Latest news with #Kotak
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
$100+ Crude? Rupee at 90? Gold at ₹1 lakh? Kotak's Anindya Banerjee explains what's coming
Kotak's Anindya Banerjee sees oil at $100, gold at ₹1 lakh, and rupee nearing 90/USD as Middle East conflict escalates, triggering global market volatility. Synopsis Rising Middle East tensions and potential disruption at the Strait of Hormuz are creating risk premiums in oil and gold. Kotak Securities' Anindya Banerjee sees crude possibly hitting $100, the rupee sliding to 90/USD, and volatility across commodities and Indian markets. As crude oil prices surge and gold hovers near ₹1 lakh, investors are bracing for a volatile Q3 driven by intensifying Middle East tensions. ADVERTISEMENT In an exclusive conversation with ETMarkets, Anindya Banerjee, Senior VP and Head of Research – Currency, Commodity & Interest Rate at Kotak Securities, decodes the ripple effects of the Iran-Israel conflict, the potential disruption at the Strait of Hormuz, and how these shocks could push crude above $100, weaken the Indian rupee to 90 vs US dollar, and reshape the global commodities landscape. From de-dollarization trends to retail gold strategy, Banerjee lays out a detailed roadmap for what's ahead. In the short term, oil prices are likely to stay supported due to rising geopolitical risk. These tensions create what's called a "risk premium," which can push prices higher. However, over the medium to long term, if the conflict de-escalates, we may see prices soften as the risk premium fades. The real wildcard here is the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20% of the world's oil supply transits. If that becomes a chokepoint, prices could spike significantly. For context, during the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022, oil jumped from $60 to nearly $140. Iran accounts for only 1.5–2% of global supply, which is why prices are still under $80. But if the Hormuz route is disrupted, the impact could be much larger.: For oil-importing countries like India, it would mean a direct rise in the oil import bill. The impact will depend on whether India can still negotiate discounts, as it did with Russian oil. If crude crosses $100, we can expect pressure on Indian assets, bonds, the rupee, and even equities. Geopolitical risks have pushed gold higher, but historically, such events only offer short-lived support. Sustainable upmoves in gold are driven more by financial factors—central bank buying, dollar weakness, inflation hedging, etc. ADVERTISEMENT Currently, gold is in a consolidation phase after a 30–35% rally since November 2023. On the international market, the short-term range is $3,280–$3,440. On MCX, the range could be ₹97,000–₹1,01,000. A weaker rupee is supporting MCX prices even as global gold consolidates. Yes, absolutely. This is a structural trend. Central banks are de-dollarizing and shifting FX reserves into gold. A recent World Gold Council survey confirms this. Trade wars and global uncertainties are accelerating this trend. Gold is now the second-largest reserve asset for central banks globally, after the US dollar. ADVERTISEMENT Two key factors: rising oil prices and FPI outflows. Both have increased demand for dollars. While the RBI will intervene to reduce volatility, ₹87/USD is a critical support. If oil crosses $80 and tensions escalate, the rupee could head toward ₹89–90/ oil will lead, and this will impact the entire value chain, chemicals, petrochemicals, and fertilizers. This could also raise input costs for the agri sector. ADVERTISEMENT On metals, copper looks promising due to supply deficit. Silver is even more interesting; it's a dual play on gold and copper, combining industrial and monetary attributes. If I had to pick one commodity for the next few months, it would be silver. Three major events: ADVERTISEMENT US Fed Meeting – Any rate decision will impact commodities. July 4th Deadline – The end of the US-China trade ceasefire. If tariffs return, volatility will rise. Strait of Hormuz Situation – Escalation here could spike oil and impact currencies and equities. Gold's medium-to-long-term outlook is positive. Current corrections are good accumulation opportunities. Any level below ₹98,000 is a buying those with a higher risk appetite, silver may offer better returns in the short term. Investment avenues: Physical Gold MCX/NSE Derivatives Gold ETFs The choice depends on risk profile and investment goals. Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts/brokerages do not represent the views of Economic Times. 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Mint
3 days ago
- Business
- Mint
DMart share price: Kotak Securities slaps 'sell' tag to THIS Radhakishan Damani portfolio stock
DMart share price in focus: Domestic brokerage firm Kotak Institutional Equities, in its recent note, maintained a cautious stance on DMart, citing rising competition in the quick commerce (QC) space. While the brokerage remains optimistic about DMart's physical store expansion—expecting its store count to grow from 415 currently to 620 by FY28E—it flagged intensifying pressure from QC players, who are rapidly expanding their geographic footprint across India. Kotak believes this could result in heightened price competition, especially as DMart grapples with increasing employee and operating costs. The brokerage has therefore reiterated its 'Sell' rating on the stock, with a target price of ₹ 3,400, implying a downside of 20.35% from the last closing price. DMart recently announced the opening of a new store in Agra, Uttar Pradesh (UP). UP is a large, populous state, and the move potentially signals more store additions in the region. Kotak notes that while D-Mart was already present in Ghaziabad, it had not meaningfully expanded beyond that city until now. The brokerage considers the UP expansion to be in line with expectations, referencing DMart's July 2024 analyst call, where Uttar Pradesh and Orissa were identified as key growth