By Quasar Elizundia, Expert Research Strategist – Pepperstone

“Inflation in the United States has returned to the spotlight with the release of data for November 2024. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed a 2.7% year-over-year increase, aligning with market expectations and slightly above the 2.6% recorded in October. On a monthly basis, the CPI rose by 0.3%, marking the largest increase since April.

From a core perspective, the Core CPI—which excludes food and energy—remained steady at 3.3% year-over-year, consolidating the persistence of inflation above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. This figure, while anticipated, underscores the challenges for the Fed in bringing price increases to target levels without destabilizing the economy.

The breakdown of CPI components reveals mixed trends. While energy costs continued to decline (-3.2% year-over-year), food prices increased by 2.4%, driven by rising prices for meats, poultry, and eggs (+3.8%). In the housing sector, the main contributor to the monthly increase, the shelter index rose by 0.3%, accounting for nearly 40% of the overall rise.
The financial market reaction was relatively mixed. The U.S. dollar initially weakened following the data but later regained some lost ground. In Latin America, the absence of an inflationary surprise was met with relief, temporarily benefiting the main LATAM currencies.

Looking ahead, markets are currently pricing in a more moderate monetary policy for 2025, with expectations of three 25-basis-point cuts that could bring rates down to the 3.5%-3.75% range by year-end. However, the economic policies proposed by Donald Trump—such as tariffs and mass deportations—emerge as key variables in determining the effective future direction of prices in the U.S.

Ultimately, while the data was not surprising, it underscores the complexity of the current inflationary environment, where even more intricate factors are poised to play a crucial role in the coming quarters.”

—

By: Rania Gule, Senior Market Analyst at XS.com

Gold prices have experienced notable fluctuations in recent days, with the precious metal trading around $2,690 per ounce on Wednesday. This level, below its two-week high, reflects a blend of conflicting factors shaping a murky outlook for its near-term future. While geopolitical concerns and trade tensions continue to support gold as a safe-haven asset, the strong U.S. dollar, buoyed by rising Treasury yields, exerts downward pressure on its value.

From my perspective, the recent movements in gold prices are a clear reflection of repositioning by traders ahead of the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) report. This report holds substantial importance in guiding expectations for Federal Reserve monetary policy. Current data suggest that markets are cautiously anticipating this report, as it could significantly impact the U.S. dollar’s trajectory and, consequently, gold’s performance.

The U.S. dollar, which has regained strength in recent days, plays a pivotal role in determining gold’s path. Rising U.S. Treasury yields enhance the appeal of dollar-linked assets compared to non-yielding gold. However, this increase in yields is not without risk, as it could heighten tensions in financial markets, making gold a more attractive option during periods of uncertainty.

On the other hand, I believe that escalating geopolitical risks partially bolster gold’s appeal. Recent developments, such as increased tensions in the Middle East and heightened concerns in Eastern Europe with President Zelensky’s remarks about boosting military funding and foreign troop deployment, underscore gold’s role as a hedge against crises.

Additionally, Donald Trump’s re-election and his aggressive stance on trade policies with major global economies reignite fears of trade wars. These factors collectively emphasize gold’s enduring value as a safe-haven investment in times of geopolitical instability.

From a monetary policy perspective, investor expectations regarding the Federal Reserve remain a key driver of gold prices. Markets currently foresee a strong likelihood of a 25-basis-point rate cut in December. However, recent statements from Federal Reserve officials, including Chair Jerome Powell, hint at a more cautious approach to rate cuts. This hesitancy leaves markets in a state of uncertainty, where upcoming inflation data could significantly shift the narrative.

The upcoming CPI report is expected to provide clearer insights into the direction of monetary policy. Higher-than-anticipated data could strengthen the case for maintaining a hawkish stance, supporting the dollar and pressuring gold. Conversely, signs of slowing inflation might reinforce expectations of rate cuts, potentially driving gold to higher levels.

Despite the negative factors weighing on gold, I believe several reasons make it an attractive investment in the near term. In addition to geopolitical risks, Trump’s strict trade policies could destabilize global markets, boosting demand for gold as a safe-haven asset. Moreover, the anticipated underperformance of major economies such as Canada, the Eurozone, and Switzerland—with their central banks expected to cut rates soon—could further support gold as a preferred investment amid a weak economic backdrop.

In conclusion, the market remains cautiously on edge ahead of the U.S. inflation report. Despite pressures from the strong dollar and rising Treasury yields, gold remains partially shielded by increasing geopolitical and economic risks.

