Friday, August 21
After a record-setting 2025, copper has entered 2026 with heightened expectations and a bullish undertone. The metal’s nearly 60% rally last year has laid a strong foundation, but analysts believe the real story may just be unfolding.With structural supply deficits intensifying, demand from the energy transition accelerating, and China’s infrastructure push regaining momentum, 2026 could emerge as a pivotal year for copper.Experts are now looking beyond the historic gains of 2025 to what lies ahead in a market where fundamentals remain firmly supportive.While short-term corrections are not ruled out, the long-term narrative remains intact and, according to some, the metal may still have another 30 to 35% upside in store. Copper is no longer just riding on past momentum but is shaping u
With Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman set to present the Union Budget for 2026–27 in February, the government is heading into one of its most consequential fiscal exercises yet. This will be Sitharaman’s ninth Budget, delivered at a time when India’s growth has outpaced several global peers even as external risks mount, from geopolitical tensions to higher trade barriers imposed by the US.Against this backdrop, The Economic Times has rolled out its Budget 2026 survey to gauge whether the coming fiscal exercise could mark a turning point for the economy. Readers can take part in the survey here.The run-up to the Budget has already seen intense consultations at the highest levels. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently met economists and sector experts to gather inputs ahead of the f
The domestic equity markets appear less expensive than their US counterparts when compared on the market capitalisation to GDP (Mcap-to-GDP) metric, according to a report by Axis Direct. The report highlighted that while Indian markets are trading above their long-term average on this valuation indicator, they remain fairly valued when seen in the context of earnings momentum, bond yield trends and projected economic growth.It stated, "In terms of Mcap to GDP, India Stands Less Expensive than the US Market".The report noted that India's total market capitalisation to GDP is currently trading at 137 per cent. This level is above the long-term average, which has been recalibrated after the government released the revised FY25 GDP estimate of Rs 324 trillion on February 1, 2025. However, when
