Editor's Letter: Outsmarting the Price Spiral

As we go to press, counting is on of the results of the national general elections of the world's largest democracy. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) that bravely contested with two negative trends going against it - namely joblessness and periodic spurts in inflation -seems to be set to form government again, riding high on the charisma of Narendra Modi. But anti-incumbency trends are more than evident as regional parties like the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in Andhra Pradesh, show mesmeric gains. The I.N.D.I.A alliance is a formidable second to the leading NDA at the time of writing and both the BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty are plunging.

We address the menace of inflation in our cover story, Investing Strategies to Tame the Inflation Monster. Inflation, described as the "unseen robber" by Margaret Thatcher, erodes the value of money over time. Investing strategies of tax-paying Indians therefore, need to be smart. Our detailed analysis   offers clues for combatting a price spiral through diversified investments, emphasising the power of equities and mutual funds. The feature offers tips to consumers on the tricks of beating inflation, to ensure that their hard-earned money grows in real terms. We highlight how equity investments and systematic investment plans (SIPs) can help achieve an investor's long-term financial goals.

This issue also features a special package on CFOs, celebrating the role they play in steering organisations through turbulent times. The 7th Edition of BW CFO World's Best CFO & Finance Strategy Awards recognises strategic visionaries among chief financial officers whose leadership has demonstrated resilience through India Inc.'s roller coaster rides through pandemics and economic downturns. Over the past few years, CFOs have been pivotal in navigating Corporate India through geopolitical tensions and fluctuating interest rates. Their ability to forecast, plan and manage risks has ensured organisational growth. We bring to you insights from the award-winning CFOs, who talk of their contributions to corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and capital structure optimisation. 

In this edition, senior advocate and President of the National Company Law Tribunal Bar Association, Dr U.K. Chaudhary, offers an insight into the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016 (IBC), interpreting the nuances of recent Supreme Court judgments and observations on it. He concludes that the IBC offers an opportunity to big business to acquire debt-free companies, even as it strives to put debt-ridden corporate entities back on their feet.  Of course, we also bring to you all our regular columns and features.  Happy reading!