CONSUMER GOODS PRICES
Best online deals to have short life as brands battle surging input costs
During this festive period, ecommerce platforms are gearing up to provide enticing discounts for just the first few days. However, as rising input costs and inflation exert pressure, companies are anticipated to swiftly pull back on deeper discounts. While popular items such as smartphones, televisions, and laptops will see comparatively moderate price reductions this season, the availability and duration of these discounts will be affected by limited stock.
PepsiCo's fizz fades as GLP-1 drugs and activist investor Elliott's targets test its snack business
PepsiCo faces challenges in achieving its growth and margin targets due to rising competition and increased input costs. The company has seen a decline in its North American business, impacting sales volumes and market share. Healthier product offerings have been introduced in response to market changes and consumer preferences. Analysts predict modest revenue growth but express concerns about long-term recovery.
Canadians are paying more for their daily protein shake as whey prices soar amid trade war with US, but is there any relief in sight?
In Canada, the surge in whey protein prices can be attributed to a spike in global demand alongside decreasing availability. The situation is worsened by import tariffs from the U.S. that challenge consumers and businesses alike to adapt. A growing number of individuals are turning to whole foods or plant-based alternatives, prompting manufacturers to revise their pricing tactics. Analysts predict that elevated prices will persist over time.
Nifty 50 companies likely to log strong double-digit growth in Q2
Revenue and net profit of Nifty 50 companies are projected to grow by nearly 20% year-on-year. Analysts note that performance is driven by sectors like automobiles, banking, and oil. Operating margins, however, might contract slightly due to input cost pressures and inflation. Key sectors show varied conditions, balancing strong demand against potential challenges. Overall, medium to long-term outlook remains optimistic, despite some near-term volatility.
US luxury spending falls for third month as wealthy shoppers turn cautious ahead of midterms
US credit card spending on luxury brands fell by 6% from a year earlier in September. This marked the third consecutive monthly decline leading up to the midterm elections. Analysts indicated that prolonged weakness in China and economic challenges affected luxury demand in the US. Spending on leather goods improved, while watches and jewellery saw further deterioration in sales.
US stocks: S&P 500, Nasdaq reach record closing highs as focus pivots to earnings
The US stock market finished on a high note, buoyed by stabilizing crude prices and easing Treasury yields, offering much-needed relief to investors. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq celebrated record closing highs, indicative of a widespread market upturn. With third-quarter earnings just around the corner, excitement is building among analysts and investors, especially with notable announcements from companies like AMD and Constellation Energy.
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Global Market: Eurozone energy inflation has yet to spread to broader prices, ECB's Rehn says
Eurozone energy inflation has not yet spread broadly to other goods and services, ECB policymaker Olli Rehn said. Rising bond yields may curb economic growth and limit price pressures, though resilient activity and AI investment remain concerns. Markets expect further ECB rate hikes as policymakers balance persistent inflation against tightening financial conditions.
In 2011, Jessica Alba co-founded The Honest Company around household and baby products; its 2021 market debut briefly valued it at nearly $2 billion
Jessica Alba co-founded The Honest Company after struggling to find safe household and baby products. The company grew rapidly, focusing on ingredient transparency and sustainability, and appealed to young parents. In May 2021, The Honest Company went public, achieving a nearly $2 billion market capitalization on its first trading day. Despite its celebrity roots, the company aimed to establish itself as an independent brand.
Pulses prices surge: Will cheaper imports bring relief to consumers? Stakeholders divided
India currently imposes a 10% import duty on red lentils and chickpeas, while yellow peas attract a 30% duty.
Gold steady as firm dollar counters softer US rate-hike bets
Gold prices demonstrated stability amidst a stronger dollar, which countered the positive effects of moderating Federal Reserve rate hike anticipations. The price for spot gold remained steady at $4,141.81 per ounce, while US gold futures experienced a slight increase, reaching $4,169.10. The ongoing rise in interest rates raises the opportunity cost associated with gold, making it less appealing for investors.
Trump opens tax-free use of 'red' diesel to all as Republicans face midterm heat
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in Nebraska that aims to ease tax limits on diesel fuel. This decision is intended to save farmers millions of dollars and reduce the cost of goods. Trump emphasized that the move would benefit many, including truckers who would save over $100 per fill-up. As he campaigned for the upcoming elections, he expressed confidence in local GOP candidates.
Social Security’s 2027 “Trump Bump” could be big: How much could your check rise, and what’s the catch for retirees?
Social Security checks are likely expanding next year. The exact increase remains weeks away, but early data points toward a 4.7% Cost-of-Living Adjustment for 2027. If independent forecasts hold true, older Americans will receive the fourth-largest benefit hike in a quarter-century.
Marico’s core franchises expected to power a strong Q2 as FMCG demand holds firm
Marico expects to achieve a double-digit revenue growth in the second quarter of FY27. This growth will be driven by strong domestic demand and improvements in premium and digital-first businesses. The company is benefiting from favorable copra prices that are likely to enhance profit margins. Marico's first-half performance indicates it might exceed its near-term financial guidance. Companies in the consumer goods market are managing resilient demand against fluctuating inflationary pressures.
IRDAI’s insurance distribution paper: Economics in focus, consumer protection gaps remain
Rules and caps can change behaviour. Incentives determine whether organisations merely comply with the rules or actually change the behaviour that created the problem. No regulator can adjudicate every commercial decision made by every insurer and distributor.
