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Time of India
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Where luxury meets a magical holiday: Sail into a world of wonder that only Disney Cruise Line can bring to life
ET Spotlight ET Spotlight ET Spotlight ET Spotlight ET Spotlight There's something heartwarming about families coming together to plan a holiday, the buzz of ideas, the shared laughs over bucket lists, and the joy of dreaming aloud. And when that dream is a voyage onboard the Disney Adventure, the excitement multiplies manifold! From dazzling entertainment and themed dining to unforgettable moments inspired by heartwarming stories from Disney, Marvel, and Pixar, there's magic crafted for kids and grown-ups alike. Setting sail from Singapore on December 15, 2025, this cruise is more than just a vacation - it's an adventure filled with wonder. And if you choose to sail as a Concierge Guest, delight in the epitome of luxury with exclusive perks, personalised service, and unmatched convenience that will not only create a beautiful memory but also a destination your family would want to revisit again and seven themed areas on the Disney Adventure are a testament to the fact that imagination certainly has no boundaries. Be enchanted by the grandeur of Disney Imagination Garden, Disney Discovery Reef, San Fransokyo Street, Marvel Landing, Toy Story Place, Town Square, and Wayfinder Bay, as the attention to detail will leave you spellbound. Step into the pages of a fairytale book when you wander through Disney Imagination Garden, the emotional heart of the ship. This expansive gathering place is an enchanted valley, a charming garden and a unique performance venue all in one. Inspired by the enchanting underwater tales of Lilo & Stitch and The Little Mermaid, Disney Discovery Reef is an expansive open-air retreat where you'll find Quick-Service dining options and a breezy promenade lined with elegant restaurants and cafés. The vibrant energy of Tokyo meets the laid-back charm of San Francisco on the lively San Fransokyo Street, inspired by Big Hero 6. Don't miss the one-of-a-kind family gaming lounge, Big Hero Arcade, featuring video games and immersive electrifying expedition awaits at Marvel Landing—a one-of-a-kind adventure zone on the high seas. Ride on three brand-new attractions, including Ironcycle Test Run, the longest roller coaster at sea spanning over 250 metres. An array of water attractions, including a large family pool, multiple whirlpools, towering waterslides, and interactive splash pads, awaits at the whimsical water playland of Toy Story Disney Royals in Town Square where you enjoy themed dining, unwind at quaint cafés, discover whimsical keepsakes at delightful shops, or watch enchanting Broadway-style musicals at the iconic Walt Disney the spirit of discovery beckons, follow your heart to Wayfinder Bay, an outdoor oasis of relaxation and entertainment inspired by Disney Cruise Line's signature dining concept included in the cruise fare. With preset dining arrangements included in every booking, you'll enjoy three uniquely immersive dining experiences where some of your favourite Disney stories come to life. Best of all, you'll be cared for by the same dedicated team that comes to learn your preferences and personalise your dining experience each night of your voyage, ensuring that you always delight in the impeccable service and exceptional meals that Disney Cruise Line is known yourself in a top-notch culinary experience at the finest dining venues like the adults-only exclusive Palo Trattoria, where you get to taste the authentic Italian cuisine paired with a curated selection of fine Italian wines and bold craft beers. Mike & Sulley's Flavors of Asia celebrates a variety of Asian dishes across four distinct dining experiences. Additional costs apply for both dining venues. For a relaxed seating, unwind at a specialty café or upscale sports bar which has an unforgettable those in search of craft cocktails, Spellbound, inspired by the Evil Queen from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and Buccaneer Bar, themed after Captain Hook from Peter Pan, deliver on point. Café connoisseurs can savour specialty brews at Palo Café, located on the patio of Palo Trattoria, or unwind at Tiana's Bayou Lounge, a soulful tribute to The Princess and the you're a Concierge guest, you would be glad to know that your journey begins even before you set sail. You will enjoy a host of exclusive privileges, including priority boarding, access to dedicated areas on board, and the personalised service of a dedicated team. Every detail is elevated, turning your journey into a seamless blend of comfort, luxury, and guests will enjoy access to exclusive spaces on board, including the Concierge Lounge, a majestic private area inspired by the mythical city of Agrabah from Disney's refined escape is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy refreshments and gourmet bites throughout the day. Adjoining this space is another private oasis–an exclusive sundeck with spectacular ocean views from the front of the ship, complete with plush loungers, a large