Regulator moves in to cut the sting in cancer-drug prices; industry picks holes in ‘flawed’ formula

The government feels the pharmaceutical industry is charging exorbitant prices for anti-cancer drugs. But the solution it has proposed — to cut high trade margins — has drawn flak from the industry. Drug makers argue that even medicines supplied free under patient-assistance programmes have been brought under the ambit of the margin cuts. Mired in legal wrangles, no headway is in sight.

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12 mins readBy Vikas Dandekar

Real Estate

As periphery becomes mainstream for realty players, will homebuyers get better returns?

Homebuyers who bought properties in the outskirts of metros in the early 2000s made enormous profits. This was followed by a stretched lull. But the situation is looking bright once again. Data shows that 60% of the total housing projects launched in the last two years were in periphery markets. Are multifold returns back in real-estate investing?

Audio Summary01:24

10 mins readBy Priyanka Salve

Electric vehicles

As Toyota Mirai starts its pilot drive in India, can hydrogen vehicles find a place in the sun?

Hydrogen fuel cells offer a compelling alternative to fossil fuels and even lithium-ion battery-powered electric vehicles, especially in long journeys. But for hydrogen to be a mass success, considerable innovation in pricing, storage, transportation, availability, and economies of scale will be needed. For now, it has made a slow start.

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13 mins readBy Rajiv Ghosh & Shelley Singh

Investing

HDFC Bank’s underperformance makes it attractive. Should you buy now or wait a bit?

HDFC Bank has been underperforming for the last two years. Even its premium has fallen against other large private banks. While the stock is available at a relatively cheaper valuation, growth may not be the same as seen 10 years ago, say analysts. Will HDFC Bank reclaim its lost glory or do investors need to taper their expectations?

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9 mins readBy Himadri Buch & Ami Shah

Under the lens

How the nickel turmoil exposed the London Metal Exchange and Chinese giant Tsingshan

The price of nickel, a metal becoming increasingly important for EV batteries, surged soon after the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out. The surge brought to light systemic flaws in the 145-year-old London Metal Exchange and risks that Tsingshan and its banks need to control better. The episode also put the spotlight on Tsingshan’s 64-year-old billionaire co-founder and controlling owner Xiang Guangda.