markets. However, QC players have already captured significant ground in these regions. Blinkit now has a presence in 26 cities in UP, while Instamart, Zepto, and BB Now operate in 13, 8, and 9 cities, respectively. QC companies have expanded geographic footprint rapidly Nationally, Blinkit has expanded to 194 cities, Instamart to 116, and Zepto to 73—outpacing DMart, which currently has a presence in 151 cities. The brokerage further highlights that over 100 cities now have at least one QC player but no DMart store—underscoring the aggressive push of QC players into Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets. Additionally, DMart lacks any store presence in 13 Indian states, including Assam, Bihar, and Chandigarh, where Blinkit and Instamart are already operational. In response to competitive pressures, DMart has been increasing its focus on private-label products to protect margins. While it has historically offered private labels in bulk grocery segments such as grains, pulses, and flours, the retailer is now actively expanding into branded categories like biscuits, candies, and home and personal care products (detergents, soaps, hair oils, etc.). Kotak's recent store visits indicate an increasing amount of shelf space devoted to these products, which are significantly cheaper and closely resemble their branded counterparts in packaging and appearance. Most of these products appear similar (in looks, packaging, etc.) to their branded counterpart. The brokerage believes that this is a clear effort by DMart to defend gross margins while delivering better value to customers. However, it also cautioned that the ramp-up in private labels may only partially offset the impact of QC-led footfall erosion and rising cost pressures.
Mint
3 days ago
- Business
- Mint
DMart faces rising QC threat as Kotak reiterates 'Sell' call with 20% downside
DMart share price in focus: Domestic brokerage firm Kotak Institutional Equities, in its recent note, maintained a cautious stance on DMart, citing rising competition in the quick commerce (QC) space. While the brokerage remains optimistic about DMart's physical store expansion—expecting its store count to grow from 415 currently to 620 by FY28E—it flagged intensifying pressure from QC players, who are rapidly expanding their geographic footprint across India. Kotak believes this could result in heightened price competition, especially as DMart grapples with increasing employee and operating costs. The brokerage has therefore reiterated its 'Sell' rating on the stock, with a target price of ₹ 3,400, implying a downside of 20.35% from the last closing price. DMart recently announced the opening of a new store in Agra, Uttar Pradesh (UP). UP is a large, populous state, and the move potentially signals more store additions in the region. Kotak notes that while D-Mart was already present in Ghaziabad, it had not meaningfully expanded beyond that city until now. The brokerage considers the UP expansion to be in line with expectations, referencing DMart's July 2024 analyst call, where Uttar Pradesh and Orissa were identified as key growth markets. However, QC players have already captured significant ground in these regions. Blinkit now has a presence in 26 cities in UP, while Instamart, Zepto, and BB Now operate in 13, 8, and 9 cities, respectively. QC companies have expanded geographic footprint rapidly Nationally, Blinkit has expanded to 194 cities, Instamart to 116, and Zepto to 73—outpacing DMart, which currently has a presence in 151 cities. The brokerage further highlights that over 100 cities now have at least one QC player but no DMart store—underscoring the aggressive push of QC players into Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets. Additionally, DMart lacks any store presence in 13 Indian states, including Assam, Bihar, and Chandigarh, where Blinkit and Instamart are already operational. In response to competitive pressures, DMart has been increasing its focus on private-label products to protect margins. While it has historically offered private labels in bulk grocery segments such as grains, pulses, and flours, the retailer is now actively expanding into branded categories like biscuits, candies, and home and personal care products (detergents, soaps, hair oils, etc.). Kotak's recent store visits indicate an increasing amount of shelf space devoted to these products, which are significantly cheaper and closely resemble their branded counterparts in packaging and appearance. Most of these products appear similar (in looks, packaging, etc.) to their branded counterpart. The brokerage believes that this is a clear effort by DMart to defend gross margins while delivering better value to customers. However, it also cautioned that the ramp-up in private labels may only partially offset the impact of QC-led footfall erosion and rising cost pressures. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
News18
4 days ago
- Sport
- News18
'Less Drama...': Sitanshu Kotak Credited For India's Batting Improvement After BGT Disaster
Last Updated: Sitanshu Kotak was appointed as the India batting coach earlier this year. During India's forgettable Australia tour of 2024-25, during which they suffered a 1-3 series defeat, saw them score a combine three centuries across five Tests. On their England tour, which got underway earlier this month, they have racked up five centuries in the series opening Headingley Test alone. Former Gujarat cricketer Priyank Panchal feels that India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak is playing a vital role in the 'visible shift". Kotak was roped in by the BCCI in January this year after conducting a review of the team's dipping performances that saw them crashing out from the race for the ICC World Test Championship final. In a lengthy post on X (formerly Twitter), the recently retired Panchal explained how Kotak is implementing his deep knowledge of Indian cricket to help transform the national team. 