shaded pool and the pinnacle of luxury with the majestic Concierge staterooms aboard the Disney Adventure. Inspired by the royal palaces of Disney and Marvel's spectacular realms, these spacious family suites represent sophistication and elegance. Set sail on an enchanting voyage with these Royal Suites boasting extravagant details and first-class amenities that recall the heartwarming tales from the Disney Frozen movies. Elsa and Anna Royal Suites include spacious living rooms adorned with themed artwork and décor, a dining area with a bar, a large main bedroom and a kids' room with bunk also include two en-suite bathrooms and an extended verandah, complete with a private whirlpool and a seating area offering panoramic ocean if you're someone who wants to relax and rejuvenate, the spa facilities at Opulence Spa – Elemis at Sea will impress you. Exclusive only to Concierge Guests, this area offers a range of treatments, including massages, facials, acupuncture, and more. You can also maintain your wellness routine with access to a dedicated fitness space and a yoga ideal vacation is closer than ever, and it starts the moment you and your family step on the deck. Book a Concierge stateroom for your family and create beautiful memories on this magical voyage. The all-new Disney Adventure by Disney Cruise Line is sailing from Singapore with three and four-night sailings that promise world-class entertainment, immersive dining experiences, Disney magic at sea and more. For more information, click here
Economic Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
No chill without volatility: Prateek Agrawal on playing the long game in India's new market era
ET Spotlight Initiative Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads (This article is generated and published by ET Spotlight team. You can get in touch with them on etspotlight@ In an insightful episode of the ETMarkets webinar—known for bringing front-row insights from the biggest minds in investing—Prateek Agrawal, Managing Director and CEO of Motilal Oswal Asset Management Company (MOAMC), shared his perspectives on wealth creation in today's market. He offered an in-depth look at how the fund house prepares Indian investors for the future through its focused, growth-oriented investment strategy. Moderated by Sridhar Janada, the conversation explored the philosophy underpinning MOAMC's high-performing funds, its unique position in the mutual fund landscape, and the mindset investors—especially Gen Z—need to cultivate in an age of compounding, volatility, and rapid market the context, Agrawal noted MOAMC's emergence as a differentiated player in India's vibrant mutual fund industry. 'We are a young AMC and, you know, being young, you learn from people who have been there before and have done it all. So we did that,' he reflected. Yet the company has not shied away from bold bets. 'We have a few firsts to our credit… focused, high-conviction investing, which we think is a very, very premium portfolio construct.'The firm's philosophy draws heavily from the QGLP (Quality, Growth, Longevity, Price) framework pioneered by Motilal Oswal's co-founder Ramdeo Agrawal. 'This is one house that is very unique in alignment of interest… a lot of the firm's money is invested in our funds. So while we have crossed ₹1.5 lakh crore AUM, over ₹8,000 crore may be house money,' said Agrawal, highlighting how skin in the game deepens much of MOAMC's growth has been attributed to performance, Agrawal believes consistent communication plays an equally important role. 'Performance may be the first thing that makes people look at us… but what we are also trying to do at the same time is to explain what we are doing.'MOAMC's equity-only strategy is by design, not default. 'We run funds which are focused on high conviction, but at the same time very different from the index. Our tracking error is very high—some funds have over 90% deviation from the index. We are not somebody you should think is a consistent, close-to-index performer.'He added that for investors seeking more predictable outcomes, MOAMC offers passive alternatives. 'If you want close to index performance… Passive funds are a cheaper way of attaining the same goals. For actively managed funds, we think our constructs are very different. Come to us for growth. If you can digest volatility, we are good for you.'The tagline 'High Quality, High Growth' is backed by rigorous fund management principles. 'It comes from the QGLP philosophy of the house… ultimately markets follow earnings growth,' explained Agrawal. 'If the business grows in sales, more in profits, even better in cash flows—and does that over a long period of time, clearly the value of the business has increased.'MOAMC's strategy is to identify narrow pockets of high-growth opportunity across the Indian economy. 'We are a medium-sized house. Our funds are small. It is possible for us to position ourselves in the nooks and corners of the market which offer this kind of growth,' he said, citing themes like electronic manufacturing, renewables, new tech, luxury, and capital markets as key areas of recent fund performance, Agrawal offered a transparent view: 'FlexiCap is ranked one now for three years… LMC is ranked one for all periods of its existence… Multicap has had a stellar performance.'However, he reiterated that outperformance comes with inherent volatility. 