UniBlurb #18

Good morning! and welcome to the eighteenth edition of UniBlurb - Your Weekly Dose of Management. Today, we will be going over:

#Silver as an investment option
#What can be expected from Modi
#Historical perspective of Market on result day
#Internships, Competitions & Events

MONDAY MOTIVATION

OUR TWO CENTS
Silver's Industrial and Investment Surge: A Comprehensive Analysis

Silver's recent performance has been nothing short of stellar, outshining even gold and the BSE Sensex in May. It's not just its luster that's catching investors' eyes; its industrial applications are expanding rapidly. With its use in electric vehicles, hybrid cars, and solar panels, silver's demand is skyrocketing. The price per kg is hovering between 91,000-95,000, and it's not far from its all-time high. It's a metal with a bright future, both as a commodity and an investment.

Now, let's talk silver ETFs. They're a savvy way to diversify your precious metals portfolio without the hassle of physical storage or insurance. Take ICICI Prudential Silver ETF, for instance, trading at a mere 91 per unit. It's accessible, convenient, and cuts down on transactional costs. However, remember that physical silver has its charm, and ETFs, while liquid and secure, may not hold the same allure for everyone.

Its strong correlation with gold prices and its pivotal role in green technology make it a compelling choice. But, like all investments, it comes with its caveats. The finite supply and mining challenges could temper its sparkle. Yet, for those looking to add a silver lining to their portfolio, now might be the time to shine.

OUR TWO CENTS
India’s Economic Outlook Under Modi 3.0: Coalition Dynamics and Policy Reforms

India's economic horizon looks promising under Modi 3.0, with a robust growth trajectory that's been on an upward swing for three consecutive years. The GDP's impressive 8.2% growth in FY24 is a testament to the nation's resilience and potential. Tax collections are soaring, and private investments are reviving, painting a picture of a thriving economy. The fiscal deficit, well-managed at 5.6% of GDP, hints at a government that's not just dreaming big but also acting prudently.

The coalition government, a blend of diverse political flavors, brings its own set of advantages and challenges. It promises a more harmonious Centre-state relationship, potentially healing the trust deficit of recent times. Yet, it necessitates fresh dialogues on pending reforms, a balancing act that could either catalyze progress or stall momentum.

In the grand scheme of things, the coalition's impact on economic reforms and GST rates remains to be seen. But with a focus on manufacturing and job creation unwavering, there's a palpable sense of optimism.

OUR TWO CENTS
Market Volatility on Indian Election Result Days: A Historical Perspective

In the ever-vibrant dance of the markets, history often whispers tales of past performances, guiding us through the ebb and flow of economic tides. Indian benchmark indices, those barometers of the nation's financial heartbeat, have shown resilience on most Lok Sabha election result days, with negative returns being the exception rather than the rule. Yet, this time we saw a dramatic plunge, with the Sensex nosediving over 6,000 points, a stark contrast to the optimism that preceded it.

The cause? A sharp deviation from the sunny forecasts of exit polls, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the political landscape. This unexpected twist sent investors into a frenzy, erasing a staggering ₹26 lakh crore in wealth. It's a reminder that markets, much like life, are unpredictable, and fortunes can turn on a dime—or in this case, on the flip of a ballot.

Looking back, we've seen the markets rally with each new government, from the post-Kargil buoyancy in '99 to the modest uptick with Modi's first win in '14. But today, as we navigate the choppy waters of election-induced volatility, it's clear that the only constant in the markets is change itself.

INDUSTRY CONNECT
Internship opportunities

1. PwC (Intern)
   
   As an intern, and a career within Internal Audit services, will provide you with an opportunity to gain an understanding of an organisation’s objectives, regulatory and risk management environment, and the diverse needs of their critical stakeholders.
   Apply Here!

2. Digit Educator (Business Outreach Intern)
   
   As a Business Outreach Intern, you'll play a crucial role in expanding Digiteducator's network of corporate partners and educational institutions. You'll work closely with our Business Development team to identify, engage, and secure partnerships that drive student enrollment and industry collaboration.
   Apply Here!

3. 32nd (Product Management Intern)
   
   As an intern you will be supporting the development, ideation, and validation of product features to enhance user engagement and satisfaction, analyze user feedback for improvements, collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage product backlogs, participate in QA and testing, and research market trends for innovation in real estate investments.

   
   Apply Here!

EVENTS ON THE RISE
Best events and competitions in the upcoming week

1. Marketing Case Competition (Pregrad)
   
   Pregrad is organizing a Marketing Intern Case Competition to identify and nurture young marketing talents. The competition consists of a single quiz round comprising 10 questions. This quiz is designed to test the participants' knowledge of various aspects of marketing, including digital marketing, market research, branding, consumer behaviour, and marketing strategies.
   Register Here!

2. Eximius 2024, IIM Bangalore's Entrepreneurship Summit (IIM Bangalore)
   
   Eximius'24 is your platform to transform your ideas into impactful businesses. Join us for an immersive experience filled with workshops, competitions, and networking opportunities with industry leaders and investors.
   Register Here!

3. Strategist: National Consulting Case Competition (IIM Sambalpur)
   
   This competition is unique as it begins with training all participants on consulting frameworks. Following this, we will launch a case study for the students to solve. In Round 2, each team will be paired with a personal mentor to assist them in developing their solutions followed by final presentations to jury members
   Register Here!