News for 'Monetary Policy'

Sensex drops 313 points ahead of RBI's rate decision

Sensex drops 313 points ahead of RBI's rate decision

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

Titan, Nestle, Hindustan Unilever, State Bank of India, Larsen & Toubro, ITC, Zomato and Bajaj Finserv were also among the laggards. Adani Ports, IndusInd Bank, Tata Motors and HDFC Bank were among the major gainers.

'Insurance Sector Is At An Unstable Equilibrium'

'Insurance Sector Is At An Unstable Equilibrium'

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

'Other sectors that manage the savings pools of Indians are giving tough competition to life insurance companies.'

50:50 Chance Of An RBI Rate Cut

50:50 Chance Of An RBI Rate Cut

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

'If it doesn't, it will continue with measures to infuse liquidity, signalling a new cycle,' predicts Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Sri Lanka: Paradiso For Travellers

Sri Lanka: Paradiso For Travellers

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

Sri Lanka stays with you not just in memory, but gently reminds you what a society can achieve when heart and heritage guide the way.

Wholesale price inflation rises to 1.84% in Sep as food prices spike

Wholesale price inflation rises to 1.84% in Sep as food prices spike

Rediff.com14 Oct 2024

The wholesale price inflation rose to 1.84 per cent in September as food items, especially vegetables, turned costlier, as per the government data released on Monday. The wholesale price index (WPI)-based inflation was 1.31 per cent in August. It was (-)0.07 per cent in September last year.

Sensex up 110 pts in choppy trade, banks gain ahead of RBI policy

Sensex up 110 pts in choppy trade, banks gain ahead of RBI policy

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

Benchmark Sensex advanced 110 points in a choppy trade on Wednesday, extending its gains to the fourth day in a row helped by buying in HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and fresh foreign fund inflows. The 30-share barometer rose by 110.58 points or 0.14 per cent to settle at 80,956.33 with 14 of its constituents ending with gains and 16 stocks with losses. During the day, it jumped 399.64 points or 0.49 per cent to 81,245.39 and dipped to a low of 80,630.53.

50 bps CRR cut will unlock Rs 1.16 lakh cr bank funds

50 bps CRR cut will unlock Rs 1.16 lakh cr bank funds

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

To ease the potential liquidity stress, the Reserve Bank on Friday slashed Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) by 50 basis points to 4 per cent, a move that would unlock Rs 1.16 lakh crore bank funds. The RBI on May 4, 2022 had raised CRR to 4.5 per cent from 4 per cent in an off-cycle Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, with effect from May 21 the same year.

Will RBI's new Guv usher a growth-propping rate cut in 2025?

Will RBI's new Guv usher a growth-propping rate cut in 2025?

Rediff.com22 Dec 2024

The RBI under former governor Shaktikanta Das resisted pressures to cut interest rates through 2024 as it kept its 'Arjuna's eye' trained on inflation, but the central bank under a new detail-oriented head will soon have to take a call if it can continue sacrificing growth. Das, a career bureaucrat who in 2016 oversaw Prime Minister Narendra Modi's highly disruptive demonetisation move, left a lasting legacy as he demitted office towards the end of 2024 after expertly navigating monetary policy for six years, the highlight of which was steering India's recovery through the pandemic.

Factors that will guide the markets this week

Factors that will guide the markets this week

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

RBI's interest rate decision, macroeconomic data announcements and global trends are the key factors that would dictate the momentum in the equity market this week, analysts said.

Trump's Tariffs: Why India Needs To Be Strategic

Trump's Tariffs: Why India Needs To Be Strategic

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

In trade negotiations, as in chess, sometimes you need to accept a temporary disadvantage to secure a better long-term position, points out Sonal Varma, chief economist (India and Asia ex-Japan) at Nomura.

Will Japan's Iron Lady Deepen India-Japan Ties?

Will Japan's Iron Lady Deepen India-Japan Ties?

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

As a protege of Shinzo Abe, Takaichi is expected to scale bilateral ties much higher. Trade and investment shall grow. People-to-people contacts shall be scaled up, points out Dr Rajaram Panda.

Growth Or Inflation? What Will RBI Gov Tackle?

Growth Or Inflation? What Will RBI Gov Tackle?

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

Sanjay Malhotra takes charge as the 26th RBI governor at a time when headline retail inflation has shot up to 6.2%.

Why Is RBI Gov Meeting Top Bankers?

Why Is RBI Gov Meeting Top Bankers?

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

'Growth, liquidity and deposit mobilisation are likely to be discussed during the interaction.'

Why Modi Prefers Babus At RBI Helm

Why Modi Prefers Babus At RBI Helm

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

Perhaps because the Modi government had some differences of opinion with two of the economist governors (one of whom was appointed by the Manmohan Singh government), there is a view that its political leadership prefers a civil servant to head the RBI, notes A K Bhattacharya.

RBI unlikely to cut interest rate in October

RBI unlikely to cut interest rate in October

Rediff.com6 Oct 2024

The Reserve Bank is unlikely to cut the benchmark interest rate in its forthcoming bi-monthly monetary policy review later in the week as retail inflation is still a cause of concern, and there is a possibility of the Middle East crisis deteriorating further, impacting crude oil and commodity prices, say experts.

