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INFLATION, ALONG WITH EXTERNAL HEADWINDS, POSES CHALLENGES TO INDIA’S GROWTH PROSPECTS – DUN & BRADSTREET

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MUMBAI, India, Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Dun & Bradstreet, a global leader in business decisioning data and analytics, has released its Economy Observer report for November 2024. Economy Observer is a monthly report that shares an in-depth analysis on key macroeconomic developments in India and provides a monthly forecast of key economic indicators, providing insight into the expected direction of the Indian economy for the upcoming month. 

Key economic forecast:

Real Economy:

India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) grew by 3.1% year-over-year in September 2024, recovering from a 0.1% contraction in August, driven primarily by a 3.9% expansion in the manufacturing sector due to rising demand and economic recovery. However, the outlook remains fragile as mining and electricity registered sluggish growth of just 0.2% and 0.5%, hampered by aging infrastructure, volatile commodity prices, rising fuel costs, and ongoing supply chain disruptions. Intermediate goods grew by 4.2%, indicating strong demand for manufacturing inputs, while consumer durables rose by 6.5%, reflecting robust demand in urban and rural markets. Despite these gains, Dun & Bradstreet expects IIP to slow down to 2.8% in October, citing weakened output in key sectors, persistent supply chain issues, and rising input costs, suggesting the recent growth may be short-lived.

Price Scenario: Consumer price inflation (CPI) rose to 6.2% in October 2024, up from 5.5% in September, while wholesale price inflation (WPI) increased to 2.3% from 1.8%. The main driver was a 13.5% rise in food prices, continuing the trend from September. The primary articles index, including food and essentials, grew 8.1%. Food and beverages, which account for 45.9% of CPI, remains a key inflation driver due to supply-side issues and high demand for cereals, oils, and vegetables. Global energy price hikes, especially of crude oil, have further contributed to inflation. Dun & Bradstreet forecasts WPI inflation to moderate to 2.5% in November 2024, but CPI is expected to remain high at 6.5%, well above the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) targets. Uncertainty around energy costs persists, though falling oil and gas prices amid geopolitical tensions could help ease some inflationary pressures.

Money & Finance: Investor confidence remains steady amid global uncertainties and inflation. Dun & Bradstreet expects the 91-day Treasury Bill yield to stabilise at 6.5% in November 2024, while the 10-year G-Sec yield will likely stay around 6.8%. Short-term yields have eased slightly, but long-term yields remain stable, suggesting a cautious outlook with no immediate rate hikes. Meanwhile global economic factors and geopolitical risks will continue to influence India’s bond market.

Credit growth is projected to moderate to 12.7% in November 2024, as the RBI prioritises inflation control and financial stability. Despite ample liquidity, tighter credit conditions are expected, reflecting the RBI’s cautious approach to prevent overheating and maintain asset quality. This balanced policy is expected to support growth while managing inflation risks.

External Sector: India’s external sector faces pressures from decelerating foreign portfolio investment (FPI) inflows, constrained export growth due to global competition and weaker demand, and a widening fiscal and current account deficit driven by high oil and commodity imports. This has increased demand for foreign currencies, contributing to the depreciation of the Indian Rupee (INR) against the US Dollar (USD), Dun & Bradstreet expects INR to reach 84.5 per USD by December 2024. Factors such as slower global growth, rising commodity prices, and a stronger USD will continue to weigh on the currency. However, India’s strong domestic growth prospects, resilient banking system, and diversified economy offer some protection against a sharper decline in the rupee.

Dr. Arun Singh, Global Chief Economist, Dun & Bradstreet said, “India’s economic outlook for November 2024 shows resilience amid challenges. While industrial production is indicating signs of recovery, growth will likely slow down due to seasonal factors and struggles in the mining and electricity sector. Inflation, driven by rising food and energy costs, remains a concern, which is likely to prompt the RBI to assume a cautious stance. A weaker rupee and falling foreign inflows add pressure on inflation, though strong forex reserves provide some buffer. The economy remains vulnerable to external shocks and rising import demand. Effective policy management is key to balancing inflation, external risks, and growth.”

D&B’s Economy Observer Forecast

Variables

Forecast

Latest Period

Previous period

IIP Growth

2.8% Oct-24

3.09% Sep-24

-0.14% Aug-24

Inflation WPI

2.5% Nov-24

2.36% Oct-24

1.84% Sep-24

CPI (Combined)

6.5% Nov-24

6.21% Oct-24

5.49% Sep-24

Exchange Rate (INR/USD) **

84.5 Dec-24

84.4 Nov-24

84.03 Oct-24

91-day T-Bills*

6.5% Nov-24

6.46% Oct-24

6.64% Sep-24

10-year G-Sec Yield*

6.82% Nov-24

6.79% Oct-24

6.84% Sep-24

Bank Credit

12.7% Nov-24

13.1% Oct-24

13.0% Sep-24

*Weekly Average ** Dun and Bradstreet Forecasts

About Dun & Bradstreet:

Dun & Bradstreet, a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics, enables companies around the world to improve their business performance. Dun & Bradstreet’s Data Cloud fuels solutions and delivers insights that empower customers to accelerate revenue, lower cost, mitigate risk and transform their businesses. Since 1841, companies of every size have relied on Dun & Bradstreet to help them manage risk and reveal opportunity. For more information on Dun & Bradstreet, please visit www.dnb.com.

