The Rise of New Gurugram: A Modern Downtown Shaping India’s Urban Landscape
9th December 2024 Gurugram, Haryana, India Gurugram, once a suburban extension of Delhi, has now risen to become one of India’s most coveted real estate destinations. With its towering skyline, world class infrastructure, and thriving corporate presence, the city has firmly established itself as the nerve center of modern urban living. In this transformation, micro-markets like New Gurugram are leading the charge, setting new benchmarks for premium living and solidifying Gurugram’s position as a dynamic real estate hub.
Prominent players such as DLF, Sobha and Conscient are delivering landmark developments at New Gurugram from sector 76 to 80 that would appeal to both end-users and investors. Worlds largest American Express office has recently opened here. Sector 80 in New Gurugram is going to be a hub to a 200 acre residential township developed by HSIIDC. With its strategic location and seamless connectivity via NH-48, Dwarka Expressway, and the upcoming RRTS corridors, it is emerging as the epicenter of Gurugram’s growth. As Gurugram evolves into a global city, Sector 80 is set to mirror the sophistication of downtowns worldwide.
The area’s rising property values, driven by high demand among educated, well-travelled professionals aged 35 to 60, reflect its growing stature. As per a report by Anarock, NCR’s New Gurugram, saw price increases ranging from 40 per cent to 50 per cent. A recently launched luxury housing project by Conscient, “Parq” at Sector 80 has achieved an impressive price appreciation from Rs. 14,500 to Rs. 17,000 per sq. ft. in six months of its launch. Parq is being constructed by Shapoorji Pallonji Engineering & Construction.
Conscient Infrastructure Private limited has established itself as a leader in luxury real estate development both in Gurugram and Goa. It has recently completed Elevate, a two million sqft luxury development at Golf Course Extension Road along with Hines India Real Estate Pvt. Ltd., which is one of the largest and most respected real estate organizations in the world. Their joint venture Development Management firm, Elevate Homes is also developing Elevate Reserve, a mix use luxury project in the same area, which was launched late last year and was sold out within days of its launch. Conscient continues to build on its decade long legacy of excellence and delivery in the real estate industry. Known for its commitment to quality and innovation, the Group develops premium condominiums, luxury villas, and value housing in collaboration with globally acclaimed architects and consultants, setting benchmarks in modern living.
2025 TVS RONIN Debuts at Motosoul 4.0: A New Era of Modern Motorcycling
9th December 2024 Goa, India TVS MotoSoul 4.0, the premier celebration of motorcycling organised by the TVS Motor Company, concluded at Vagator, Goa with an impressive display of innovation, diverse racing formats, and pioneering collaborations. On the final day of the festival, the new and refreshed 2025 TVS RONIN was unveiled. The motorcycle, now available in two striking color options—Glacier Silver and Charcoal Ember—perfectly balances timeless retro design with cutting-edge modern features. It has updated vibrant colours, graphics, state-of-the-art connected technology and performance tailored to suit any mood.
The final day at TVS MotoSoul 4.0 brought an adrenaline-fueled climax to the thrilling new motorcycle race formats that pushed riders to the limits. From high-speed flat track races and gritty dirt track challenges to intense obstacle courses and more, the competition was fierce and the excitement palpable. These high octane events not only showcased the riders’ skills but also elevated the energy of the festival, bringing together a community united by their shared love for the machine. With each race, the thrill of the ride reached new heights, solidifying TVS MotoSoul as the ultimate celebration of motorcycling passion.
Commenting on the last day of the festival, Mr. Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company said, “TVS MotoSoul 2024, with its theme ‘Feel the Adrenaline, Feel the Inspiration, Feel the Groove,’ has been a true celebration of passion, creativity, and community. With every edition, we aim to elevate the spirit of motorcycling, offering exciting experiences for riders and enthusiasts alike. It is inspiring to see the motorcycling community thrive, and we remain dedicated to creating unique experiences that strengthen the bond between man and machine.”
New Unveil (All New TVS RONIN)
The New TVS Ronin impressed with the unveil of two striking new color options: Glacier Silver and Charcoal Ember. These colors replace the previous Delta Blue and Stargaze Black. The new colours enhance the motorcycle’s lineup and upgrade the mid-variant, reinforcing TVS Motor’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.
