Foreign investors are preferring to access the Indian market through the sub-account route rather than coming in as foreign institutional investors (FIIs), thanks to stricter regulatory norms and tax-related concerns related to the proposed general anti-avoidance rules (GAAR).
Diktat to four general insurance companies says 'avoid competition' in any corporate or group account
Regulator wants all existing products to be refiled.
Lender to acquire 30% after existing shareholders divest stake
With "profitable growth" replacing "expansion drive" as the buzzword in the sector, the country's top private life insurers have significantly reduced branches and employees over the last couple of years to cut costs and improve efficiency.
These products contribute almost 20 per cent to the total premium collection of life insurers.
Indian billionaire Shiv Nadar's foray into the insurance sector is likely to fructify soon. DLF Pramerica Life, seeking an Indian partner for its operation, is in talks with Nadar's HCL Group to sell a majority stake. According to those in the know, both parties are back on the table to iron out the nitty-gritty, after the deal got stuck a year back due to stringent guidelines.
The appetite for Indian assets is growing among investors from the land of the samurai. An appreciating yen, combined with slow economic growth, has persuaded many Japanese investors to explore opportunities beyond their national boundary, and India appears to be one of their preferences.
High crude oil prices, which the central bank perceives as a risk to inflation, may limit the extent of rate cut to 25 basis points rather than 50 bps, economists said.
In dollar terms, the Nifty has gained 26.7 per cent in this year, while the Sensex has advanced 25 per cent during the same period.
Uppal, Kotwal, Venkataramanan shortlisted for managing director's post; outsider not ruled out.
Irda to raise provisioning norms to 163-213 per cent.
After a disastrous 2011, stock market investors are pinning hopes on next year. Top sell-side analysts believe though there is more pain ahead, 2012 is likely to end on a positive note.
If the new Companies Bill becomes law, 10 of the 30 Sensex companies will have to look for new auditors.
R-Cap, part of the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, may get a controlling stake in the venture if the negotiations fructify.
"In the backdrop of inadequate disclosure levels on share pledging, investment in such companies exposes an investor to severe price volatility in case a promoter is not able to meet payments or provide additional collaterals in a falling market," analysts at Crisil Equities said in a research report.
Products structured on real estate and promising over 20 per cent annual returns are gaining popularity among wealthy investors.
Till October 14 this year, FIIs were net sellers in equities at Rs 1,132 crore (Rs 11.32 billion) while their debt exposure stood at Rs 20,029 crore (Rs 200.29 billion). This is the first time since 2008 that FIIs are net sellers in equities.
Insurer seeks leeway to invest in sub-AAA-rated companies.
The Burman family is in talks to buy less than 26 per cent stake in Espirito Santo India.