June retail inflation likely to have cooled further on food prices

June retail inflation likely to have cooled further on food prices

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

India's consumer price index (CPI)-based retail inflation rate is likely to have cooled further in June, thus remaining below the 4 per cent target of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for a fifth consecutive month, giving the central bank wiggle room to focus on growth. Economists reckon that the decline is on account of easing prices in various categories of goods, especially food items, and a favourable base effect.

RBI Guv Shaktikanta Das to demit office on Tuesday

RBI Guv Shaktikanta Das to demit office on Tuesday

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

Shaktikanta Das will demit the office on Tuesday after completing six years as the 25th Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra will replace him as the 26th Governor. He was appointed as the Governor on December 12, 2018, after the abrupt exit of Urjit Patel.

Wholesale price inflation dips to 14-month low in May

Wholesale price inflation dips to 14-month low in May

Rediff.com17 Jun 2025

Wholesale price inflation (WPI) declined to a 14-month low of 0.39 per cent in May on easing prices of food articles and fuel, and experts said geopolitical tensions could push up prices.

Wholesale price inflation rises to 4-month high on food price spike

Wholesale price inflation rises to 4-month high on food price spike

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

Wholesale price inflation rose to a 4-month high of 2.36 per cent in October as prices of food items, especially vegetables, and manufactured goods turned dearer, as per the government data released on Thursday. The wholesale price index (WPI) based inflation was 1.84 per cent in September 2024. It was (-) 0.26 per cent in October, last year.

Trump's Tariffs Defy Economic Principles

Trump's Tariffs Defy Economic Principles

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

No experts, clearly, were involved in the design of these new tariffs, which have been the subject of bemused wonderment across the world in how completely they ignore logic, rationality, fairness, and economic theory, observes Mihir S Sharma.

Wholesale inflation falls to 3-month low of 2.04% in July

Wholesale inflation falls to 3-month low of 2.04% in July

Rediff.com14 Aug 2024

Wholesale inflation fell to a 3-month low of 2.04 per cent in July on decline in prices of food items especially vegetables, government data released on Wednesday showed. The decline in wholesale price index (WPI) based inflation in July came after it rose for four months in a row till June, when it was 3.36 per cent. It was (-) 1.23 per cent in July last year. In April wholesale inflation stood at 1.19 per cent.

New RBI Guv promises to do 'what is best for the economy'

New RBI Guv promises to do 'what is best for the economy'

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

A day after his appointment as the 26th governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), outgoing Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra on Tuesday said one must understand the economic landscape and do what was best for the economy. "Let me first go, join, understand the turf ... Here it is a different role," Malhotra said, speaking to reporters in front of North Block.

US tariffs: Gems and jewellery exporters seek urgent govt relief

US tariffs: Gems and jewellery exporters seek urgent govt relief

Rediff.com31 Aug 2025

The Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has urged the Centre to provide immediate relief measures as the tariffs imposed by the United States have started hitting the industry. US tariffs of 50 per cent on Indian goods came into effect on August 27.

Inflation falls below 4% in Feb. Will RBI cut rate on April 9?

Inflation falls below 4% in Feb. Will RBI cut rate on April 9?

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

Retail inflation slipped to seven-month low of 3.61 per cent in February mainly due to easing prices of vegetables, eggs, and other protein-rich items, creating space for the RBI to go for another cut in interest rate next month.

Factors that will guide the markets this week

Factors that will guide the markets this week

Rediff.com15 Dec 2024

The US Fed interest rate decision, inflation data and FIIs are the key factors that are expected to drive stock markets this week, analysts said. Global trends will also be tracked by investors for further cues, they added. "The Indian stock market's future trajectory will be influenced by a blend of global and domestic factors.

PSBs share in loans rises sharply in FY25

PSBs share in loans rises sharply in FY25

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

The pace of loan growth among public sector banks (PSBs) has seen a surge in the financial year 2024-25, and this is an exception to the overall moderation in bank credit during FY25. PSU banks' share in incremental credit rose to 57.3 per cent in March from 51.7 per cent a year ago, according to the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) Monetary Policy Report (April 2025).

FPIs pump Rs 18,620 cr in equities in May

FPIs pump Rs 18,620 cr in equities in May

Rediff.com19 May 2025

Foreign investors continue to show confidence in the country's equity market, infusing Rs 18,620 crore so far this month, driven by a combination of global tailwinds and improving domestic fundamentals. This positive momentum follows a net investment of Rs 4,223 crore in April, marking the first inflow in three months, data with the depositories showed.

RBI rate cut in Feb may not be a done deal, say economists

RBI rate cut in Feb may not be a done deal, say economists

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

Even as the high inflation figure for October has ruled out any possibility of a rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) monetary policy committee (MPC) in December, a rate cut in February also looks uncertain due to global uncertainties. Economists told Business Standard that unless domestic growth slows markedly, the outlook on rate cut remains unclear. India's headline inflation touched a 14-month high of 6.2 per cent in October, breaching the MPC's upper tolerance band of 6 per cent.

