Call rates likely to hover around 9%
Call money rates eased a bit during last week, trading near 9%. The refinance availed at 10% in the previous week was repaid by mid-week. The FII inflows have been strong, registering $650 million in February, aiding liquidity.

Economic survey will voice concern over mounting fiscal, oil-pool deficits
The Economic Survey 1999-2000, to be tabled in Parliament on Monday, will raise concerns about rising fiscal deficit, stagnant farm sector, declining crude output and growing oil pool deficit.The Survey is also expected to underline the need for tough measures to check the increasing domestic debt burden.

Cigarette prices rise on pre-budget hoarding
Pre-budget hoarding by distributors and wholesalers has resulted in a sharp rise in cigarette prices. Popular cigarette brands are selling at Rs 1 or Rs 2 per pack costlier than the maximum retail price quoted on the pack.


  Executive briefing
  Union budget -- Can we expect anything different?
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  Divestment income is no windfall
  Tax software export income
  Railway budget -- A good engine, but must run too
  FM will not redo tax brackets