Wealth effect
This refers to ‘Is the wealth effect weighing on consumption?’ (March 28). Based on an analysis, it was established that there was no significant correlation between private consumption figures and changes in index values for the same quarter. However, a positive correlation emerged when consumption expenditure was analysed with a lag. Additionally, statistics indicate that mutual fund investments in equity-oriented schemes have increased substantially over the past five years. Together, these findings suggest that market downturns have not been a primary factor in reducing consumption expenditure. Instead, investors appear to have favoured stock market investments over immediate consumption during market declines — a trend that can be seen as healthy, given that investments also contribute to economic growth.
Srinivasan Velamur
Chennai
Electoral funding
This refers to ‘End this party’ (March 28). The Election Commission of India has to show that there is really a way out of the quagmire of corruption in electoral funding. For this the ruling dispensation should empower the ECI. Leveraging on available technology and resources, establishing a clear money trail is no big task, if only the authorities show the ‘political will’. The Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) are only a disguise for the nefarious misdemeanours. Ensuring that RUPPs and other parties adhere to lawful, acceptable norms or face de-listing is the best course of action to ‘end this party’.
Jose Abraham
Vaikom, Kerala
Quality of life
This refers to ‘Treating the very elderly’ (March 28). The father of human behaviour research, Daniel Kahneman, who ended his life at the age of 90 (on March 27, 2024) because of serious health complications, was not wrong. The moment we realise that our metabolism is not cooperating with us to lead a free and healthy life, and are a sort of bother or nuisance to people around us, our life becomes a hell. Wealth and health go hand in hand in the present-day world.
S Ramakrishnasayee
Chennai