Dun & Bradstreet Information Services India Private Limited is headquartered in Mumbai and provides clients with data-driven products and technology-driven platforms to help them take faster and more accurate decisions across finance, risk, compliance, information technology and marketing. Working towards Government of India’s vision of creating an Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) by supporting the Make in India initiative, Dun & Bradstreet India has a special focus on helping entrepreneurs enhance their visibility, increase their credibility, expand access to global markets, and identify potential customers & suppliers, while managing risk and opportunity.

India is also the home to Dun & Bradstreet Technology & Corporate Services LLP, which is the Global Capabilities Center (GCC) of Dun & Bradstreet supporting global technology delivery using cutting-edge technology. Located at Hyderabad, the GCC has a highly skilled workforce of over 500 employees, and focuses on enhanced productivity, economies of scale, consistent delivery processes and lower operating expenses.

Visit www.dnb.co.in for more information.

Click here for all Dun & Bradstreet India press releases.

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SiriusXM Media Becomes Exclusive Audio Advertising Representative for YouTube in the United States

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YouTube, Home of The World’s Number One Podcast Platform and a Leading Music Service, Chooses Audio Ad Powerhouse SiriusXM Media as Its Exclusive Audio Sales Representative in the U.S.

New Deal Cements SiriusXM’s Leadership In Powering The Largest Ad-Supported Audio Ecosystem And Gives Brands Exclusive Access To YouTube’s Audio-First Inventory

NEW YORK, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SiriusXM (NASDAQ: SIRI) today announced a new audio advertising partnership with Google that connects YouTube to one of the largest audio advertising platforms in North America. The agreement makes SiriusXM Media, the advertising group representing SiriusXM, Pandora, and expansive Streaming and Podcast Networks, the exclusive advertising representative of YouTube audio advertising inventory in the U.S. This will provide advertisers access to guaranteed impressions at scale for the first time, backed by similar sophisticated targeting and measurement as YouTube’s ecosystem.

“Audio is one of the most powerful mediums for listeners, creators, and advertisers alike, and at SiriusXM Media, we’re proud to be at the forefront helping brands harness that impact at scale,” said Scott Walker, SiriusXM’s Chief Advertising Revenue Officer. “By partnering with YouTube, a true leader in ad-supported content consumption, we’re uniting our unique skillset with their audience, creating an unparalleled opportunity for marketers and creators to grow their businesses.”

“YouTube has become a primary destination for audio-first content, where fans engage with their favorite podcasts, music, and creators,” said Romana Pawar, Senior Director of Product, YouTube Ads. “By partnering with SiriusXM Media, we are making it easier than ever for advertisers to tap into these high-attention moments.”

YouTube audio ads reach listeners wherever they are across audio-first content and behaviors: immersed in podcasts, talk shows, and music. By meeting users in environments primed for listening and engagement, such as when YouTube content is playing on smart speakers, brands can tap into high-intent listening experiences across YouTube’s vast creator ecosystem. According to a study from SiriusXM Media and Edison Research, there are more than 212 million monthly listeners in the U.S.1 engaging in audio-first content or environments on YouTube.

Starting this fall, advertisers will be able to buy guaranteed audio ad impressions against YouTube’s high-value audiences at scale for the first time directly through SiriusXM Media—paired with an audio-first activation approach to extend reach and impact. Brands can now reach YouTube’s expansive, next-generation and highly engaged audience in the same place where they buy SiriusXM Media’s leading portfolio of ad-supported audio inventory, ensuring a seamless buying experience powered by AdsWizz Inc.’s ad tech platform. As audio continues to reach consumers as a constant companion throughout the day, from commuting to working hours, this deal gives brands an opportunity to reach a valuable audience that is further leaning into audio-first behaviors and content on YouTube in high-attention moments.

Powered by AdsWizz, SiriusXM Media now offers access to 255 million monthly listeners2—reaching nearly 90% of the U.S. population 13+—delivering expansive scale and incremental reach, best-in-class measurement and targeting capabilities, and premium brand-safe environments across every major audio touchpoint. The landmark partnership with YouTube highlights SiriusXM’s commitment to an open, partner-first audio advertising ecosystem, continuing to connect advertisers to premium audio content wherever audiences choose to listen.

For more information, please visit https://www.siriusxmmedia.com/advertise-on-youtube-audio.