I believe the future trajectory of gold largely hinges on forthcoming economic data and the Federal Reserve’s response to it. Given these dynamics, gold may stay below the $2,700 level in the near term. However, any escalation in global crises or a shift in rate expectations could push it to higher levels.

Mumbai, 12th December 2024 KT Professional, a leading name in the professional hair care industry since 2018, is thrilled to announce Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez as the new brand ambassador for its range of premium hair care products.

Known for her stunning beauty, elegance, and commitment to excellence, Jacqueline perfectly embodies the values that KT Professional strives to uphold — sophistication, innovation, and a passion for enhancing beauty in all forms. With her widespread popularity and appeal, Jacqueline is set to help elevate KT Professional’s presence both in India and globally, resonating with individuals who seek high-quality, salon-grade hair care solutions.

Why Jacqueline Fernandez Fits Perfectly with KT Professional

Jacqueline’s radiant personality and impeccable sense of style make her the ideal partner for KT Professional. With her long, beautiful hair and her passion for maintaining a healthy, vibrant appearance, she mirrors the brand’s vision of empowering individuals to express their beauty confidently. As a global icon, Jacqueline brings both relatability and aspirational qualities that resonate with KT’s audience, making her the perfect choice to represent the brand.

Quote from Dhruv Sayani, Founder of KT Professional

“We are beyond excited to welcome Jacqueline Fernandez as the face of KT Professional. She represents everything we stand for — beauty, elegance, and excellence. Her passion for self-care, combined with her strong presence in the entertainment industry, makes her an ideal ambassador for our brand. We are confident that her association will help take KT Professional to new heights and bring our premium hair care solutions to an even wider audience.”

With Jacqueline Fernandez on board, KT Professional is set to continue its journey as a leader in the hair care industry, offering consumers the tools they need to achieve gorgeous, healthy hair every day.

Kehairtherapy: Innovating Haircare, Redefining Excellence

Known for its commitment to delivering professional-grade haircare solutions, KT has become a trusted name in salons and households across the country. The brand’s extensive product portfolio, enriched with keratin and other nourishing ingredients, caters to diverse hair types and concerns.

MUMBAI, 12th December 2024 – In the Industrial Manufacturing and Automotive sector 74 per cent CEOs are confident about the global economy’s growth prospects a survey of 240 sector leaders from across the world finds. Also, industrial manufacturing and automotive CEOs report high levels of confidence about the outlook for their industry, with 80 per cent seeing good growth prospects .

The report which is a sector cut of the KPMG 2024 CEO Outlook, now in its tenth year globally, reveals economic uncertainty is a predominant concern, cited by two thirds of industrial manufacturing and automotive CEOs, while the race to embed generative AI and other technologies (53 per cent) and geopolitical complexities (45 per cent) are also top of mind.

Alongside M&A to drive growth by vertically integrating businesses (with 45 per cent of CEOs describing their deals appetite as ‘high’), a strong employee value proposition to attract and retain key talent, and advancing digitization and connectivity across the business, are also seen as key levers. Organic growth and M&A too are both on the agenda. However, more automotive CEOs see M&A as a strategically important growth lever for the next three years (29 per cent ), while for industrial manufacturing inorganic growth is a little more prominent (31 per cent).

The economic picture may be shadowed by uncertainty — but industrial manufacturing and automotive CEOs are sure that embracing innovative technologies including AI, and embedding them deeper into manufacturing and assembly processes — which are already transforming as Industry 4.0 takes hold — is a path towards future growth and productivity.

It is interesting that new technology such as AI is viewed as both an opportunity and a challenge. In particular, Gen AI has become a major investment priority — especially for automotive CEOs ( 63 per cent) than in industrial manufacturing where the majority (68 per cent) are neutral

They are also very cognizant of the challenges and barriers involved with Gen AI such as ethics, regulation, and costs, as referenced earlier. Two thirds of CEOs feel that regulation needs to move quickly to provide clarity, as a slow pace of regulatory progress will be a barrier to their organization’s success.

An even bigger proportion (73 per cent) believe that the degree of AI regulation should be proportionate, mirroring that for climate commitments. The highest proportion of CEOs (60 per cent) flag the IT function as the biggest area in their businesses for Gen AI adoption, but sales & marketing is not far behind (57 per cent) while manufacturing is a key area for automotive specifically (50 per cent), and research & development is seen as another domain ripe for its use (40 per cent) — suggesting a wide range of potential use cases across the enterprise.