'Don't expect close to index numbers from us. We are not built for that.' Instead, MOAMC encourages investors to pair growth-focused funds with value strategies to balance their portfolios over duality—embracing volatility while delivering alpha—is at the core of MOAMC's communication strategy. 'This is the time for alpha… We say money is being made this way; this is how we invest. There is probably a higher predictability of performance.'Looking ahead, Agrawal was bullish on both the Indian economy and mutual fund penetration. 'Equities as an asset class have very low penetration in India… below 5%. As per capita income grows, it converts a country of savers into a country of investors. That journey has started.'He believes mutual fund growth will outpace GDP growth in the coming years. 'The fund industry will grow significantly faster than the economy itself… We are very positive about the outlook. This is just the beginning.'In closing, Agrawal delivered a compelling message to young investors: 'Over a long period of time, what makes you money is the ability of the business to keep compounding earnings… focus on quality in combo with growth.'He advised caution against relying on external funding for business expansion. 'If you are financing your growth through internal accruals, the predictability and sustainability of that growth is very high… The purest sense is that the organic growth you generate is constrained by your return on invested capital.'Longevity, he added, is key. 'Longevity is super important. You start with 'L' in QGLP—spaces, which will afford you longevity of growth. One-period growth is of very little use.'For Motilal Oswal AMC, future-proof investing is about more than just chasing returns. It is about discipline, conviction, and clarity of purpose—anchored in a philosophy that sees volatility not as risk, but as Agrawal summed up: 'Alpha is here to stay… and we believe the time for growth investing has come.'
Economic Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
5 Reasons Bitcoin Could Skyrocket to $250,000 in 2025: A Strategic Investment Opportunity
Halving Year Post-Halving Bitcoin Rally 2012 ~9,000% surge 2016 ~2,800% rally 2020 ~700% climb Live Events Currency devaluation Sovereign financial risks Banking system volatility ET Spotlight SOURCE: Bitcoin Magazine Pro Volatility: Bitcoin's price has historically experienced sharp fluctuations, and rapid declines can occur even during bullish cycles. Bitcoin's price has historically experienced sharp fluctuations, and rapid declines can occur even during bullish cycles. Market Manipulation: The crypto market remains susceptible to manipulation, such as large-scale liquidations by major holders. The crypto market remains susceptible to manipulation, such as large-scale liquidations by major holders. Macroeconomic Shifts: Unexpected changes in global economic conditions, such as interest rate hikes or shifts in monetary policy, could dampen speculative investment in Bitcoin. (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel As Bitcoin continues its ascent, reshaping the global financial landscape, 2025 could mark a pivotal moment for investors. With a confluence of macroeconomic trends, institutional momentum, and on-chain dynamics, analysts project Bitcoin could reach $250,000 this a deep dive into the five catalysts driving this potential surge and why now may be the time to explore Bitcoin investment Bitcoin halving in April 2024 reduced the issuance of new coins by half, from 6.25 to 3.125 BTC per block. Historically, this supply reduction has sparked significant price rallies:Since the last halving in April 2024, Bitcoin price has grown by over 96% . However, we're still in the early stages of the rally, and more growth is expected. With new supply tightening and demand rising, this structural scarcity could propel Bitcoin toward $250, introduction of Spot Bitcoin ETFs by giants like BlackRock and Fidelity has transformed institutional access to these funds allocate even modest portions, 1-2% of assets under management, to Bitcoin, the influx of capital into a finite asset could create a powerful shift in supply and demand, effectively pushing the price fact, BlackRock itself recommended a 2% portfolio allocation, calling it 'a reasonable range for a Bitcoin exposure'. They also cautioned potential investors that a larger allocation could lead to a sharp increase in Bitcoin's share of the overall portfolio global debt exceeding $34 trillion and persistent inflation eroding fiat currencies, Bitcoin's fixed supply and decentralized nature position it as a hedge against these risks. Investors are increasingly turning to Bitcoin to protect wealth against:In regions facing currency devaluation or capital controls, such as Argentina, Nigeria, and Turkey, Bitcoin serves as a lifeline for wealth individuals and retail investors alike are using Bitcoin to move assets