About Sirius XM Holdings Inc.
SiriusXM is the leading audio entertainment company in North America with a portfolio of audio businesses including its flagship subscription entertainment service SiriusXM; the ad-supported and premium music streaming services of Pandora; an expansive podcast network; and a suite of business and advertising solutions. SiriusXM offers a broad range of content for listeners everywhere they tune in with a diverse mix of live, on-demand, and curated programming across music, talk, news, and sports. For more about SiriusXM, please go to: www.siriusxm.com.

Media Contacts:
Victoria Chow, victoria.chow@siriusxm.com
Erica Walsh, ericawalsh@google.com

1 Edison Research, Infinite Dial 2026 + SiriusXM Media
2 Edison Research, Infinite Dial 2026 + SiriusXM Media

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SOURCE Sirius XM Holdings Inc.

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ServiceForge plants two million trees worldwide

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The company celebrates a meaningful milestone in its ongoing initiative to make a lasting impact within global communities

PORTLAND, Ore., April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ServiceForge, the 24/7 live answering and customer service platform built for skilled trades and home service businesses, announces a significant achievement in its ongoing sustainability drive: the company has now planted more than two million trees worldwide, a milestone reached in time for Earth Day 2026.

 

Each month, ServiceForge plants one tree for every employee and every customer. What began as a simple commitment to give back has grown into a meaningful, long-term impact effort, now surpassing a major milestone. This accomplishment reflects the company’s continued dedication to environmental stewardship and community-focused values.

For context, two million trees adds up to:

Approximately 4,000 acres of forestRoughly 3,000 football fieldsTrees sufficient to remove an estimated 44,000 metric tons of CO₂ per year (equivalent of taking 9,500 cars off the road)

“This milestone reflects the kind of work we believe in: steady, intentional and rooted in real impact,” said Jane Blanchard, head of brand and marketing for ServiceForge. “In the skilled trades, success isn’t about quick wins; it’s about the slow, human work of strengthening homes, businesses and communities. Planting trees is a natural extension of that mission. It’s a way for us to contribute to something lasting, something that grows alongside the businesses we serve.”

ServiceForge partners with verified reforestation organizations that plant trees in areas affected by deforestation, wildfires and climate change. Partners include Trees for the Future, Save the Redwoods League and Friends of Pando, ensuring that each tree contributes to restoration efforts where it’s needed most.

“We’re in the business of fixing things,” Blanchard said. “What better way to exemplify that commitment than by planting trees, which clean the air, restore habitats and ultimately make the world a better place.”

For more information about ServiceForge and their Giving Back initiative, visit https://www.serviceforge.com/why-serviceforge/givingback

About ServiceForge
ServiceForge helps home service businesses get found, get booked and get paid with 24/7 human answering, scheduling, lead qualification and payments. By combining smart technology with real human connection, ServiceForge helps service businesses stand out in an increasingly disconnected world, ensuring contractors capture more jobs while delivering exceptional customer service. For more information, visit serviceforge.com.

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SOURCE ServiceForge

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Contractor Commerce launches AI-powered conversational buying experience

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New technology ushers in new era of e-commerce for home service contracting companies

LEBANON, Ohio , April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Contractor Commerce, a leading e-commerce and sales enablement platform built specifically for home service contractors, announces the next evolution in its platform: a conversational buying experience that’s powered by AI and designed to improve the way homeowners shop for residential services online.

By empowering home service professionals to establish their own virtual storefronts, Contractor Commerce has long championed a modern buying experience, fully aligned with the way consumers seek information on the web, including through guided buying journeys and seamless purchasing flows. With conversational buying, Contractor Commerce embeds AI directly into the shopping experience, allowing the end consumer to enjoy a more natural, personalized and responsive process.

“This shift from guided to conversational shopping builds on everything we’ve done up to this point,” said Paul Redman, president of Contractor Commerce. “Our goal has always been to help contractors meet homeowners where they are. This advanced and intuitive approach will further that goal, and cement Contractor Commerce as a category leader.”

Contractor Commerce’s expanded capabilities are designed to reflect how homeowners buy today: researching options, comparing pricing and making decisions in a time and place that’s most convenient to them. Features include:

An image upload option, allowing homeowners to submit photos of their home systems to receive specific, real-time recommendations.Robust pricing tools, including quote comparisons and full rebate integration, enabling homeowners to fully assess their options and understand the fine print.An AI agent-guided buying journey, providing homeowners with personalized assistance even when they are not fully sure what types of services they need.

“Our conversational buying platform is made for contractors, not retailers,” Redman said. “The goal is to help businesses establish trust, improve their lead qualification process and capture after-hours demand, all while providing customers with a frictionless shopping experience.”

For more information about Contractor Commerce, visit ContractorCommerce.com.

About Contractor Commerce

Contractor Commerce is the pioneer and industry leader in providing e-commerce services for contractors, offering plug-and-play online stores for home service companies so they can grow their sales and serve customers with convenience and transparent pricing. To learn more about Contractor Commerce and its innovative solutions, visit ContractorCommerce.com.

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SOURCE Contractor Commerce

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