'Choose A Borrower-Friendly Lender'

'Choose A Borrower-Friendly Lender'

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

Borrowers should consider switching from an MCLR-linked to a repo rate-linked loan.

RBI retains inflation projection for FY25 at 4.5%

RBI retains inflation projection for FY25 at 4.5%

Rediff.com7 Jun 2024

The Reserve Bank of India on Friday retained its projection for retail inflation at 4.5 per cent for the current fiscal assuming a normal monsoon, while emphasising that uncertainties related to food price outlook warrant a close monitoring. Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based retail inflation has been projected at 4.5 per cent with quarter-wise projections at 4.9 per cent in Q1 (April-June), 3.8 per cent in Q2, 4.6 per cent in Q3, and 4.5 per cent in Q4.

Prospects of economy expected to improve in 2025: RBI Guv

Prospects of economy expected to improve in 2025: RBI Guv

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

Facing criticism from the government over the central bank prioritising inflation over growth, the new RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra on Monday said that prospects of the Indian economy are expected to improve on the back of high consumer and business confidence in 2025. "As we strive to preserve financial stability to support a higher growth path for the Indian economy, our focus remains steadfast on maintaining stability of financial institutions and, more broadly, systemic stability," Malhotra said in foreword to the Financial Stability Report.

Inflation soars to 14-month high of 6.2% in Oct

Inflation soars to 14-month high of 6.2% in Oct

Rediff.com12 Nov 2024

Retail inflation breached the Reserve Bank's upper tolerance level, soaring to a 14-month high of 6.21 per cent in October mainly on account of rising food prices. Inflation based on the consumer price index (CPI) was 5.49 per cent in September and 4.87 per cent in the year-ago month. Retail inflation trended below the RBI's upper tolerance band of 6 per cent since September last year.

Will RBI's rate cut lower loan EMIs?

Will RBI's rate cut lower loan EMIs?

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

The repo rate cut by 25 basis points by the monetary policy committee (MPC) of RBI announced Friday will give a long-awaited relief on interest rates and also be supportive of economic growth, according to experts. Repo rate is the interest rate at which the RBI lends money to commercial banks.

RBI not targeting specific rupee level: Guv

RBI not targeting specific rupee level: Guv

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

Reserve Bank Governor Sanjay Malhotra on Friday said the exchange rate policy has remained consistent over the years and the central bank does not target any 'specific level or band' of the rupee, which slipped to an all-time low of 87.59 to a US dollar. On Thursday, the rupee plunged 16 paise to close at a record low of 87.59 against the American currency. "I would like to mention here that the Reserve Bank's exchange rate policy has remained consistent over the years.

RBI's job to bring down inflation is not over: Das

RBI's job to bring down inflation is not over: Das

Rediff.com22 Feb 2024

The Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) job to bring down inflation is not over, and any premature move on the policy front could undermine the success achieved so far on the price situation, according to RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das. RBI's rate setting panel, Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), had met for three days from February 6-8. The panel decided to leave the key policy rate unchanged at 6.5 per cent for the sixth time in row.

US penalty risk on Russian oil may add $9-11 bn to India's import bill

US penalty risk on Russian oil may add $9-11 bn to India's import bill

Rediff.com3 Aug 2025

India's annual oil import bill could rise by $9-11 billion if the country is compelled to move away from Russian crude in response to US threats of additional tariffs or penalties on Indian exports, analysts said. India, the world's third-largest oil consumer and importer, has reaped significant benefits by swiftly substituting market-priced oil with discounted Russian crude following Western sanctions on Moscow after its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

'Lending rate cut still some time away'

'Lending rate cut still some time away'

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's call for making lending rates affordable may not resonate anytime soon as banks still struggle with margin compression, and await clues from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on liquidity and rate action. Hinting that any lending rate cut was some time away, State Bank of India (SBI) managing director Vinay M Tonse said there was still some aggression in the market regarding deposit pricing.

Wholesale inflation eases to 2% in March on cheaper food items

Wholesale inflation eases to 2% in March on cheaper food items

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Wholesale price inflation eased to 2.05 per cent in March, as against 2.38 per cent in February, government data showed on Tuesday. The wholesale price index (WPI) based inflation, however, rose year-on-year.

India Must Only Agree To A Deal If It Is A Win-Win

India Must Only Agree To A Deal If It Is A Win-Win

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

To those who ask, "Is all this really worth it? Why can't domestic demand fill the gap?", it is important to remind them that only 13 economies since the Second World War have grown at 7 per cent or more for 25 years -- like India needs to. They all had one thing in common: Strong export growth underpinned by strong global engagement, explains Sajjid Z Chinoy.

S&P cuts India's FY26 GDP growth forecast to 6.5%

S&P cuts India's FY26 GDP growth forecast to 6.5%

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

S&P Global Ratings on Tuesday cut India's GDP growth projections to 6.5 per cent for the next fiscal as it expects that economies in the APAC region will feel the strain of rising US tariffs and pushback on globalisation. In its Economic Outlook for Asia-Pacific (APAC), S&P said despite these external strains, it expects domestic demand momentum to remain solid in most emerging-market economies.