The emergence of US tariffs as a policy tool, is a decisive shift in global trade and indeed the liberal world order, which facilitated the emergence of Asia’s tiger economies. Once dismissed as a temporary measure, tariffs are now rooted in a broader economic agenda that merges protectionism, domestic manufacturing and geopolitical influence.

For companies, this carries far-reaching implications, shaping inflation, growth and production strategies. At the start of the year, markets assumed tariff increases would remain limited, more negotiation tactic than economic reality. However, recent decisions from the US administration, targeting Canada, Mexico, China and potentially Europe and India, have splintered that expectation. This podcast explains.

In the discussions that your columnist has had, over the course of the past couple of months, with IMA Forum Members, it was evident that urban consumption has begun to taper.

As it happens, the trend really became apparent several quarters ago. Still, consumer goods companies are likely to record annual revenue growth between 5% and 8%. But that is largely on account of higher prices rather than larger volumes. Analysts have offered various explanations such as greater inflation, poor wage growth and higher home rentals.

Whilst these may well be true, the fact is consumption growth is usually in sync with urban employment. That has failed to happen. This podcast explains.

Zomato’s recent announcement that it will be rebranding its parent company as ‘Eternal’ raises an important question: Why do companies change their names? Typically, an organisation’s name is one of its most valuable assets, being instantly recognisable, carrying its history and shaping consumer perceptions. Yet, businesses do frequently change their names. Whether driven by consideration around strategic growth, crisis management or shifting consumer sentiment, this can be a high-stakes decision.

This podcast explores the key drivers behind corporate renaming, backed by real-world examples and lessons on what determines success or failure.