You ignore The Economic Times.
You think it's for rich people. For CEOs. For economists.
You are wrong.
The economic times of india has numbers that affect your salary, your savings, your retirement, your children's education. Every day.
Here are 5 numbers. They will decide your financial future.
Read them. Track them. Or stay poor forever.
Number 1: GDP Growth Rate – The Engine of Your Job
GDP is the total value of everything India produces. When GDP grows, companies earn more. When companies earn more, they hire. When they hire, salaries go up.
Current level: ~7.2%.
What it means:
Above 7% = economy strong. Your job is safe. Your raise might come.
Below 5% = trouble coming. Companies may freeze hiring. Some may lay off.
What you should do: If GDP is growing, ask for a raise. If it's falling, save more cash. Update your resume.
Real example: In 2020, GDP fell to -23% during COVID. Millions lost jobs. Those who had savings survived.
Number 2: Inflation Rate – The Silent Killer of Your Savings
Inflation is the rate at which prices rise. When inflation is high, your money buys less. Your ₹100 today will buy ₹95 worth of goods next year.
Current level: ~5.2%.
What it means:
Below 4% = your money is safe.
Above 6% = your money is losing value fast.
What you should do: If inflation is high, invest in assets that beat inflation (stocks, real estate, gold). Don't keep too much cash in the bank.
Real example: In 2022, inflation hit 7%. Your ₹1,00,000 in the bank became worth ₹93,000 in real terms.
Number 3: Repo Rate – Your Loan's Boss
Repo rate is the rate at which RBI lends money to banks. When repo rate goes up, banks increase your loan EMI. When it goes down, your EMI decreases.
Current level: ~6.5%.
What it means:
High repo rate = expensive loans. Your home loan EMI will be higher.
Low repo rate = cheap loans. Your EMI will be lower.
What you should do: If you are planning a home loan, wait for repo rate to drop. If you have a loan, track repo rate. Refinance when it drops.
Real example: Last year, when RBI increased repo rate by 1%, a family's EMI went up by ₹3,000 per month.
Number 4: Fiscal Deficit – The Government's Credit Card Bill
Fiscal deficit is the difference between what the government earns and what it spends. When it's high, the government is borrowing too much.
Current level: ~5.8% of GDP.
What it means:
High fiscal deficit = government is spending beyond its means. This can lead to inflation.
Low fiscal deficit = government is managing money well.
What you should do: If fiscal deficit is high, prepare for higher taxes or higher inflation. Save more.
Real example: In 2020, fiscal deficit shot up to 9% because of COVID spending. Inflation followed. Petrol prices went up by ₹20 per litre.
Number 5: Unemployment Rate – Your Job's Health
Unemployment rate is the percentage of people who want jobs but don't have them.
Current level: ~7.5%.
What it means:
Below 6% = jobs are available. You can switch jobs easily.
Above 8% = jobs are scarce. Don't quit without an offer.
What you should do: If unemployment is high, don't quit your job. If you are a student, choose a field that is hiring.
Real example: In 2020, unemployment hit 23%. Millions lost jobs. Those who had multiple skills survived.
The Number They Don't Show You
There is a sixth number. No newspaper prints it.
It's called "real wage growth" – your salary increase minus inflation.
If you get a 10% raise but inflation is 6%, your real raise is only 4%.
What you should do: Calculate your real wage growth every year. If it's negative for 2 years, find a new job.
Your Action Plan
If you have a job: Track GDP and unemployment. If both fall for 2 months, update your resume.
If you have savings: Keep 60% in stocks, 30% in debt (FDs, bonds), 10% in gold.
If you have loans: Track repo rate. Refinance when it drops.
If you have no savings: Start today. ₹500 per month. In a mutual fund.
Real Example
A friend of mine started a SIP of ₹2,000 per month in 2018. He never checked The Economic Times. Never panicked. Never stopped.
Today, his investment is worth ₹2.2 lakh. He invested ₹1.4 lakh. Profit: ₹80,000.
But if he had tracked these 5 numbers, he could have made ₹1.5 lakh.
Don't be him. Track the numbers.
Also Read: Indian Share Market News: 5 Numbers That Will Make You Rich – Track Them or Stay Poor
Also Read: Bareilly News Today: The City of Zari Work Has 4 Wounds – Read Before You Buy