For the first time, the mid-variant will be equipped with Dual-Channel ABS, which enhances safety and stabiliy for riders. This upgrade creates a more consistent differentiation across all three variants of the TVS Ronin, providing clear distinctions not only in color and graphics but also in functionality.
Collaboration with GIVI
TVS Motor Company also announced an exciting new collaboration with GIVI, a global leader in motorcycle luggage systems, aimed at delivering an elevated and integrated riding experience for enthusiasts. This partnership will offer a comprehensive range of premium luggage solutions tailored to various riding styles and storage needs, seamlessly blending functionality with style. As part of the collaboration, custom-designed frames and mounts will be developed specifically for TVS two-wheelers, providing riders with a seamless, innovative luggage solution that enhances both practicality and riding enjoyment. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the evolution of two-wheeler accessories, bringing together cutting-edge design and convenience for the modern motorcyclist.
Motorsports Extravaganza
Day 2 of TVS MotoSoul 4.0 sparkled with a series of adrenaline-charged competitions, including the flat track and dirt race finals, intense obstacle and moto cross-fit challenges, gravity-defying stunt competitions, skill-testing Gymkhana challenges, innovative build-to- race showcases, and thrilling slow race events. Each event pushed riders to the limit, highlighting the precision, creativity, and passion of motorcycle enthusiasts in a spectacular display of skill and speed.
Community Engagement & Recognitions
Interactive sessions with TVS Racing Champions and panel discussions added a personal touch, while the FMSCI personnel were recognized for India’s achievements in motorsports.
Unforgettable Entertainment:
Music legends Vishal-Shekhar delivered a high-energy performance, while DJ Gurbax kept the crowd grooving late into the night. The festival also featured tattoo art, gaming zones, and lounge music, adding to the dynamic atmosphere.
TVS MotoSoul 4.0 stood out as a true celebration of biking culture, seamlessly blending camaraderie, innovation, and the profound connection between riders and their machines. With a strong emphasis on sustainability, the festival embraced eco-friendly practices in its branding and operations, underscoring the company’s commitment to being a responsible citizen. The inclusion of an international media ride further amplified the event’s global reach, solidifying TVS MotoSoul as one of the world’s premier motorcycle festivals. As the event drew to a close, it left participants with unforgettable memories of excitement, inspiration, and a shared passion for riding—setting the stage for an even bigger and more exhilarating celebration in the years to come.
Next-Gen Innovation: TVS Motor Company Unveils Game-Changing RT-XD4 Engine
TVS Motor Company (TVSM) – a leading global automaker operating in the two and three-wheeler segment – unveiled its next-gen TVS RT-XD4 engine platform on Day 1 of TVS MotoSoul 4.0. The TVS RT-XD4 is a new, transformative innovation that takes inspiration from the company’s racing heritage over decades. The platform delivers thrilling performance, unmatched refinement and precision, for a very comfortable ride.
Announcing the new engine platform, Sudarshan Venu, Managing Director, TVS Motor Company, said, “The TVS RT-XD4 is a major milestone, the result of our focus on creating unique, compelling, TVS-kind of riding experience. Conceptualised, designed and developed in-house, at our R&D Centre in Hosur, the TVS RT-XD4 is a demonstration of our engineering and research capability. Over the last several years, TVSM has been setting benchmarks in riding excellence, made possible by decades of exposure to the race track, extensive user insights, ahead-of-the-curve investments, and robust tech and digital capability. We will continue to bring about mobility solutions that can transform the quality of life of people across the world.”
The TVS RT-XD4 engine platform delivers racing thrill via 4 Dual Technologies:
- Dual Overhead Cams with downdraft port that delivers high revs and superior peak performance
- Dual oil pump with split chamber crankcase that delivers optimum lubrication and all-range torque.
- Dual cooling jacket cylinder head with water jacket on top and oil jacket below that further increases cooling, to increase performance output.
- Dual breather system that effectively prevents oil contamination and reduces oil consumption, for consistent performance over long duration.
The engine comes with other features for refined performance and rider comfort:
- Plasma spray-coating
- Superior thermal/heat management
- High inertia shell bearing crankshaft
- Helical gear driven balancer system
This new-gen platform delivers high efficiency, while supporting ethanol-blended fuels, reduced emissions, and enhanced reliability.
Key Features of the TVS RT-XD4 300 Engine: the first engine on the new platform.
