In this week’s wrapup, we discuss GIFT City’s potential as an aircraft leasing hub, why CEOs and economists look at trucks, how Indians have been misusing a loophole to buy UK properties, the Corruption Perception Index and all about trading and investing in cryptos in India.

And in this week’s markets edition, we tell you why Goldman Sachs is betting big on BSE Ltd. Click here to read the full markets story.

Now, let’s recap what we wrote over the week.

Can GIFT City take off as India’s aircraft leasing hub?

Ever since India’s first International Financial Services Centre, GIFT City, took off a decade ago, it has been offering plenty of incentives to foreign institutions and businesses to set up shop there. But its latest passion is chasing aircraft leasing companies, you know, the folks who rent out planes to airlines. Why’s that?

Well, buying a plane is ridiculously expensive, so most Indian airlines lease their fleets from companies based abroad in countries like Ireland, Hong Kong, Dubai and Singapore. But with the aircraft leasing business booming globally, India doesn’t want to be left behind. So, it’s pitching GIFT City as the next big hub for aircraft leasing.

But can it really take off?

Find out in Monday’s newsletter, where we break it down.

Why CEOs and economists look at trucks

Want a quick way to gauge economic or business activity without scrambling over all the complex indicators? Well, you can just look at TRUCKS!

When truck rentals rise, goods are moving, businesses are booming, and demand is strong. When they fall, it’s often a warning sign of economic trouble. Don’t believe us? Well, we did some digging to get proof – and right now, truck rentals are climbing, fueled by everything from the Maha Kumbh to strong farm output. 

The only problem is that truck trends don’t always tell the full story and sometimes they even mislead the best economists. Yet CEOs and economists take cues from them. And if you’re interested in knowing why, just head over to our Tuesday’s newsletter.

A secret about the UK property market

If you know someone who is ultra-rich, chances are they own a swanky London property. The only twist is that many billionaires don’t buy these homes in their own names. Instead, they use offshore companies to stay hidden, slash taxes and keep regulators guessing.

It’s a sneaky but legal loophole that’s been a favourite trick for years. The UK benefits from it, the rich love it and India… well, India’s not too happy about it. Now, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is cracking down on Indian investors using these offshore setups.

So, how does this tax dodge work, why does the UK allow it, and what happens next? You can check out our Wednesday’s story to get all the answers. 

Corruption Perceptions Index explained

Can we really measure corruption? Well, yes because India just ranked 96th in the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI). 

But what does that even mean? Is India actually more corrupt than last year, or is this ranking just a messy mix of surveys and opinions?

Turns out, this CPI isn’t based on hard data. It’s based on what business leaders and experts think about corruption. And while it influences everything from foreign investments to credit ratings, critics argue it barely scratches the surface, ignoring private sector scandals and real-world experiences.

So, does the CPI tell the full story, or should we take it with a pinch of salt? We dug deep to find the answers for Thursday’s newsletter. Click here to read it.

Finshots Cracks Crypto #6: A simple guide to crypto trading, investing and taxes in India

If you’ve been following this series, you’ve learned about blockchain and you know Bitcoin isn’t the only game in town. 

But now comes the real question — how do you actually buy, trade and invest in crypto in India? And what about taxes?

In this edition, we break it all down from choosing the right exchange, securing your crypto, managing risks to understanding the brutal 30% tax rule. 

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned trader, this guide will help you navigate the crypto land without losing sleep. You can read it here.

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