'There's been a visible shift in India's batting temperament since that forgettable tour of Australia. Less drama, more clarity. Less noise, more intent," Panchal wrote. 'And quietly playing a pivotal role in that transition is Sitanshu Kotak, a man who never grabbed headlines as a player, but whose deep understanding of the Indian cricketing psyche is finally making headlines for the right reasons," he added. There's been a visible shift in India's batting temperament since that forgettable tour of Australia. Less drama, more clarity. Less noise, more quietly playing a pivotal role in that transition is Sitanshu Kotak, a man who never grabbed headlines as a player, but… — Priyank Panchal (@PKpanchal09) June 24, 2025 From 89 List A games, he scored 3083 runs while averaging 42.23. His career spanned 20 years, and he retired in 2013. 'Kotak wasn't a flashy name on the circuit, but in domestic cricket, he was a titan. Someone who knew how to score runs in Rajkot heat or on a green top in Mohali. That exposure, to Indian conditions, temperaments, and dressing room moods, is his real asset," Panchal continued. Since retirement, Kotak has pivoted to coaching. He's been the batting coach at the National Cricket Academy and also served as the head coach in several India A tours besides. 'His (Kotak's) role in the India A system earlier gave him an early peek into the next-gen stars. Now, as a batting coach for the senior team, he's doing something rarer by understanding the personality of each batter and tailoring inputs accordingly. That's coaching with empathy. That's coaching with context," Panchal wrote. 'Sometimes, the best mentors aren't the ones who have conquered global stages, but those who have toiled in the trenches and know the system inside-out. Kotak's rise reminds us that internal talent, when nurtured, retained, and empowered, can become the most valuable asset during transitions," he concluded. First Published: June 24, 2025, 16:05 IST
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
‘Please stop. Nothing changed': Sitanshu Kotak theory gets reality check from fans over ‘visible shift' in batting claim
Five centuries, two of which belonged to Rishabh Pant, and 853 runs across two innings that gave India a realistic chance at getting off to the tour of England with a 1-0 lead in Leeds, and securing a 23-year first at the venue sparked a significant theory from former Indian batter Priyank Panchal. However, he instantly received a reality check from social media users, who showed him the larger picture and told him to show patience. India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak Kotak was brought on board after India's horrid batting performance at home against New Zealand and a series defeat in Australia last season. The BCCI selectors moved away from Abhishek Nayar, the assistant coach who looked over the batting department, and added the domestic giant, who has mentored India A on several tours. Ahead of the England tour, there were apprehensions about the batting unit's lack of experience, especially after the sudden retirements of senior batter Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. But India quickly shut the talks around them after the team clobbered 853 runs in two innings, with centuries from captain Shubman Gill, his deputy Pant, and openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal. ALSO READ: ICC punishes Rishabh Pant for 'showing dissent' at umpire during India vs England Leeds Test - Here's what happened On Tuesday, ahead of the start of the fifth and final day in Leeds, Panchal shared a lengthy post crediting Kotak for the "visible shift" in India's batting and deemed him an unsung hero during this transition phase. Panchal wrote: "There's been a visible shift in India's batting temperament since that forgettable tour of Australia. Less drama, more clarity. Less noise, more intent. And quietly playing a pivotal role in that transition is Sitanshu Kotak, a man who never grabbed headlines as a player, but whose deep understanding of the Indian cricketing psyche is finally making headlines for the right reasons. Kotak wasn't a flashy name on the circuit, but in domestic cricket, he was a titan. Someone who knew how to score runs in Rajkot heat or on a green top in Mohali. That exposure, to Indian conditions, temperaments, and dressing room moods, is his real asset. His role in the India A system earlier gave him an early peek into the next-gen stars. Now, as a batting coach for the senior team, he's doing something rarer by understanding the personality of each batter and tailoring inputs accordingly. That's coaching with empathy. That's coaching with context. There's a lesson here for every corporate setup. Sometimes, the best mentors aren't the ones who have conquered global stages, but those who have toiled in the trenches and know the system inside-out. Kotak's rise reminds us that internal talent, when nurtured, retained, and empowered, can become the most valuable asset during transitions. Next time you are hiring externally, ask yourself, is there a Kotak in the ranks, quietly adding value, just waiting to be trusted?" However, his followers instantly gave his theory a reality check. While most told him to show patience before jumping to conclusions, given that it was only India's first game in the transition phase, others highlighted the two batting collapses in the two innings, especially pointing towards the unimpressive show from the tail-end. India's batting collapses in Leeds The visitors looked destined to cross the 500-run mark after centuries from Gill, Jaiswal and Pant. But in a matter of session, India crumbled from 430 for three to 471 all out. A similar story followed in the next innings, where the final six wickets went for just 31 runs. While experts will have their go at India's batting after the result in Leeds, the tourists do have a genuine chance at taking an early lead in the five-match series, having set a target of 371. England have 350 runs more to chase with all 10 wickets in hand.
