The Core Report
The Core
Every Monday to Saturday, tune in as financial journalist and host Govindraj Ethiraj gives you the latest news in business, economy and technology
Episodes
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Mar 16, 2025 • 30min
#532 Why Retail Investing can be Dangerous
On Episode 532 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Deepak Jayaraman, leadership coach and host of the podcast Play To Potential. We also feature an excerpt from our Weekend Edition interview with Y S Chakravarti, Managing Director and CEO at Shriram Finance.SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the Day(00:50) Why retail investing can be dangerous(07:30) Gold prices hit an all time high on continued uncertainty(09:37) Why do we get messages offering us loans even if we don’t want them?(15:00) The China Xi Put, why China is an increasingly attractive market for investors(17:38) How should CEOs and business leaders approach this era of tariff uncertaintyListeners! We await your feedback....The Core and The Core Report is ad supported and FREE for all readers and listeners. Write in to shiva@thecore.in for sponsorships and brand studio requirementsFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inJoin and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
Mar 14, 2025 • 45min
#531 Smart Lending: Why Business Loans Are Better Than Consumer Debt with Y S Chakravarti
Why do business loans drive economic growth while consumer debt can be risky? In this conversation with Y.S. Chakravarti, we explore the power of smart lending, how financing entrepreneurs creates jobs, and why funding business assets is better than fueling consumption.From real-world lending experiences to lessons on financial discipline, this discussion covers:1. The key differences between business loans and consumer debt2. Why smart lending supports MSMEs and long-term financial stability3. How a ₹50,000 loan helped build a ₹5,000 crore business4. The psychology of borrowing and repayment behavior5. The future of finance: Human insights vs. digital lending models(00:00) Introduction(01:20) An anecdote from Mr. Chakravarti’s early career(05:45) Growth of Shriram Finance(07:34) Truck Finance and Earning Assets(11:22) Why is Shriram Finance amalgamated?(12:55) Main income streams(15:07) No unsecured credit and why(18:53) 2 Wheeler business(21:38) Views on the technology and the digital world(25:00) Customer Acquisition(28:18) RBI reducing the risk weights(30:00) Expansion in Physical Branches v Digital platforms(32:39) Growth hinges on Transportations and MSMEs(37:24) Anecdote on what to avoid (learning from mistakes)(41:10) What can young people learn from the lending business?Smart lending is about more than just providing money—it’s about supporting entrepreneurs, businesses, and long-term financial success. Understanding the difference between business loans and consumer debt is essential for making better financial decisions.Listeners! We await your feedback....The Core and The Core Report is ad supported and FREE for all readers and listeners. Write in to shiva@thecore.in for sponsorships and brand studio requirementsFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inJoin and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
Mar 12, 2025 • 27min
#530 The Stock Markets Struggle Against Headwinds
On Episode 530 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Ketan Dalal, founder of Katalyst Advisors and former Managing Partner (West) and Joint Tax Leader of PwC India.SHOW NOTES(00:00) The Take: Cooked In Washington and Served in India(05:29) The stock markets struggle against headwinds(06:26) Inflows into Mutual Funds fall to 10-month low(07:16) Retail inflation down to 7-month low of 3.6%(10:18) What should India do on capital gains tax?(24:26) Does the US Commerce Secretary understand Commerce, asks the WSJ?Listeners! We await your feedback....The Core and The Core Report is ad supported and FREE for all readers and listeners. Write in to shiva@thecore.in for sponsorships and brand studio requirementsFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inJoin and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
Mar 11, 2025 • 31min
#529 Can The Sensex Hit 105,000 by December 2025
On Episode 529 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Sumit Jain, Deputy CIO at ASK Investment Managers Private Limited as well as Karan Taurani, Senior Vice President - Research Analyst (Media, Consumer Discretionary & Internet) at Elara Capital.SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the Day(01:09) Can The Sensex Hit 105,000 by December 2025(03:33) Going back to the 101 of investing and stock picking(15:36) Oil prices are holding around $70(17:24) Musk partners Airtel to bring internet service even as Tesla car sales crash globally.(18:33) What does Reliance Retail’s downsizing mean for the industry?Listeners! We await your feedback....The Core and The Core Report is ad supported and FREE for all readers and listeners. Write in to shiva@thecore.in for sponsorships and brand studio requirementsFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inJoin and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
Mar 10, 2025 • 32min
#528 The US is Headed Into Recession and India Into Recovery
On Episode 528 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Arvind Chari, Chief Investment Officer (CIO) at Q India UK (affiliate of Quantum Advisors India) as well as Vikash Agarwalla, Managing Director and Partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG).SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the Day(01:00) The US is headed into recession and India into recovery(03:36) Why India stands to pull in more FII flows(14:21) Inflation could go below 4%(17:27) Oil prices continue to hold around $70(17:58) Don’t ask for Tax Cuts, we will bring down your logistics costs, says India’s transport minister(20:01) A new pharma research and manufacturing sector is opening up in India and can grow if we get it rightListeners! We await your feedback....The Core and The Core Report is ad supported and FREE for all readers and listeners. Write in to shiva@thecore.in for sponsorships and brand studio requirementsFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inJoin and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