UPI MDR: 0.4% charge raises questions over MSME margins, cash flows and digital credit
Industry representatives say merchant size, margins, and the nature of goods should determine the merchant discount rate (MDR), while fintechs flag risks to working capital and digital credit trails.
Despite price hike, appliance makers expect double-digit growth in festive sales
Air-conditioner and consumer appliance prices have risen 5-8% ahead of the festive season, but manufacturers expect sales to grow in double digits, driven by premiumisation, replacement demand, easy financing and improving consumer sentiment.
America In Focus: Unemployment rate climbs, mortgage rate hits nearly 3 year high
The US economy showed mixed signals over the past week, with consumer confidence falling to its lowest level since 2014 and mortgage rates reaching nearly a three-year high. Hiring weakened and job openings declined, while inflation eased slightly. Meanwhile, second-quarter GDP growth was revised higher and stocks remained near record levels.
Trump’s diesel squeeze may put Indian refiners in a sweet spot, and a bind
A potential US diesel export ban could worsen an already tight global fuel market by removing about 1.2 million barrels a day of supply at a time when Middle Eastern, Russian and Chinese exports are constrained. Europe would be particularly exposed, while India could gain export opportunities for its refiners but also face higher crude and domestic fuel costs as global buyers compete for scarce diesel.
Price hikes unlikely to cost brands this festive season
Yet analysts expect demand to remain resilient in impulse-led categories and for purchases linked to the multiple occasions that now make up the festive season. ET reported on September 7 that ecommerce marketplaces and online retailers are expected to clock a record Rs 1.50-1.55 lakh crore in sales during this year’s festive season, up 25-29% from 2025.
Global factory activity boosted by AI spending boom
As AI investments surge, manufacturing activity in Europe and Asia grows noticeably. India boasts significant expansion in its manufacturing sector, boosting business confidence and supporting hiring efforts. Meanwhile, South Korea and Taiwan are experiencing a revival in factory operations, driven by semiconductor and automotive demands.
In 2024, an Australian couple pivoted their meal-planning startup; 2 years later, revenue jumped from $1.2 million to $3.5 million
The idea for Appetise took shape during the pandemic. Toby Hilliam was already familiar with the startup world. In 2019, he founded Mutu, a circular economy platform. Then the lockdowns arrived and brought a very different challenge into the Hilliam home.
In 2015, a Portland entrepreneur borrowed $5,000 to make a leather journal; 6 years later, his brand crossed $100 million in sales
A leather journal made in a Portland garage became the starting point for Portland Leather Goods, a company that grew far beyond local craft markets. Curtis Matsko and his partner built the business around direct sales, durable leather and accessible prices. Etsy helped push the brand to a much larger audience, while the company continued growing without outside investment or venture capital.
Eurozone factory growth hits four-year high in September on strong demand
Eurozone manufacturing growth accelerated to a four-year high of 52.9 in September, driven by robust demand for capital goods and rising exports. However, accelerating input costs and expected consumer inflation of 3.6% pose fresh risks, heightening market expectations of further rate increases by the European Central Bank.
Trump says he has done a 'bad job' explaining his economic record
Donald Trump admitted to a crowd that he has not effectively communicated his economic achievements to the public. He blamed worsening approval ratings on high gasoline prices and public dissatisfaction with his economic management. Trump argues that the country is performing well despite these challenges, including increased consumer pessimism. His upcoming campaign tour is aimed at reversing unfavorable polling before the November elections.
Buoyant Q2 demand for consumer goods lifts festive sales outlook
Consumer demand in India saw significant growth during the July-September quarter, particularly in appliances and FMCGs. Sales of air conditioners, refrigerators, and branded apparel experienced double-digit growth closely following the festive season. Price increases partially influenced this growth amidst a low base from last year. Despite higher commodity costs and a weaker rupee, consumer sentiment appears to be positive.
US economy picks up pace, grows 2.2% as consumer spending, AI investment surge
The US economy grew at a 2.2% annual pace in the second quarter, up from the government’s earlier 1.5% estimate, as consumer spending and business investment remained strong. Consumer spending rose 3.8%, while business investment excluding housing increased 9%. Surging imports, however, trimmed nearly 1.7 percentage points from GDP growth.
Tomato Rs 680, lemon Rs 850/kg, cucumber Rs 300 per piece: Indian in Norway compares vegetable prices with India
An Indian-origin resident of Norway has drawn attention online after comparing the cost of everyday vegetables in the two countries and questioning whether low prices in Indian cities translate into fair earnings for farmers. His post highlighted sharp differences for lemons, tomatoes and cucumbers, prompting users to debate purchasing power, supply and demand, agricultural regulation and the role of intermediaries.
US Market: Fed’s Barr backs further rate hikes as inflation risks remain elevated
Federal Reserve Governor Michael Barr said elevated energy prices and AI-driven investment are complicating progress toward the 2% inflation target. He indicated further rate increases may be needed, while noting resilient employment and stronger growth. Markets expect another 25-basis-point hike in October as policymakers balance inflation risks against labour-market conditions.
Poor man’s gold may become India's next big story as the silver horse rises
Silver is gaining ground in India as record gold prices push consumers towards a more affordable precious metal. Prices have surged 160% in two years, boosting interest in jewellery, gifting and investment. Jewellers report rising silver demand, particularly among younger buyers, but high prices remain a constraint.
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