5176: India Inc braces for energy shock, MFs bet on manufacturing & Melody triggers stock market frenzy | MC Editor's Picks

As elevated energy prices ripple through the economy, Tata Steel says rising freight costs are forcing it to rethink raw material sourcing even as its European operations remain profitable. Mutual funds, meanwhile, are turning increasingly bullish on India’s manufacturing story, raising exposure to capital goods companies to a 17-month high. The rupee’s sharp fall is failing to boost exports meaningfully, keeping pressure on India’s trade deficit and current account concerns alive. Banks and IT companies are also tightening costs through work-from-home policies and revamped compensation structures amid a broader push for austerity. And finally, PM Modi’s gift of Melody toffees to Georgia Meloni triggered a stock market rally for the wrong company. Tune in for all this and more.