across borders and hedge against economic on-chain data provides critical insights into its market potential, with metrics like the MVRV Z-Score acting as a reliable barometer for price cycles. This indicator highlights whether Bitcoin is trading above or below its fundamental value, providing insight into future growth MVRV Z-Score, a key on-chain metric, measures Bitcoin's market cap against its realized cap to gauge over- or undervaluation. Currently at 2-3, far below the historical peak of 8-10, Bitcoin remains in a growth-friendly past cycles repeat, a market cap of $5-6 trillion could push Bitcoin's price to $250,000. Mudrex's advanced analytics empower investors to track such metrics, making informed decisions in a dynamic the potential for Bitcoin to reach $250,000 is compelling, investors should approach it with caution due to the inherent risks in the cryptocurrency market:Investors should thoroughly research, diversify their portfolios, and consider consulting financial advisors before allocating significant capital to Bitcoin or any stands at the threshold of a historic surge, fueled by powerful catalysts, including the proven effects of post-halving supply cuts and massive institutional inflows. It is growing its status as a global safe haven, and clear on-chain signals indicate more room for the volatile and unpredictable nature of the cryptocurrency market warrants careful consideration of the risks involved. The alignment of these factors in 2025 makes a compelling yet cautious case for Bitcoin reaching $250, investors with a long-term vision and a balanced approach, this could be a defining moment to participate in one of the most exciting chapters in financial history.
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Bond market awakening in 2025: India catching up with global capital flows
Advertorial (This article is generated and published by ET Spotlight team. You can get in touch with them on etspotlight@ India's financial journey has undergone significant evolution over the past decade. Indian households, once heavily focused on fixed deposits, gold, and real estate, are now exploring a wider range of investment options. In recent years, equity markets have experienced growing acceptance, particularly with the rise of digital investment platforms and a corresponding increase in financial bonds are stepping into the spotlight as Indian investors begin to appreciate the benefits of fixed-income products in a well-rounded portfolio. India's bond market is massive, valued at over $2.6 trillion, and plays a vital role in supporting government and corporate funding. Yet, the market has remained heavily dominated by institutions such as banks, insurance firms, and mutual funds. While corporate bond issuance has been growing—crossing ₹7.3 lakh crore in FY24—most of this has come from A-rated companies via private India's corporate debt market may seem sizeable, it represents just 18% of the country's GDP — a stark contrast to over 100% in the US and 70–80% in East Asian economies. This highlights the significant headroom for growth. Investment-grade corporate bonds in India offer returns of up to 14% with tenures as short as six months, making them an attractive avenue for both institutional and retail investors. Deepening this market is not just vital for private sector financing but also critical to sustaining long-term economic growth. A more robust corporate bond market will be key to unlocking private capital expenditure — something India will need to scale if it aims to become an $8 trillion economy in the coming only does the corporate bond market have room for expansion, but it also has considerable potential for developing depth by attracting a broader investor base through increased public offerings, rather than relying solely on private placements. Currently, private placements made up over 99 percent of corporate bond deals last markets are deeply interlinked with interest rate movements. Higher interest rates in 2024 and tighter bank lending have prompted an increasing number of companies to seek funding through bond issuance. Still, 97% of these issuances fall into the top three credit rating categories: AAA, AA+, and AA. The credit rating concentration makes it difficult for smaller or lower-rated firms to raise funds in the market, limiting diversity and depth. Additionally, this also limits investor choices as high-yield investment-grade bond offerings with BBB ratings are implementation of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) has played a crucial role in enhancing investor confidence by reducing credit spreads, particularly for non-financial firms. A stronger resolution process can continue to build trust, making it easier for a broader range of issuers to private placement and institutional investors dominate the corporate bond market in India, retail participation is increasing as accessibility improves, and confidence grows. Retail involvement in the bond market is gaining traction, albeit slowly. The number of retail bond transactions jumped from 1.2 lakh to more than 7.5 lakh over the past three years. Less than 5% of