- Displacement: 299.1 cc, single-cylinder, forward-inclined engine
- Power Output: 35 PS @ 9,000 rpm, with 28.5 Nm torque @ 7,000 rpm
- Cooling System: Liquid-cooled with dual cooling (water and oil jackets)
- 6 Speed gear box
- Ride-by-wire throttle system
- Assist and Slipper clutch
Day 1 of TVS MotoSoul 4.0: A day of unique experiences, adventure and Records.
Day 1 of TVS MotoSoul 4.0 was a thrilling showcase of creativity, community, camaraderie and a celebration of engineering excellence. Custom motorcycle builds took center stage, with three extraordinary creations based on the TVS Apache RTR 310 and TVS RONIN, crafted in collaboration with Smoked Garage (Indonesia) and TVS Motor Factory Team (India). Dirt Track Races, Stunt Competitions, Obstacle Races, Slow Bike Races and Flat Track Training sessions kept the riders engrossed. The creatively inclined, gravitated more towards the center stage to see artist performances, moto-art booths, caricatures and tattoo art, push-up competitions, game rooms and musical performances.
Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company said, “TVS MotoSoul 4.0 is a celebration of everything we stand for, as a premium motorcycle brand — creativity, innovation, and the rider spirit. Aside of our revolutionary performance engine platform that we unveiled, this year’s event also marks the assimilation of different cultures, biker communities and varied art forms. The showcase of custom motorcycles from some of the best builders in the industry, is a personal favourite. With captivating activities, thrilling racing formats, and electrifying performances, MotoSoul 4.0 sets the standard for motorcycling events.”
Adding to the excitement, TVS Motosoul 4.0 celebrated a record-breaking 6,300-kilometer ride on the Golden Quadrilateral, atop the TVS NTORQ. Two accomplished riders – Syed Asif Ali and Shamin Khan – now have recognition from the Asia Book of Records for achieving the feat.
The day was packed with dynamic experiences, including panel discussions, freestyle acts, interactive zones, and electrifying performances by Kalamkaar and DJs Akthar & Clement, setting the tone for the festival.
Signature Global’s Ambitious Vision: Rs 10,000 Crore Revenue by Mar 2026
Realty firm Signature Global is targeting to deliver 16 million square feet area to its customers by March 2026, helping the company recognize around Rs 10,000 crore revenue in the books of accounts.
Signature Global is one of the leading real estate companies in the country. It has a significant presence in Gurugram.
Signature Global Chairman Pradeep Aggarwal stated that the company has projected revenue recognition of Rs 3,800 crore for the current fiscal year.
He mentioned that the company has already recorded revenue of Rs 1,200 crore in the first half of this fiscal and expressed confidence in comfortably achieving the Rs 3,800 crore target.
“We are targeting to deliver around 16 million square feet area to customers by end of the next 2025-26 fiscal,” he said, adding the company is investing a lot on construction activities.
These 16 million square feet area covers 25 real estate projects, mostly housing.
Aggarwal said the completion of this area would help the company recognise around Rs 10,000 crore worth revenue in the financial statement.
Out of this, he said the Rs 3,800 crore would be recognised this fiscal and the remaining in the next financial year.
Aggarwal said the company is focusing both on launch of new projects as well as the completion of the ongoing projects.
It also keeps evaluating proposals to acquire land parcels in Delhi-NCR on outright basis and also joint development agreements.
Outlining the business plan, Aggarwal said the company will launch multiple housing projects worth Rs 50,000 crore in Delhi-NCR over the next three years as part of its expansion plan amid strong consumer demand.
Signature Global, which is listed on stock exchanges, sold Rs 7,270 crore worth properties last fiscal and is targeting to sell Rs 10,000 crore this fiscal.
Aggarwal noted that housing demand continues to be strong in Gurugram and the company would keep expanding its presence by launching more projects and acquiring new land parcels.
“We have a strong launch pipeline. We are targeting to launch projects worth Rs 50,000 crore over the next three years,” he said.
The company already has land parcels in Gurugram and adjoining areas to launch projects.
“We gave guidance to launch Rs 16,000 crore worth projects during the current fiscal year. We achieved Rs 9,000 crore launch in the first half of this fiscal and around Rs 5,000 crore worth properties have been launched in the current quarter,” Aggarwal said.
