Writing off farm loans worth Rs 60,000 crore, increasing Income Tax exemptions, slashing excise duties?Finance Minister Chidambaram’s Budget 2008 is aimed at winning votes in an early poll. Full coverage: Budget 2008

This Budget was presented in the context of an interesting year from a macro-economic perspective. The year started out on a very positive note with strong economic indicators and a buoyant capital market, but ended with tangible concerns around a slowdown in global growth and its impact on emerging economies like India and China.

The economic backdrop to the Budget 2008 was mixed; though India has witnessed high growth rate in the recent past, coupled with burgeoning foreign exchange reserves and phenomenal increase in the direct tax collections, the fear of US slowdown, inflation, ever-strengthening rupee and high interest rates, are a matter of some concern.

Writing off farm loans worth Rs 60,000 crore, increasing Income Tax exemptions, slashing excise duties?Finance Minister Chidambaram’s Budget 2008 is aimed at winning votes in an early poll. Watch complete Budget speechHighlights of Union Budget 2008Full coverage: Budget 2008Surfers' comments on Budget 2008Read full text of FM's speechClick to read sectoral analysisRead experts views on Budget 2008Budget at a glanceWhat’s cheaper, what’s dearer?

Has the FM done enough to address the potential impact of a US recession on India, exporters reined in by an appreciating rupee and investors caught out by volatile markets?

Outlook for 2008-09 continues to be positive. Budget 2008 has done its bit by slashing excise on two-wheelers and small cars.

The Indian Real Estate Industry witnessed heightened activity in 2007 characterised by massive development, sustained end-user demand and increased interest from international players.

The Indian Textiles sector has been particularly affected by the rupee appreciation, which has marred the government’s export target of $25 billion (Rs 1,00,000 crore) during 2007-08.

The economy is slowing down, foreign investors have turned wary, and there is an election to be won next year. So, will Finance Minister P. Chidambaram script Budget 2008 for votes or growth? Shalini S. Dagar tells us what we can expect this year.  Full coverage: Budget 2008-09

The recent round of rate cuts is welcome, but will it rev up housing sales? Should you buy or invest in a house now?

The housing finance market is slowing down, but not if you asked HDFC, which is clocking growth rates of 25-30 per cent and even expanding its market share. The inside story of how it has kept running while others around it are stumbling.

Property prices are beginning to correct in some cities.

Yes, the stock markets have been on a roll for four years now and the Sensex is at 20,000 plus. But a surging economy is expected to keep the FIIs interested in India this year.

It couldn't have been a better day to have a panel discussion on the prospects for the Indian stock markets. The benchmark Sensex on the Bombay Stock Exchange has just shattered all records by recording its highest ever single-day gain of 789 points to hurtle past 18,000. Are we moving too fast?

The party bells are ringing for the home loan borrower. After three years of rate increases, a slew of banks have started offering discounts on lending rates for fresh home loans.

Direct tax collections (income tax and corporate tax) have risen 42 per cent over the previous corresponding figures.

The rating agency has, provisionally, projected the net profitability margin of banks at 1.4 per cent, compared to 1.6 per cent in 2006-07.

The rising rupee and unbridled competition from China and Bangladesh have forced players like Gokaldas Exports to sell out. What does the future hold for the textile and garment exporters?

A bird's eye view of what's hot and what's not on the government's policy radar.

Private banking has a lot to offer, if you have the moolah that is.