US Iran Tensions And The New Scarcity Economy | Govindraj Ethiraj | The Core Report

On Episode 913 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj looks at Indian markets, oil prices and stock market caution after Brent crude cooled below pre-war levels. He also speaks to Neil Shah, Vice President Research and Co-Founder at Counterpoint Research, and Jayanth Neelakanta, Founder and CEO of Equip. SHOW NOTES (00:00) The Take (04:41) Indian Markets Stay Cautious Despite Falling Oil Prices (06:46) US Judge Asks Justice Department To Explain Adani Case Move (07:56) Chipflation Is Here As Apple Raises Prices (19:53) How AI Is Changing Hiring Decisions And Job Market Trends (30:21) Australia Doubles Down On Teen Social Media Ban The Take Why are Indian markets still cautious despite falling oil prices? Oil prices have cooled below $73 after the latest US-Iran ceasefire, but investors are not treating this as a clean risk-off signal. The ceasefire remains fragile, oil demand could rise again as countries rebuild reserves, and India’s rupee, debt flows and equity markets are still moving carefully. Govindraj Ethiraj explains why lower crude oil prices may not be enough to erase concerns around inflation, energy security, West Asia tensions, global supply chains and market volatility. He also argues that India’s bigger resource challenge may now be water. Oil can be bought in global markets, but water is local, scarce and far harder to replace. The larger question is whether India can adapt to a world where resources are no longer guaranteed. It also tracks how monsoon stress could affect growth and consumption. It also tracks West Asia tensions and oil price risk. Markets, The War and a US Adani Case Update Indian stock markets rose for the third straight week as crude oil returned to pre-war levels. But foreign investor interest remains stronger in debt than equities. The rupee is holding steady, bond yields have softened, and broader markets remain cautious. The episode also covers a US judge asking the Justice Department to explain its decision to drop criminal charges against Gautam Adani, and the rise of electric two-wheelers in India as EV penetration crosses 10 percent for the first time. Why Are Laptop And Phone Prices Going Up? Neil Shah explains how AI data centre demand is creating a global memory chip shortage. DRAM prices have surged, pushing up costs for laptops, phones, TVs, smart devices, CCTV cameras, routers, refrigerators and other electronics. He says chipflation may become the new normal as AI infrastructure demand keeps growing faster than chip supply. Apple, Microsoft and other technology companies are already raising prices or changing product configurations, and Indian consumers could feel the impact across electronics. How Can AI Help With Hiring? Jayanth Neelakanta explains how AI is changing recruitment in India, from resume screening and skill tests to AI interviews. He says companies are using AI hiring tools to manage huge applicant volumes, especially for early career roles. The conversation explores why job applications are rising, how candidates use AI to improve resumes, and how recruiters are using hidden job criteria to find better fits. It also looks at where AI can help and where human judgement remains critical. Has Australia’s Teen Social Media Ban Worked? Australia is increasing penalties on tech companies for failing to enforce its under-16 social media ban. The episode looks at why Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat and TikTok are under pressure, and why age checks remain difficult to enforce. US Iran tensions, falling oil prices, Indian markets, the new scarcity economy, chipflation and rising gadget prices are changing how businesses plan. This episode of The Core Report with Govindraj Ethiraj also looks at AI hiring, 1000 applicants for 2 hires, data centre demand, recruitment trends and the future of India’s job market. #USIranTensions #AIHiring #Chipflation #IndianMarkets #TheCoreReport #TheCore Join The Core Insider to get access to perks:    / @thecore_in   Listeners! We await your feedback: https://tinyurl.com/TCR-Listener-Survey The Core & The Core Report is ad supported & FREE for all readers & listeners. Write in to [email protected] for sponsorships & brand studio requirements. For more of our coverage check out thecore.in (https://www.thecore.in/) Support the Core Report (https://tinyurl.com/Support-the-Core-...) Join & Interact anonymously on our WhatsApp channel (https://tinyurl.com/The-Core-WhatsApp...) Subscribe to our Newsletter (https://www.thecore.in/newsletters/th...) Follow Us on Social Media for More Updates: Twitter (  / the_core_in  ) Instagram (  / the.core.in  ) Facebook (  / thecore.biz  ) Linkedin (  / thecore-in  ) Youtube (   / @thecore_in  )