The changing market
After a long time, everything seems to be going right for the market. The indices are near an all-time high once again and the bull hold over the market only seems to be increasing. Two important things have happened over the last one year.

Rupee braces itself for above par performance
The Indian currency (INR) has had an extremely smooth ride in 1999. Compared to the 7.6% depreciation in 1998, the INR is set to end this year no more than 2.4% weaker against the greenback. The INR's 1999 performance is also significantly well above par.

Banking sector needs a wave of M&As
This debate had to start sometime or other and the sooner it is done and completed, the better for the economy. CII recently commissioned a committee of financial experts and businessmen to write a report on what ails our banks.

Raw material for fertiliser industry
Rock phosphate (RP), which is a mined product, forms an important raw material for phosphatic fertilisers. RP contains all phosphate in insoluble tri-calcium phosphate form.

Mono-money in Asia may not take off
Is money going the same way as culture? That is to say, is the fad for single currencies (like a global monoculture) catching on? It has been almost a year since the birth of the euro.

A deal a day
The sale of part of the Tata stake in ACC to Gujarat Ambuja, coming close on the heels of Ambuja's acquisition of DLF Cement, is a clear indication of the consolidation taking place in the sector.