This year’s survey shows that building trust is seen as a key priority. Three-quarters of industrial manufacturing and automotive CEOs believe that engaging with communities is important. The same proportion also say they would be willing to divest a profitable part of the business that was damaging the organisation’s reputation. Six in ten CEOs say that stakeholder expectations around ESG change more quickly than they can adapt their strategy. In response, CEOs are demonstrating agility with 67 per cent saying they have changed their communication strategies around ESG.

Reaching net zero is a critical element in the decarbonization agenda — and by far the biggest barrier to achieving it, according to industrial manufacturing and automotive CEOs is decarbonizing the supply chain (56 per cent). Just as supply chain was a top risk for industrial manufacturing CEOs specifically, so it stands out as by far the biggest barrier for them to achieving net zero (cited by 74 per cent of CEOs). This is much higher than for automotive CEOs (38 per cent), albeit supply chain is the biggest barrier in automotive too.

Despite the advent of AI and advanced technology, 74 per cent of industrial manufacturing and automotive CEOs believe this won’t impact the overall number of jobs, even if it does bring with it an upskilling need and the redeployment of some existing resources.

With talent high on the agenda, CEOs recognize that generational issues could be brewing that require their attention, with this perception being more marked amongst industrial manufacturing CEOs compared to automotive. There is a risk of struggling to replace retirees who have built up years of knowledge and experience if Millennials and the new generation aren’t attracted to the industrial manufacturing environment. CEOs recognize the importance of their response to social issues as levers to keep younger staff motivated, engaged and on board.

Jeffry Jacob, Partner, and Head (automotive) KPMG in India said “A sense of optimism laced with a bit of caution is how I would sum up the mood amongst industrial manufacturing and automotive CEOs. That said, economic conditions have stabilized with costs having reduced, which means sustained earnings growth is something we could see. Geopolitical Uncertainties are a key concern. How that plays out — including impacts on oil prices — could have a significant impact on future trading scenarios.”

Rohan Rao, Partner, Automotive and Lead- Electric Mobility, KPMG in India said “A good amount of consolidation and deals are expected in the automotive industry over the coming years. This is not only because of some overcapacity that we are witnessing in the market but it’s also a result of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) feeling the need to acquire new capabilities in areas such as microchips and batteries for EVs. This could spawn growing number of partnerships and JVs as well as outright acquisitions.”

India’s premier menswear brand, Nemssis launches wedding collection – Band Baaja Baarat. It is a stunning new luxury Kurta Fabrics Collection for men. Crafted for those who seek elegance and sophistication, this collection redefines style for every moment that matters.

Wedding season in India is a vibrant tapestry of traditions, emotions, and celebrations, where the splendor of dressing up for both the bride and groom reflects not only personal style but also cultural heritage. It’s a time when joy knows no bounds, creating memories that last a lifetime.

From wedding ceremonies, to grand celebrations, lively parties, and cherished special occasions, Band Baaja Baarat offers the perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Each fabric is thoughtfully designed to elevate your kurta outfits with premium quality, intricate detailing, and vibrant hues, ensuring you stand out effortlessly.

As you adorn yourself with this beautiful collection, you not only embrace the allure of exquisite embroidery but also become a part of India’s living tapestry, where past and present seamlessly intertwine to create a future woven with threads of tradition and creativity.

From an array of intricate embroidery to luxurious traditional fabrics — Nemssis is your wedding partner. Celebrate life’s milestones in unparalleled style with Nemssis – because every occasion deserves the very best.

Palam Vihar, Gurugram, Haryana: Demonstrating its commitment to advanced healthcare, Park Hospital Palam Vihar, Gurugram has successfully performed a complex ABO-incompatible kidney transplant, giving 53-year-old Md. Shamshad Khan a second chance at life. Mr. Khan, suffering from end-stage renal disease due to renal stone complications, had been dependent on hemodialysis three times a week for six months. His brother, Md. Parvej Khan, courageously stepped forward as the donor despite having an AB-positive blood group, while the recipient had an A-negative blood group, presenting a significant medical challenge.

The transplant, conducted on October 25, 2024, was spearheaded by a team of highly experienced surgeons led by Dr. Surjit Kumar, Director – Kidney Transplant, alongside Dr. Uday Kumar and Dr. Vaseem Shaikh, with preoperative protocols and post-transplant care meticulously managed by Dr. Neha Singh, Consultant – Nephrology.