individual investors are currently active in this space. In contrast, developed countries have seen strong retail involvement for the United States, over 2.5 million households invest directly in individual corporate bonds. In Europe and Japan, there is also a long-standing culture of individual participation in both government and corporate gap between India and the rest of the world is substantial, yet it also presents a significant opportunity for growth. With more than 19 crore demat account holders in India, even a modest increase in bond investing could significantly boost market liquidity, depth, and steps in the right direction include the rise of user-friendly SEBI-approved digital platforms like Jiraaf , simplified access to information about returns and credit risk, and smaller minimum investment investment journey of Indian households mirrors the country's broader economic development. Initially, real estate was the go-to asset, viewed as stable and tangible. Gold followed as a culturally significant store of value. In the 1990s and 2000s, equities gained traction, followed by mutual funds (equity-heavy), thanks in part to reforms, dematerialisation, and the rise of systematic investment plans (SIPs).Now, bonds are starting to earn their place. Young India, mainly comprising first-time investors, formed the base of the equity investment boom over the last five years. The first-time equity investors are experiencing their first extended market volatility, only to realise that it is not always upwards and onwards for the equity markets. This financially savvy investor base realised the importance of stability and is now turning to bonds to anchor their volatile equity offer predictable income and zero volatility compared to stocks, and a way to preserve capital while keeping pace with inflation. Bonds also carry relatively lower risk than most of the other asset classes, be it equity, real estate, or gold. With rising financial awareness, more Indians are exploring bonds not only for safety, but also for diversification and passive income. The heightened retail interest is expected to shape the next decade of bond investments in digital platforms like Jiraaf have facilitated this shift. They provide access to corporate and government bonds with details on the borrower, returns, maturity period, minimum investment amount, and credit rating. Jiraaf also recently launched Bond Analyzer , a first-of-its-kind tool in India for bonds. This comprehensive tool is designed to empower investors with deeper insights into the country's fastest-growing bond market. These tools are helping close the information gap that previously kept retail investors away from fixed-income the bond market is gaining momentum, several improvements are still necessary. First, financial education should continue to emphasise the role of bonds in diversified portfolios. Second, liquidity in the secondary market must improve to allow easier exits, even though bonds are not inherently designed for frequent buying and selling like stocks. Third, simplifying taxation for bond investments could increase their appeal. Finally, having a unified and streamlined infrastructure for transactions will help build investor progress so far is promising. More investors are recognising the value of bonds as a key component of long-term financial planning. With supportive policies, improved digital tools, and ongoing market reforms, India's bond market could follow a trajectory like that of equities two decades outdated perception of bonds as dull, low-return instruments meant only for retirees is quickly giving way to a more informed and enthusiastic outlook. Today, Indian investors across all life stages — from ambitious 30-year-olds to financially prudent retirees — are recognising the strategic value of bonds in delivering stable income, managing risk, and adding meaningful diversification to their portfolios. A thriving bond market encourages more balanced portfolios, supports business growth, and enhances the financial system's resilience. As more individuals engage with this asset class, India moves closer to matching the investment behaviors seen in mature global transformation is underway. Bonds are no longer in the background; they're becoming a central part of India's financial story. The rise of bond investing offers fresh opportunities to participate in and shape the next chapter of India's economic article is contributed by Vineet Agrawal, Co-founder, views and opinions expressed in the story are independent professional judgment of the experts and we do not take any responsibility for the accuracy of their views. The brand is solely liable for the correctness, reliability of the content and/or compliance of applicable laws. The above is non-editorial content and TIL does not guarantee, vouch or endorse any of it. Please take all steps necessary to ascertain that any information and content provided is correct, updated, and verified.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India's service economy powers over 55% of GDP, and it's just getting started. Are you invested in this next wave of wealth creation?