He said the launch guidance would be achieved easily.
On pre-sales guidance, Aggarwal said, “We had given a pre-sales (sales bookings) guidance of Rs 10,000 crore for the current fiscal.” He highlighted that the company has already achieved Rs 5,900 crore worth sales bookings in the first half of this fiscal.
Considering the strong performance in the first six months, he said, “We are quite hopeful of over-achieving of our annual guidance.” Signature Global’s sale bookings jumped over three-time to Rs 5,900 crore in the April-September period of 2024-25 fiscal from Rs 1,860 crore in the corresponding period of the preceding year.
Last month, the company reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 4.15 crore for the quarter ended September.The company had posted a net loss of Rs 19.92 crore in the year-ago period.
Total income rose to Rs 777.42 crore in the second quarter of this fiscal from Rs 121.16 crore in the corresponding period of the preceding year.
Signature Global has so far delivered 11 million square feet of housing area. It has a pipeline of about 32.2 million square feet of saleable area in forthcoming projects along with 16.4 million square feet of ongoing projects.
How the NFP Report Influences US30 Dow Jones and U.S. Stock Market Sentiment
By: Rania Gule, Senior Market Analyst at XS.com
U.S. stock markets are on edge ahead of the much-anticipated Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) report, a key indicator of the health of the American economy. The Dow Jones index (US30) has seen a slight decline since yesterday, settling at 44,737 during Friday’s trading—a drop of around 250 points. This reflects the cautious sentiment prevailing among investors. While this drop may appear modest, it signals that the markets are at a crucial juncture around the 45,000-point level—a significant psychological and technical barrier that cannot be ignored.
From my perspective, overall market sentiment remains largely optimistic, with stocks nearing record levels. However, anxiety about the upcoming report is weighing on price movements, especially given the unexpected outcomes of initial jobless claims data in recent weeks. Initial jobless claims rose to 224,000—the highest in six weeks—indicating growing disruptions in the labour market. Yet, despite their significance, these figures lack the comprehensive impact of the NFP report, which offers broader insights.
Current expectations project the addition of 200,000 new jobs in November—a significant rebound compared to October’s disappointing figure of just 12,000 jobs, which left investors disheartened. While the causes of October’s decline were clear and temporary, such as labour strikes and hurricanes, investors need to see a strong recovery to be reassured about the labour market’s resilience. In my view, any deviation from expectations could lead to significant market volatility, particularly if signs of an unexpected economic slowdown emerge.
At the same time, investors are closely watching the political landscape, particularly the anticipated return of Donald Trump to the presidency in 2025. While some optimists hope that his market-friendly policies could bolster corporate earnings, concerns remain about the potential for renewed inflationary pressures and weakened economic stability. These political uncertainties add another layer of complexity to markets already grappling with elevated stock valuations.
In recent movements, the Dow Jones index has shown a clear divergence. While most stocks posted modest gains, heavy losses in some key components have weighed on the overall index. UnitedHealth shares dropped 4% following the tragic assassination of its insurance division chief, casting a shadow over investor sentiment. Meanwhile, Salesforce shares fell 2%, as the company continued to retrace exaggerated gains from the AI boom. Although AI has been a key driver of market growth, investors now demand tangible evidence that it is improving revenue margins.
In my opinion, this situation places markets in a highly sensitive position. The contrast between generally positive sentiment and fears of negative surprises in economic data intensifies investor indecision. There remains significant resistance to a full shift towards riskier positions, but the lack of clear evidence of an economic slowdown prevents a major sell-off.
The markets are now heavily reliant on the upcoming NFP report. If the data aligns with or exceeds expectations, it could propel the Dow Jones back into its upward trajectory, breaking the 45,000-point barrier. However, if the report disappoints, we could witness a deeper correction, especially if accompanied by other signs of economic deceleration or escalating political concerns.
I believe investors must exercise patience and pay close attention to the fine details of the forthcoming report, which will serve as a roadmap for markets in the near term. Focusing on labour market strength, along with monitoring inflation indicators and Federal Reserve policies, will remain essential for understanding future trends. While markets appear capable of withstanding some pressure, any significant deviation from expectations could reignite volatility, making risk management a critical priority for investors during this delicate phase.
