Page 8 - Economic Slowdown

South Korea economy shrank in 2020 for first time in over two decades

South Korea's central bank says the country's economy shrank for the first time in 22 years in 2020 as the coronavirus pandemic destroyed service industry jobs and depressed consumer spending

Do economic forecasts depend on the nature of the economist?

The forecaster's personality seems to influence the forecast. While some are congenital optimists, others are pessimists. They are like the bulls and bears of economics-econometrics confluence

Indian biggest fuel retailers gearing up for rural-led economic rebound

The increasing economic importance of India's hinterlands is influencing business expansion plans and accelerating a trend of more service stations being opened in the countryside

Japan's Suzuki Motor bets big on India for its record sales target

Intends to sell 3.7 mn units globally by 2025, with 67% contribution from Asia

Malaysia's economy posts biggest annual decline since 1998 crisis

The economy contracted 3.4% year-on-year in the October-December period, falling for a third straight quarter and faster than the 3.1% decline forecast in a Reuters poll

Recovery plan can make 2020s Europe's digital decade: von der Leyen

Von der Leyen said the recovery plan will invest in the skills European workers need for the digital transition, will support the creation of a European cloud

Reform within status quo

The finance minister has worked hard to present a Budget that has boosted sentiment

Budget: Govt pegs FY21 fiscal deficit at 9.5%; sets target at 6.8% for FY22

In FY21, the gap between revenue and expenditure reached Rs 18.48 trillion in the revised estimate. For FY22, the gap is expected to be Rs 15 trillion

Statsguru: Economic Survey sets the tone for most awaited Union Budget

The Survey batted for a bold fiscal expansion to make the economic recovery more broad-based

Hit hard by Covid-19 lockdown, economy on firm path of fragile recovery

Though the first case of Covid was detected at the end of January last year, the impact on the economy began to be felt towards the end of March, when the first nationwide lockdown was announced

Budget for the victims: Some silent crises for Ms Sitharaman to address

A consumption boost through continued pay-outs for another year to those at the bottom of the pyramid, and still more money for the employee guarantee scheme should be in order, writes T N Ninan

Ports, roads, steel: 5 companies step up investments as economy recovers

India is focusing on improving its infra as the economy recovers after the coronavirus pandemic. A look at at what Tata Group, L&T, Adani Ports, Ultratech Cement, and JSW Steel plan to do

Budget Byte: Bad year for PSUs may impact dividend payout to govt

Though the stock market touched new highs in 2020, the PSU index was late to the party, and has barely recovered to January 2020 levels

Banking on Budget: The five areas of focus for FM Nirmala Sitharaman

Given the series of policy announcements made by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the last 9 months it is reasonable not to expect more this time

What FM Sitharaman may and may not do in her promised 'never-before' Budget

Wish lists are routine as the govt prepares its annual Budget. But its finances are stretched and the pandemic isn't over. Akash Podishetty lists what the FM could announce in the Budget on Feb 1

Budget Byte: Export needs budgetary support for overall economic growth

Strategic incentives through the Budget may help boost exports.

'Pandemic paradox': Cash was king in 2020 as digital transactions increased

Experts cite hoarding as reason for 22% spike in currency in circulation

Budget 2021: What will be the growth, spending story in post-pandemic world

Here is an interesting graphic explaining the growth and spending story

Banking on Budget: Hope and reforms amid pandemic and fiscal deficit

The government has taken laudable steps to support and propel the economy in these difficult times, but a lot more still needs to be done, writes Vikas Vasal

India's GDP may contract 7.7% in FY21: First advance estimates

Biggest contraction since 1952; investments may decline by 14.5%