Key Highlights of the Procedure

Preoperative Preparation:
The patient underwent an advanced desensitization protocol to reduce the high levels of anti-A and anti-B antibodies. This included the administration of Rituximab, plasmapheresis, and ATG under the guidance of nephrologist Dr. Neha Singh. A specialized dialysis filter called Vitrosorb was utilized to further lower the antibody levels, minimizing the risk of organ rejection.

Surgical Excellence:

The transplant surgery was executed with precision, overcoming the inherent complexities of ABO-incompatible transplants. Post-surgery, the patient demonstrated excellent urine output and a marked improvement in creatinine levels, which normalized by the fifth postoperative day.

Postoperative Recovery:
Both the donor and recipient recovered without complications. The donor, Md. Parvej Khan, was discharged on the fifth postoperative day, while the patient was discharged on the eighth day in stable condition, with instructions for regular follow-ups in the Nephrology and Urology OPD.

Expert Testimonials
Dr. Surjit Kumar, Director – Kidney Transplant, said:
“This was a challenging case due to blood group incompatibility. However, with cutting-edge technology, rigorous preparation, and our team’s expertise, we successfully overcame the barriers to perform a life-saving transplant. We are thrilled with the outcome and proud to have given Mr. Shamshad Khan a chance at a healthier life.”

Dr. Neha Singh, Consultant – Renal Transplant, added:
“ABO-incompatible kidney transplants are among the most complex procedures in renal transplantation. The success of this case showcases the synergy of advanced medical science, precise planning, and compassionate care. We are deeply grateful for the trust the Khan family placed in us.”

Patient’s Perspective
For Md. Shamshad Khan, the surgery has been transformative. Reflecting on his experience, he said:
“I had lost hope of ever leading a normal life again. The doctors at Park Hospital not only saved my life but gave me hope for the future. Their care and expertise have been nothing short of miraculous.”

A Landmark Achievement in Renal Care
This success underscores Park Hospital Palam Vihar, Gurugram’s position as a leader in renal transplantation, especially in the realm of ABO-incompatible procedures that were once deemed experimental. These surgeries require a multidisciplinary approach, involving nephrologists, transplant surgeons, immunologists, and specialized nursing teams to ensure positive outcomes.

The successful surgery reaffirms Park Hospital’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of medical science and delivering innovative treatments to patients who face seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Vijayawada, 12th December 2024: Centuary Mattresses, India’s Sleep Specialist, with a legacy spanning over 35 years, proudly announces the grand opening of its new Centuary Mattresses Experience Store at Governerpeta, Vijayawada. Sri. Uttam Malani, Director of Centuary Fibre Plates Pvt. Ltd along with Ps. Ramesh, Hosanna Ministries, B Chandrashekar Rao, Pavan Enterprises and few esteemed guests inaugurated the new store.

This new store, located beside Anjaneya Swamy Temple, near Challapalli Bangalow, Elluru Road at Governerpeta, Vijayawada, promises to provide customers with an enhanced shopping experience, showcasing Centuary Mattresses’ extensive range of high-quality products designed to improve sleep and well-being. This new exclusive retail destination represents a significant milestone in Centuary Mattress’s mission to transform the way consumers experience and select their sleep solutions. The Centuary Mattresses Sleep Specialist Store will offer a unique opportunity for customers to explore and test a variety of mattresses, experience the latest in sleep technology, and receive personalized assistance.

The store is offering 15% off and assured free gifts worth upto Rs 15,000 on all mattresses in an exclusive launch offer.

Mr. Uttam Malani sharing his joy said, “Our new store at Governerpeta, Vijayawada is meticulously designed as a Experience store for sleep enthusiasts and comfort seekers to redefine how customers experience and choose their sleep solutions. Our unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and unparalleled comfort has been the cornerstone of our brand. With the launch of this store, we’re crafting an immersive journey aimed at elevating the lives of our cherished customers. This new space promises to captivate the mattress shopping experience, offering a distinctive fusion of technology, expert guidance and provide a comprehensive experience, allowing customers to find the perfect mattress tailored to their individual needs” added Mr. Uttam Malani.

A diverse range of needs and budgets will be catered at the new experience store which offers an extensive selection of mattresses and pillows. Their product range incorporates sophisticated features, including innovative CU Sense technology that maintains a cool and comfortable body temperature. The new store will have an extensive array of sleep accessories, from neck pillows tailored for customers to a variety of pillows precisely crafted to complement their mattresses. Centuary mattresses come with Centuary Protect promise and hold CertiPUR-US certification, assuring customers of the absence of harmful chemicals in the manufacturing process. The brand’s premium mattresses incorporate high-density memory foam and advanced coil systems, offering the epitome of luxury and support.

