Iran might attack Israel and Ukraine and Russia are still bombing each other

Hello Readers,

Did you hear?

Sudan’s war is still going on!

For those unaware, Sudanese militia groups RSF and SAF have been fighting for a year in Sudan! The fighting has not slowed down as the RSF is firmly resisting the SAF’s demands for integration, resulting in civilian casualties! Thousands have died in the battle as reports suggest that a record 25 million people need humanitarian aid! China has been assisting the war-torn country with assistance and mediation. Speaking of China, did you hear?

Tensions are escalating with China!

While India is making ‘positive progress’ on resolving its border issues with China, tensions are rising in the South China Sea. With China expanding its influence on most of the South China Sea, countries like Japan and the Philippines are fighting back as the geopolitical landscape is volatile. The US has now committed its ‘ironclad’ support for both nations, thus widening an existing diplomatic conflict that could erupt into a war! Speaking of war, what’s up with the Russia-Ukraine war?

Ukraine and Russia are still bombing each other!

Two years have passed since Russia began its military operation in Ukraine and the war is now tilting in Russia’s favour. Although Ukraine is still carrying out drone assaults on Russia, it is running out of ammunition as US aid has been stuck up in the US parliament. Russia is now using Soviet-era bombs as Ukraine is slowly losing ground! However, another war is about to get a lot worse

Iran might attack Israel!

The Middle East conflict that began on October 7th could grow to become a war between two nations as Iran is reportedly preparing to attack Israel! Last week, Israel reportedly killed a senior Iranian official in Damascus as Iran is looking to retaliate. The US has ramped up its diplomatic efforts in the region to prevent a major conflict but has also sent two Navy Destroyers to the Eastern Mediterranean Sea to support Israel in case of an attack! This news sent the world into a tizzy, especially the financial markets!

Markets have crashed!

News of a widening Middle East conflict spooked investors worldwide as markets crashed globally. The US S&P 500 had its worst day in almost 4 months as both major US indices tumbled over 1% and Asian indices noted similar declines. Moreover, Bitcoin fell over 4% in a day as adverse traditional market sentiments soured the mood for digital assets as well, resulting in the liquidation of derivatives worth over $200 million in a day!!

Speaking of finance, did you know core finance activities are seeing record growth!!?

That’s right. Investment Banks, the go-to institution when speaking of finance, are seeing a sharp rebound in their advisory business! Global banks are seeing a revival in M&A activities while IPO markets are rebounding with newer firms rushing to raise funds. This is helping investment banks rake in fees worth millions!

Moreover, this pace is set to increase. Banks expect dealmaking to increase in the coming months as revenues of the largest banks are set to grow by 5-10% this year alone! So, the domain of investment banking is all set to witness impressive growth in 2024.

Furthermore, India is particularly well positioned. India’s economic activity has grown substantially in the last 15 years as corporate growth opportunities have also multiplied. More and more companies are choosing to grow inorganically in the country as the number of M&A deals has seen a multi-fold spike during the period. As a result, almost every major global investment bank has moved to set up its offices in India!

In fact, the Indian IPO markets have seen a sharp reversal in 2024 as investment banks earned Rs 1,000 crores in Q1CY24 with Indian equity share sales alone! The dealmaking possibilities in the country have thus attracted several investment banks, despite the lower advisory fees!

However, herein lies a problem and an opportunity.

The problem is that investment banks are facing a sharp talent crunch. Indian educational curriculum is not catered to practical investment banking teachings as students are incapable of operating in the professional landscape without receiving significant training.

Although companies do train their employees, these companies choose students only from top universities to train. This ends up leaving out millions of capable individuals while investment banks are forced to pay a hefty salary to these employees.

However, this is an opportunity. 

With the growing need for talented investment bankers, companies are now choosing to overlook traditional degree-based recruitment criteria while choosing to employ individuals with relevant skills! Thus, even if you are not from an IIM-ABC, you have a chance to break into investment banking. 

With the global investment banking market set to grow at a CAGR of 10.8% in the next 9 years to $214 billion, are you ready to jump into the exciting and rewarding field of Investment Banking?

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