10 Business Trends

I give here a list of 10 happenings/ trends during 2006 in Indian Business arena, which are different from previous years ( for better or worse) and 10 happenings which were the same, trends which in my view had a significant impact on the economy.

Economic policies and path correction by RBI has not been listed, as its impact has yet not been felt. I also exclude the Outbound deals in Steel sector as the same took place outside the territorial waters of India.

So, here is UPS’ list of things, which appeared afresh on the businessfield in 2006
1. Abnormal rise in realty sector.
2. Retail Plans unveiled by all biggies.
3. Oil touching 78 $ a barrel, to again stabilize at 55 $.
4. Nuke deal gets through. Defence open for private sector
5. Cement prices shooting through the roof.
6. Sensex scaling record Sustainable Highs.
7. Non-volatility in steel prices for the entire year.
8. The SEZ euphoria starts and continues.
9. VAT implemented. No hiccups yet. What say PC ?
10. Orders for two Ultra Mega Power Projects issued thru competitive bidding

Things which haven’t changed from previous two years.

1. Sluggishness in Reforms, Insurance, mining & labour laws specifically.
2. IPO flurry continues.
3. Failure to meet electricity generation capacity targets.
4. Corruption and procedural delays in Business dealings with Government org.
5. Teledensity continues to grow.
6. Salaries continue to rise.
7. Refining capacity increases. New oil and gas finds.
8. Big Ticket M&As made and felled.
9. Double digit growth rate in Services.
10. Agriculture again laggard. (Food deficit occurs)

Views and counterviews anticipated.