Sun Neo’s popular show Ishq Jabariya continues to win hearts with its unique storyline and vibrant characters. Among them is Anu, played by the talented Aarchi Sachdeva. Recently, she shared her thoughts on portraying Anu and the support she’s received from her co-star, Kamya, who plays Mohini in the show.

Reflecting on her role, Aarchi said, “Playing a grey character has been an incredible experience for me. Every day on set feels like a learning opportunity. What I love most about this role is that it’s not completely negative—it has layers. I get to be someone entirely different in front of Gulki and then switch to another shade of the character in other moments. This constant evolution of the role keeps it so exciting for me.”

Expressing gratitude towards her co-star Kamya, she shared, “I also have a lot of scenes with Kamya Ma’am, and working with her feels like reaching for the stars. Shooting with her is such a joy! She guides me constantly, which is especially helpful since this is my first time portraying a grey character. Her advice helps me bring more depth to my performance and enhance my character. There are moments when I feel a little conscious, but she’s the one who encourages me, saying, “Just go for it.” That support gives me the confidence to take risks, and surprisingly, the scenes turn out really well—even better than I expected. It’s an amazing journey, and I’m loving every bit of it!”

Ishq Jabariya, airing on Sun Neo, is a romantic drama that follows Gulki, a spirited young woman determined to fulfill her dreams. Her journey is filled with unexpected twists, and she may find love in surprising places. The show stars Kamya Panjabi, Siddhi Sharma, and Lakshay Khurana in pivotal roles.

12th December 2024 Gold prices recorded some volatility after a two-day rally as market participants adopted a cautious approach ahead of the upcoming US consumer inflation data release. With markets pricing in an 86% probability of a 25 basis points rate cut, the inflation figures could play a critical role in determining the Federal Reserve’s policy stance and its outlook for 2025. Higher expectations for a rate cut could support gold.

The short-term outlook for gold is also supported by anticipated rate cuts from major central banks. The European Central Bank (ECB), Swiss National Bank (SNB), and Bank of Canada (BoC) are all expected to ease policy this week, creating a generally supportive environment for the precious metal. Additionally, escalating geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East continue to provide support to gold prices.

Gold’s positive sentiment is further strengthened by China’s intention to maintain a loose monetary policy stance for the year ahead and the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) resuming gold purchases after a six-month hiatus. The convergence of accommodative monetary policies, persistent economic uncertainty, and ongoing geopolitical tensions could provide a favourable backdrop for gold going forward.

Mumbai, 12th December 2024: The Life Insurance Council has released its business figures for November 2024, highlighting a dynamic landscape in the insurance sector. The year-to-date (YTD) performance remains robust, reflecting a 15.67% growth compared to the same period last year. This positive trend underscores the resilience and ongoing expansion of the life insurance industry, even as it navigates various market challenges.

In November 2024, YTD collections displayed impressive growth, rising from ₹2,11,690.65 crores last year to ₹2,44,868.20 crores this year. This indicates a strong underlying demand for insurance products as consumers and corporate clients seek enhanced protection.

According to data released by the Life Insurance Council, the life insurance industry saw individual single premiums growing by 10.44% on a Y-o-Y basis to close at ₹3669.44 Crs for Nov’24 while YTD growth stood at 13.7%. Individual non-single premiums came in at ₹8,153 Crs and grew by 6.46% in Nov’24, even as YTD collections settled at 16.63% higher than the corresponding period last year. This powerful performance can be ascribed to the fact that life insurers are increasingly focusing on encouraging first-time life insurance buyers to buy essential life insurance solutions, contributing to the 7.66% growth in combined individual premium collections for the month of Nov’24 and 15.68% growth on a YTD basis. In the Group policy segment, new policy issuances expanded by 2.31% on a Y-o-Y basis.

The life insurance industry in India has been making significant strides forward by expanding access to insurance and making an effort to reach out to areas and segments of the country’s population that were previously underserved when it comes to their insurance needs. Towards this end, life insurers added more than 6,54,682 individual life insurance agents, with an overall 2.63% growth in cumulative agent count. Still, the sustained pace of agent addition is being complimented by the high speed of digitisation by life insurers, paving the way for additional gains in insurance penetration that should provide a significant boost to new business premiums in FY25 and beyond.