India Warms Up to Hybrid Cricket Pitches: Insights from Paul Taylor
Chandigarh, 7th December 2024: SIS Pitches, a global leader in pitch technology and management, made its mark at the 14th Global Sports Summit, FICCI TURF 2024, where Paul Taylor, International Sales Director (Cricket) of SIS Pitches, provided insights into the growing acceptance of hybrid cricket pitches in India. The summit, themed ‘Vision 2036: Making India a Sporting Powerhouse,’ showcased India’s ambitions to host the 2036 Olympics, strengthen grassroots sports, and position the country as a global sports leader.
Speaking at the event, Paul Taylor, International Sales Director (Cricket) – SIS Pitches said, “Following the first installations of hybrid cricket pitches in India, their use is now starting to become more accepted. The pitches in Dharamshala (HPCA Stadium) have been heavily used since their installation in March, and we continue to get positive feedback from players, coaches, and head curators. We are also looking to conduct specific performance data analysis to reinforce the feedback we’ve received.”
Building on the success of its installations at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, SIS Pitches further solidified its footprint in India with the completion of eight new hybrid cricket pitches—four each at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Cricket Stadium in Amtar, Himachal Pradesh, and the Luhnu Cricket Stadium in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. These new pitches equip the venues to host more matches and cater to the growing passion for cricket across the country.
Through SIS Pitches, Taylor’s team has been educating stakeholders in India, ensuring clarity and promoting the adoption of these modern surfaces. “When it comes to sports surfaces, there are three main types: natural, fully artificial, and hybrid, which is a combination of the two. During my visits to India, I’ve noticed significant misinformation about pitches, especially hybrid pitches. Some think they’re drop-in pitches or fully artificial, which isn’t the case. Hybrid pitches combine natural turf with synthetic fibers,” Taylor said.
Beyond cricket, SIS Pitches is well-positioned to cater to the growing demand for high-quality playing surfaces across sports such as football and hockey. With the rise of professional leagues like the IPL, ISL, and HIL, hybrid pitches offer a reliable solution for managing high-intensity schedules while delivering consistent playing conditions.
Taylor emphasizes that quality facilities and coaching are pivotal to delivering positive experiences and fostering talent, “Facilities are absolutely crucial in any sport. Athletes need to have a good experience; they need to enjoy what they’re doing. This is why coaches play such an important role in developing the game. Looking ahead to 2036, there’s a massive opportunity for the country to put systems in place to develop the next generation of athletes and prepare them for the Olympics bid.”
SIS Pitches brings a wealth of global experience, having delivered hybrid pitches for top football clubs like Barcelona and Manchester United, as well as cricket boards such as the ECB. Recognizing the critical role of grassroots sports in nurturing future champions, SIS Pitches is committed to democratizing access to world-class infrastructure.
Taylor further said, “Working in India has been a fascinating journey, from the higher clay content black soil in northern pitches to the red soil with a lower clay content in the south, providing us with differing installation challenges that have been overcome and high-quality installations have followed. The opportunity for Indian sport here is immense. It’s an exciting time to be involved in the country’s sporting future, and we’re happy to support the Olympic bid in any way we can.”
“Hybrid pitches were used for range hitting during the IPL this year. Interestingly, Indian players didn’t even realize they were playing on hybrid pitches. Only the English players, accustomed to them in the UK, recognized the surface. The playing characteristics remain unchanged.”
Grassroots development forms the backbone of India’s Vision 2036. Taylor argues that hybrid pitches provide a consistent and safe environment, critical for accelerating talent development. “Grassroots development is the foundation for achieving India’s Vision 2036. The infrastructure already in place is a good start, but we need continued investment and collaboration to improve it further and support local businesses. As a company, we’ve invested heavily in India and are eager to contribute to this vision.”
With India’s preparations for the 2036 Olympics underway, Paul Taylor reiterated the importance of advanced sports infrastructure, such as hybrid pitches, in meeting the demands of high-profile global events. Hybrid pitches are engineered to withstand frequent use and varying climatic conditions, making them ideal for India’s diverse sporting calendar.
“At SIS Pitches, we inject synthetic fibers into the natural grass surface to extend its durability. This allows up to three times more play on the same number of pitches, requires less repair, and offers a safer playing surface. Providing safe, consistent, and long-lasting sports surfaces creates opportunities for greater participation and accelerates talent development. Poor surfaces hinder talent growth, while good surfaces enable quicker learning and progress.”