Mar 9, 2025 • 24min
#527 The Markets Saw Their Best Week in 3 Months
On Episode 527 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Dhairyashil Patil, President of the All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF).SHOW NOTES(00:00) The Take(04:50) The markets saw their best week in three months, where will they go next?(07:50) The dollar is weak and the rupee is steady(08:20) Large gold shipments continue to move around the world on fear of US import tariffs(10:17) Why are Indian consumer product distributors taking quick commerce companies to the competition commission?(21:51) And Bill Gates recommends this for fighting food shortagesListeners! We await your feedback....The Core and The Core Report is ad supported and FREE for all readers and listeners. Write in to shiva@thecore.in for sponsorships and brand studio requirementsFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inJoin and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
Mar 7, 2025 • 25min
#526 AI In Business: How AI Is Transforming Supply Chains, Logistics & Quick Commerce
AI is reshaping the future of consumer goods, logistics, and quick commerce. In this conversation, Govindraj Ethiraj speaks with Suresh Narayanan, Chairman & MD of Nestlé India, about how AI is helping companies optimize supply chains, demand forecasting, procurement, and distribution.From reducing logistics costs by 500 million rupees to using AI for better coffee and cocoa price predictions, this discussion reveals how AI-driven predictive models are changing the game for businesses and consumers alike.(00:00) Introduction(01:50) How AI can help utilise all the data of consumer companies(03:30) The data and forecasting in coffee(05:43) The value of AI should be before it leaves the factories(08:18) AI and crop estimates(10:05) importance of data integrity(11:00) Logistics, delivery, and offtake cycles(13:21) Stocking and AI predictive(15:49) Quick commerce(17:55) Optimise volume business to pay for disaggregated business(19:46) Understanding the consumer space(21:30) Category wise consumer trends(22:44) Premiumisation for Nestle(24:00) What Nestle stands forAI is revolutionizing supply chains, logistics, and quick commerce. Watch our exclusive conversation with Suresh Narayanan, Chairman & MD of Nestlé India, on how AI is optimizing demand forecasting, procurement, and distribution.Listeners! We await your feedback....The Core and The Core Report is ad supported and FREE for all readers and listeners. Write in to shiva@thecore.in for sponsorships and brand studio requirementsFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inJoin and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
Mar 6, 2025 • 26min
#525 Markets Continue Their Upward Rise
On Episode 525 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to G Chokkalingam, Founder, Equinomics Research & Advisory Pvt Ltd as well as C S Vigneshwar, President, Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA).SHOW NOTES(00:00) The Take(03:43) Markets continue their upward rise on lower oil prices(15:01) The RBI could tighten norms for lending against gold in sign of overheated market.(15:57) Auto sales are falling as customers postpone decisions and financiers tighten their pursesListeners! We await your feedback....The Core and The Core Report is ad supported and FREE for all readers and listeners. Write in to shiva@thecore.in for sponsorships and brand studio requirementsFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inJoin and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
Mar 5, 2025 • 30min
#524 The Markets Stage A Smart Rebound
On Episode 524 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Chandrakant Lahariya, Consultant Physician and Founder- Director Foundation for People-centric Health Systems (FPHS) as well as Prabhu Dhamodharan, Convenor at the Indian Texpreneurs Federation.SHOW NOTES(00:00) The Take(04:41) The markets stage a smart rebound. Will they hold(07:17) Reliance Retail’s valuation is half of what it had raised funds two years ago as company embarks on cost cuts(09:46) How India’s apparel export industry hopes to benefit from the latest tariff war(19:13) India’s obesity levels are rising and why that is an issue individuals and organisations should be talking aboutListeners! We await your feedback....The Core and The Core Report is ad supported and FREE for all readers and listeners. Write in to shiva@thecore.in for sponsorships and brand studio requirementsFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inJoin and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
Mar 4, 2025 • 23min
#523 Markets On Standby As Tariff Bombs Start Dropping
On Episode 523 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Dr Arunabha Ghosh, CEO, Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW).SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the Day(01:00) Markets on standby as tariff bombs start dropping(03:12) Oil prices are sliding down now even as gold prices look up(04:27) Trump friendly WSJ calls tariffs the dumbest move for whacking friends not adversaries(06:17) Warren Buffet says Trump moves against Canada and Mexico are act of war(09:03) Amazon to invest in data centre in India(10:17) How ready is India for extreme temperatures in March?Listeners! We await your feedback....The Core and The Core Report is ad supported and FREE for all readers and listeners. Write in to shiva@thecore.in for sponsorships and brand studio requirementsFor more of our coverage check out thecore.inJoin and Interact anonymously on our whatsapp channelSubscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on:Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube
