Decoding market fall
With reference to “Bourse correction” (February 25), the stock market dynamics are always unpredictable, ultimately leaving the investors tussle between hope and despair. Earlier market volatility was attributed to certain unscrupulous market operators.
The present volatility is linked to several geopolitical, social and economic changes, which is driving away the global investors towards safe havens.
The current correction is desirable to reduce the market froth and bring valuations to more realistic levels.
From regulatory perspective, a credible whistle blowing mechanism and release of regular market forecasts, would protect investors from market vagaries.
Sitaram Popuri
Bengaluru
Money minting
This refers to the mind-boggling Pocket Cartoon “So, how about your plan to make tons of money at the stock market coming along” (February 25). In fact, such a scenario, could be akin to ‘aiming high but gaining nigh’.
Our unending quest for making quick money via the stock market route, could leave many bewildered and wondering what really went wrong with their investments.
SK Gupta
New Delhi
US energy imperatives
This refers to the article ‘Energy as a bargaining chip in US trade talks’ (February 25). With India importing approximately 85 per cent of its crude oil requirements and 45 per cent of its total energy needs, it is unsurprising that the US considers India a key trade partner for the supply of crude oil and energy products.
Trump’s recent decision to impose reciprocal tariffs has further underscored the importance of India’s trade relationship with the US. Currently, Russia is India’s largest crude oil supplier, meeting about 35 per cent of its needs, and sells oil to India at discounted rates, though the price gap has narrowed recently. But the landed cost of US crude oil is likely to be slightly higher than Russian or Saudi oil. If India increases its crude oil and energy imports from the US; first, it would help the US reduce its trade deficit with India. Two, it could provide renewed momentum to the ongoing agreement for jointly building nuclear reactors, medical advancements, agriculture, and space exploration programmes.
To balance the trade impact, India could explore opportunities to expand its exports of refined petroleum products to the US, thereby offsetting the cost of increased energy imports from America.
Srinivasan Velamur
Chennai
Tech-support for spice farmers
Apropos ‘India eyes doubling spices exports to $10 b by 2030’ (February 25). While this is a welcome move that helps India strengthen its Forex reserves, the contribution of spice farmers must be recognised.
Spice farmers must be given adequate tech-support to produce quality spices which is a prerequisite for exports.
Secondly, illegal import of sub-standard spices, especially Black pepper, must be curbed which is a real threat for the local farmers.
Rajiv Magal
Halekere Village (Karnataka)