He added, “A common concern is whether hybrid pitches result in a loss of home advantage. The answer is no. The curator retains complete control over the pitch preparation—whether it’s watering, rolling, or adjusting the grass height. With only 5% synthetic fiber and 95% natural turf, the characteristics remain the same, and local control is preserved.”
SIS Pitches’ presence at the Global Sports Summit, FICCI TURF 2024, underlined its commitment to advancing India’s sports infrastructure and aligning with the country’s ambitions of hosting the 2036 Olympics. The summit provided a platform to showcase the potential of hybrid pitches and the critical role it plays in innovative and sustainable solutions in supporting professional leagues, enhancing grassroots sports, and driving India’s emergence as a global sports hub.
Limited-Edition ‘PUSHPA’ Collection by Kalyan Jewellers: Redefining Grace and Style
Chandigarh, 7th December 2024: Kalyan Jewellers, one of India’s most trusted and iconic jewellery brands, is proud to introduce ‘Pushpa’, an exclusive limited-edition line of jewellery inspired by the cinematic marvel Pushpa. Just ahead of the much-anticipated release of Pushpa 2, this stunning collection brings to life the grandeur and spirit of nature, reflected in the film, with bold, exquisite designs that celebrate both strength and sophistication.
Crafted in gold and inlaid with uncut diamonds, mother-of-pearl, and semi-precious stones, the Pushpa Collection is a fiery tribute to nature’s raw beauty. Each piece in the collection reflects Kalyan Jewellers’ commitment to creating masterpieces that tell stories, making them not just accessories but thoughtful works of art.
The collection was unveiled by Rashmika Mandanna on social media, where she shared her excitement about the jewellery line inspired by the film. Available exclusively at select Kalyan Jewellers showrooms, the Pushpa Collection is designed for those who wear their passion with pride. Whether for a special occasion or everyday wear, these pieces embody the spirit of the film, making them the perfect addition to any jewellery lover’s collection.
Historic Victory: India Secures No. 1 Rank at World Ability Sport Youth Games 2024
Hyderabad 7th December 2024: The Aditya Mehta Foundation (AMF) is proudly celebrating the extraordinary achievements of para-athletes trained at its state-of-the-art Parasports Academy and Rehabilitation Centre, Hyderabad. These young champions, studying at the Centre of Excellence, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Rangareddy, have played a pivotal role in securing India’s No. 1 rank at the World Ability Sport Youth Games 2024 held in Ratchasimha, Thailand.
Contributing significantly to India’s medal haul, AMF-trained athletes have bagged 16 medals (5 Gold, 8 Silver, 3 Bronze) over three remarkable days, showcasing their exceptional skill, resilience, and determination.
Winners and Achievements
🏋️♂️ Prathmesh (16) – 80 kg weight category from Maharashtra
🥈 2 Silver Medals in Powerlifting
🎯 Devendra (14) – Under 17 Category from Telangana
🥇 2 Gold Medals in Shot Put and Discus Throw
🥈 1 Silver Medal in Sprinting
🎯 Jyoti (16) – Under 20 Category from Haryana
🥇 1 Gold Medal in Javelin Throw
🥈 2 Silver Medals in Discus Throw and Shot Put
🎯 Shivani (16) – Under 20 Category from Andhra Pradesh
🥇 1 Gold Medal in Shot Put
🎯 Satish (14) – Under 17 Category
🥈 2 Silver Medals in Shot Put and Discus Throw
🎯 Pritam (15) – Under 17 Category from Haryana
🥈 1 Silver Medal in Shot Put
🥉 1 Bronze Medal in Javelin Throw
🎯 Janu (16) – Under 17 Category
🥉 2 Bronze Medals in Shot Put and Javelin Throw
🎯 Lakshmikant (16) – Under 20 Category from Karnataka
🥇 1 Gold Medal in Triple Jump
Today’s Market Analysis by Michael Brown: Expert Insights from Pepperstone
The November US labour market report showed a rebound from the dismal, weather-affected October report, as the overall employment situation remains resilient.
Headline nonfarm payrolls rose by 227k in November, a touch above consensus expectations, but well within the forecast range. At the same time, the prior 2 months of data was revised higher, by a net 56k, taking the 3-month average of job gains to +173k.