In FY24 alone, UPI clocked over 14 billion transactions monthly, illustrating just how deeply services are embedded in daily life. These aren't just conveniences; they signal a structural shift 1 . . Today, services contribute over 55% of India's GDP and employ more than 40% of its workforce, making the sector the backbone of India's growth narrative2. Academy Empower your mind, elevate your skills ET Spotlight Financial services Information technology Telecom Healthcare Consumer and retail services Media and entertainment Investors looking to build a portfolio focused on India's services growth story Those who prefer a diversified thematic fund over a single-sector play Long-term investors aiming for capital appreciation with a 5-year+ horizon In recent times, life is flowing through services. Whether it's tapping an app to book a cab or order food, manage finances through UPI, or seek healthcare via teleconsultation, our everyday experiences are increasingly driven by service-led investors looking to be part of this shift, it presents a timely investment opportunity. Before we dive into it, let's take a look at the bigger consumers are now digital-first, convenience-led, and value-focused. Behind this shift lies a robust services ecosystem spanning banking, healthcare, entertainment, education, logistics, telecom, and beyond. What was once confined to metros and high-income users is now mainstream across tier-2 and tier-3 real-time payments to cloud-powered startups, from digital classrooms to doorstep diagnostics, services are now deeply woven into everyday essentials, creating demand, generating jobs, and unlocking new India's economy moved from agriculture to manufacturing. But services have taken the lead, now accounting for more than half of the NSE 500's total profits. Post-pandemic, this momentum has remote work, digital payments, and e-commerce saw rapid adoption, permanently altering consumer behaviour. Government-led digital public infrastructure like UPI, CoWIN, ONDC, and DigiLocker has further catalysed service-led growth at is no longer a trend. It's a help investors tap into the full potential of this transformation, Axis Mutual Fund has launched the Axis Services Opportunities Fund, a diversified, open-ended equity scheme focused exclusively on service-led businesses. The fund is designed to capture high-growth opportunities across a wide set of sectors, including:Its flexicap approach allows the fund to invest across large, mid, and small caps, ensuring agility and depth in stock selection. The strategy is actively managed, with a high active share, enabling meaningful differentiation from the benchmark to seek alpha. By following a bottom-up, quality-focused approach, the fund seeks out scalable companies with sustainable competitive advantages, strong financials, and sound broader equity funds or narrowly focused sectoral funds, the Axis Services Opportunities Fund offers a diversified thematic approach, allowing investors to capture the breadth of India's expanding service economy while managing risk through sectoral spread. Its core proposition is that it will invest at least 80% of its assets in companies aligned with the services theme spanning 48 basic industries, including Capital Markets, Finance, Power, IT, Healthcare, Banks, and more. The remaining up to 20% can be invested outside these sectors at the fund manager's discretion, providing flexibility to adapt to evolving opportunities.*(Data as of 31st March 2025)India's services sector is not just growing, it's evolving. Today's businesses in this space boast stronger Return on Equity (ROE) and Return on Capital Employed (ROCE), reflecting improved with such momentum, valuations remain relatively attractive, especially when compared to their non-services counterparts. Meanwhile, the sector is expected to see higher earnings growth, with two of the top three PAT (Profit After Tax) growth sectors coming from short, strong fundamentals, rising profitability, and compelling valuations make this a ripe moment for investors to consider thematic exposure to as India's IT boom of the early 2000s created wealth for long-term investors, the rise of the broader service economy can pave the way for the next wave of value creation. The Axis Services Opportunities Fund offers a smart way to participate in this megatrend with a thoughtfully constructed, actively managed, and future-ready portfolio that mirrors India's changing economic services quietly reshape how we live, work, and transact, investors now have a way to grow with this future is being served. The question is - are you invested in it? Learn more about the Axis Services Opportunities Fund here 1. Link 2. Link
