The Signal (weekly highlights)

1. IIP grows marginally at 1.4% in November

IIP grew marginally in the month of November. The growth in IIP data during November is primarily on account of the mining sectors which rose 5.0 % on-year. It was followed by the electricity sector that witnessed a growth of 2.1 % while the manufacturing sector saw a 0.9% growth

The industrial growth so far in the fiscal year 2021-22 (April-November) has surged 17.4 per cent, compared to a contraction of (-)15.3 per cent rise in the corresponding period a year ago.

2. Rabi sowing nearly over, sown area marginally higher y-o-y

Sowing of rabi (winter) crops — mostly consisting of wheat, pulses, oilseeds and coarse cereals — has been marginally higher than 2021 level, according to data released by the ministry of agriculture on Friday

The total area under all the rabi crops rose to 652 lakh hectare (lh) in 2021-22 season so far compared to 646 lh reported in the corresponding period of 2020-21 season. Despite the increase in acreage this year, sowing of wheat and pulses, the key rabi crops, have been reported to be marginally lower.

3. Equity MFs’ inflow surges to Rs 25,000 crore in Dec on strong SIP book

Flows into equity mutual funds more than doubled to Rs 25,000 crore in December on strong SIP (systematic investment plan) numbers and robust inflow into multi-cap fund category

The monthly SIP (systematic investment plan) contribution rose to Rs 11,305 crore last month from Rs 11,005 crore in November. Also, the number of SIP accounts grew to 4.91 crore from 4.78 crore.

4. Exports rise 33% to $7.63 billion during Jan 1-7 period

The country’s exports grew 33.16 per cent to USD 7.63 billion during January 1-7 period on account of healthy performance by various sectors, including engineering, petroleum and gems and jewelry

During the first week of this month, imports rose about 33 per cent to USD 11.60 billion as compared to USD 8.72 billion in the same period of 2021.Imports, excluding petroleum, increased in the period under review by 29.88 per cent over the same period of 2020-21

5. India Inc’s overseas direct investment dips over 8% to $2.05 bn in Dec 21

Outward foreign direct investment by Indian companies fell by over 8 per cent to USD 2.05 billion in December 2021 in the current fiscal. The domestic companies had invested USD 2.23 billion in their overseas joint ventures and fully-owned subsidiaries during December 2020

Of the total investment made by the Indian companies overseas during the month, USD 1.22 billion was in the form of issuance of guarantees, USD 464.39 million was equity participation and USD 367.17 million investment was made through loans