Meanwhile, unemployment rose by more than expected, to 4.2%, as labour force participation unexpectedly pulled back to 62.5%, the lowest level since May. Earnings, however, were a touch hotter than expected, rising by 0.4% MoM for the second straight month, and by 4.0% YoY. This, however, is a pace that shan’t threaten sustained achievement of the 2% inflation target over the medium-term.
Taking a step back, my base case remains that the FOMC will still deliver a 25bp cut later this month, continuing to normalise the monetary policy stance, as the labour market also continues to normalise. Naturally, the Committee will seek not to over-react to a single data point, particularly when incoming figures remain skewed by a number of one-off factors, though the modest rise in unemployment will embolden some of the Committee’s doves for now.
That said, if the current degree of labour market resilience persists into 2025, the employment situation could force the FOMC into a slower pace of policy normalisation, particularly as risks around the inflation outlook become increasingly two-sided, amid the incoming Trump Administration’s tariff plans, and likely delivery of further tax cuts.
Though the FOMC, clearly, are unable to react to policy rumours at this stage, next year will likely see significantly more uncertainty introduced to both the monetary and fiscal outlooks. A ‘skip’ at the January meeting remains a distinct possibility.
Consequently, with a renewed hawkish risk introduced to the rate path, the ‘policy put’ that has been in place over the last 18 months is set to become considerably less forceful. Hence, the market’s ‘comfort blanket’ – the prospect of deeper, or faster, rate cuts – likely won’t be present to the same extent next year.
Hence, while strong earnings and economic growth should continue to paint a positive backdrop for risk, and see the path of least resistance still leading to the upside, said path is likely to be somewhat bumpier, and considerably more volatile, than that seen over the last year or so.
Transforming Care: NSDC International Joins Hands with Sompo Care for Advanced Training Programs
Mumbai, India –7th December 2024 NSDC International and Sompo Care Inc. are thrilled to announce their collaboration aimed at establishing a sustainable training and facilitating international opportunities for quality caregivers in India. As part of this partnership, a state-of-the-art training lab has been set up in NSDCI Greater Noida training centre, designed to enhance practical caregiving skills and Japanese language education programs. This facility will enable trainees to build a solid foundation in both Japanese language proficiency and caregiving skills, ensuring they meet the demands of care operations effectively. Through this initiative, NSDCI and SOMPO Care aim to equip Indian caregivers with the necessary tools to excel in the global healthcare landscape, particularly in Japan, where there is a pressing need for skilled professionals.
On inauguration of the lab, Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, COO (Officiating CEO), NSDC & MD, NSDC International said, “We are excited for our partnership with Sompo Care Inc., marking a significant milestone for NSDC International. This collaboration enables us to provide specialized training programs for Indian nursing care personnel, enhancing their skills and preparing them for valuable opportunities in Japan’s healthcare system. Together, we aim to address the growing demand for skilled nursing professionals in Japan while strengthening the ties between India and Japan in the healthcare sector. Through this initiative, we are committed to bridging the gap in healthcare services and supporting the global need for qualified caregivers.”
Discussions between NSDCI and Sompo Care commenced in November 2023, leading to the signing of an agreement in July 2024. The collaboration includes a comprehensive nine-month Japanese language training program and caregiver domain training designed for Indian caregivers, before being employed at Sompo Care facilities in Japan.
The Nursing Care Lab will offer practical training conducted by qualified trainers from SOMPO Care, ensuring that candidates are well-prepared to meet operational standards in Japan. The pilot program will focus on 75 candidates across three batches before scaling up to the larger numbers.
During his address, Shigeru Ando, Corporate Director of SOMPO Care said, “Today, those of you who have gathered here are about to embark on a nine-month journey to study Japanese language and nursing care in India. We are also delighted to celebrate the opening of the Nursing Care Lab. SOMPO Care is the No. 1 nursing care operator in Japan, focusing on establishing an education system through our in-house training centers. Experienced trainers from SOMPO Care will be dispatched here to share the nursing care skills and knowledge we have developed over 20 years. You have passed a severe selection process and have gathered here with a strong determination to pursue this path. We are fully committed to supporting your efforts as you prepare for a future in Japan’s nursing care sector.”
By working together, NSDC International and Sompo Care aim to establish a sustainable training model for quality caregivers in India and enabling international opportunities for them in Japan.