting financial inclusion, especially among underserved populations.
From Raid 2 to Jaat: Pirates strike films just before the premiere
Hindi films like Sikandar and Raid 2 are increasingly leaked online before release, severely impacting box office performance. Insiders are suspected, with post-production, content delivery, and exhibition companies identified as potential sources. Piracy, fueled by illegal streaming, mobile apps, and social media, caused significant losses to the film industry in 2023, necessitating multi-layered anti-piracy strategies.
Rasna to acquire Jumpin from Hershey's India
Rasna is set to acquire Jumpin from Hershey's India, aiming to make a significant entry into the ready-to-drink (RTD) segment. Valued independently at ₹350 crore, this acquisition will enable Rasna to target a ₹1,000 crore share of the RTD market. Rasna plans to relaunch Jumpin with a healthier positioning, focusing on Indian fruit juices and reduced sugar content.
Spirits market loses its zing in FY25
Spirits demand in India saw a slowdown to 1.6% in fiscal year 2025. This is a drop from 4.2% the previous year. Whiskey sales saw a slight increase. Brandy and vodka sales remained steady. Policy changes in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh offered some positive developments. Globally, liquor sales also experienced a decline. China and India failed to meet growth expectations.
Quick commerce sprints ahead but still a small slice for FMCG giants
Quick commerce has seen substantial growth for FMCG companies in India, with sales increasing by 50-100% in FY25. While still representing a modest 2-4% of overall sales for major players like HUL and Britannia, the channel's expansion into new locations and better margins due to premium product sales are noteworthy.
Big tech, small cheques: A decade of déjà vu for India’s IT freshers as CEO salaries soar
India's IT sector has witnessed a surge in exports and executive salaries, but entry-level engineers from non-premium colleges face stagnant starting pay, hovering around ₹3-4 lakh annually. Oversupply of graduates and declining billing rates contribute to this disparity, while companies focus on skill-based compensation and training investments. GCCs are emerging as a potential game-changer, offering higher salaries for specialized roles.
IT salary growth: Infosys, Wipro hike median pay by 30% since FY21
Indian IT firms like Infosys and Wipro have seen median salary increases of 30% since FY21, while Tech Mahindra's pay remained flat recently. Global firms Cognizant and Accenture experienced more moderate hikes. However, the growth rate of annual increments is showing a cooling trend across the industry, influenced by factors like growth and attrition.
Wall Street Week Ahead: Retailers set to give tariff view as US stock market roars back
U.S. retail earnings reports are poised to reveal the economic impact of fluctuating tariffs and assess the stock market's recovery. Walmart's warning about potential price increases due to tariffs has heightened investor scrutiny of retailers' responses to the evolving trade landscape. These reports will also provide insights into consumer spending, a crucial component of the U.S.
US consumer sentiment slumps, households brace for inflation surge
American consumer confidence declined in May. Inflation expectations rose to levels not seen since 1981. Concerns grew over President Donald Trump's trade policies. Even Trump's supporters showed worry. Retail giant Walmart warned of price increases. Consumer spending might decrease. The economy contracted in the first quarter. Housing market activity also slowed down.
Beneficiaries of ceasefire in tariff war crossfire. 5 stocks, 2 with an upside potential of 60%; 2 with 12% to 28% possible return
Which are the companies and sectors that will benefit the most if a China-US tariff truce prevails? Metals, obviously, because right from cars to white goods, all of them use metals. Another set of beneficiaries would be those who supply raw materials to these metal companies. Now, in metal companies the raw materials used are not the typical variety, but industrial consumables. There are not too many companies supplying these. India has many and they have been supplying industrial consumables to most parts of the world. They stand to gain as things move toward normalisation.
Alcobev manufacturers in India to see 8-10% revenue growth in FY26: CRISIL
Indian alcoholic beverage manufacturers are poised for continued growth, projecting an 8-10% revenue increase to Rs 5.3 lakh crore by fiscal 2026, fueled by urbanization and rising disposable incomes. Premiumization trends will further boost operating profitability by 60-80 bps. Strong credit profiles are expected due to healthy accruals and absence of significant debt-funded capital expenditure.
Market trend remains bullish as macros improve: Sandip Sabharwal
Sandip Sabharwal suggests that market macros are favorable with decreasing inflation and interest rates, alongside increasing government spending. He believes geopolitical tensions are easing, creating a positive environment despite investor hesitancy. While advising investors to remain invested, he suggests staggering new investments. He also notes Reliance's potential for growth hinges on its investment cycle and cash flow generation.
India’s trade deficit expands to $26.42 billion in April
India's trade deficit significantly widened to $26.42 billion in April, exceeding economists' expectations due to a surge in imports. Imports rose by 19.12% to $64.91 billion compared to the previous year, while exports increased by 9.03% reaching $38.49 billion. This widening deficit reflects the ongoing volatility in global trade influenced by factors like Trump's tariff policies.
Alcohol stocks have priced in FTA gains: Karan Taurani
The UK FTA is poised to boost the Indian luxury spirits segment, potentially leading to a 15-20% price correction and accelerating volume growth to over 40%. While benefiting companies like United Spirits, this deal may challenge Indian brands to adjust their pricing strategies.
Metal prices likely to keep upward pressure on WPI in coming months: Union Bank of India
A Union Bank of India report indicates metal prices may increase the Wholesale Price Index. While overall WPI dropped in April 2025, metal prices rose. Core WPI moderated, but metals like iron and steel played a key role. Fuel WPI fell due to lower global oil prices.
India has not accepted 'data exclusivity' demand by UK to protect generic drug firms
India has declined the UK's request for a 'data exclusivity' clause in their free trade agreement to safeguard its domestic generic drug industry. This decision mirrors a previous rejection of a similar demand from the EFTA bloc. The move aims to protect the flourishing generic drug sector, a key player in India's exports, from potential restrictions on producing affordable medicines.
No duty cuts by India on UK wines under FTA; limited concession on British beer
India's free trade agreement with the UK offers limited import duty benefits on beer and excludes wine, alongside dairy, apples, and other sensitive agricultural products. While Scotch whiskey and cars will become cheaper, duties on Indian garments and leather will reduce in the UK. The agreement, expected to be implemented in over 15 months, is currently undergoing legal vetting.
FTAs making India more competitive against markets like USA, China, Brazil
India's Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are enhancing its competitiveness against major markets like the USA and China, with exports reaching a record USD 825 billion in 2024-25. The FTA with the UK is expected to double trade by 2030, creating jobs and boosting exports, potentially paving the way for agreements with the US and EU.
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