News for 'central-bank'

RBI curbs: JM Financial says nothing wrong with loan sanctioning process

RBI curbs: JM Financial says nothing wrong with loan sanctioning process

Rediff.com6 Mar 2024

JM Financial on Wednesday said it had a "careful and detailed review" of the Reserve Bank's order imposing restrictions on the company's financing business and asserted that there was "no material deficiencies" in its loan sanctioning process. The Reserve Bank on Tuesday imposed restrictions on JM Financial Products Ltd after it found the company indulged in various manipulations, including repeatedly helping a group of its customers to bid for various IPOs (initial public offerings) by using loaned funds. "After careful and detailed review of the order issued by the RBI on the action against JM Financial Products Ltd, we strongly believe that there have been no material deficiencies in our loan sanctioning process.

Retail inflation eases to 11-month low of 4.83% in April

Retail inflation eases to 11-month low of 4.83% in April

Rediff.com13 May 2024

Retail inflation eased to an 11-month low of 4.83 per cent in April as prices of some kitchen items declined though overall food basket firmed up marginally, according to a government data released on Monday. The Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based retail inflation was 4.85 per cent in March. It was 4.7 per cent in April 2023.

Central Bank of India cuts housing loan rates

Central Bank of India cuts housing loan rates

Rediff.com7 Feb 2003

Central Bank of India has become the latest player to join the rate cut war by reducing its floating and fixed interest on housing loans by 0.25 to 0.5 per cent with effect from February 10.

RBI's diktat to banks for issuance of credit cards

RBI's diktat to banks for issuance of credit cards

Rediff.com6 Mar 2024

Reserve Bank has directed banks to provide their eligible customers with an option to choose from multiple card networks at the time of issuing credit or debit cards, a move which will benefit card users. The central bank also asked issuers of credit cards not to enter into any arrangement or agreement with card networks that restrain customers from availing the services of other networks.

Liquidity deficit widens to Rs 2 trn, on back of advance tax outflows

Liquidity deficit widens to Rs 2 trn, on back of advance tax outflows

Rediff.com20 Dec 2023

Funds raised by banks through certificates of deposit in December clocked the highest in the financial year 2023-24 as liquidity remained tight in the system with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) infusing Rs 2.01 trillion on Monday, the highest in the current financial year. The liquidity deficit in the banking system widened to more than Rs 2 trillion on Monday on the back of advance tax outflows, market participants said. Around Rs 4 trillion worth of outflows are expected because of advanced tax and goods and services tax (GST) payments in December.

Forex reserves jump $1.63 bn to $618.9 bn

Forex reserves jump $1.63 bn to $618.9 bn

Rediff.com19 Jan 2024

India's forex reserves jumped $1.63 billion to $618.94 billion for the week ended January 12, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said on Friday. In the previous reporting week, the overall reserves had declined sharply by $5.89 billion to $617.3 billion. The country's forex kitty had reached an all-time high of $645 billion in October 2021.

Retail inflation eases to 5-month low of 4.85% in March

Retail inflation eases to 5-month low of 4.85% in March

Rediff.com12 Apr 2024

Retail inflation declined to a five-month low of 4.85 per cent in March mainly due to cooling food prices, inching towards the Reserve Bank's target of 4 per cent, according to official data released on Friday. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) based retail inflation was 5.09 per cent in February and 5.66 per cent in March 2023. Previously, CPI-based inflation was the lowest at 4.87 per cent in October 2023.

Forex reserves drop by $2.17 bn to $584.74 bn

Forex reserves drop by $2.17 bn to $584.74 bn

Rediff.com13 Oct 2023

The country's forex reserves dropped by a further $2.166 billion to $584.74 billion for the week ended October 6, the RBI said on Friday. India's forex kitty had gone down by $3.79 billion to $586.91 billion in the previous week. It can be noted that in October 2021, the country's forex kitty had reached an all-time high of $645 billion.

Will Bull Run In PSU Banks Continue?

Will Bull Run In PSU Banks Continue?

Rediff.com6 Mar 2024

>It's not easy to predict the market. But there are at least two positive factors to back the PSU banks, explains Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Will RBI Governor Get An Extension?

Will RBI Governor Get An Extension?

Rediff.com9 Jan 2024

'After a long time, we have a governor who is approachable. The RBI's interactions with us are now much better.'

Forex reserves fall sharply by $5.89 bn to $617.3 bn: RBI

Forex reserves fall sharply by $5.89 bn to $617.3 bn: RBI

Rediff.com12 Jan 2024

Forex reserves declined sharply by $5.89 billion to $617.3 billion for the week ending January 5 after rising for four consecutive weeks, according to the weekly Reserve Bank data released on Friday. So far this fiscal, the reserves have increased $55.72 billion, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). In the previous reporting week ended December 29, the reserves rose $2.759 billion to $623.2 billion, the highest so far this fiscal.

Forex reserves drop $3.79 bn to $586.91 bn

Forex reserves drop $3.79 bn to $586.91 bn

Rediff.com6 Oct 2023

India's forex reserves dropped further by $3.79 billion to $586.91 billion for the week ended September 29, the Reserve Bank said on Friday. In the previous reporting week, the overall reserves had declined by $2.33 billion to $590.70 billion as of September 22. It can be noted that in October 2021, the country's forex kitty had reached an all-time high of $645 billion.

Now, no need to visit bank to update KYC

Now, no need to visit bank to update KYC

Rediff.com20 Mar 2024

Bank account holders are no longer required to visit their bank branches to update 'know your customer' (KYC) details provided they have already submitted valid documents and not changed their address, the RBI has said. Instead, if there is no change in KYC information, they can submit a self-declaration through email-id, registered mobile number, ATMs, or any other digital channels. Following up on Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das stating that banks should not insist on branch visits for KYC updation, the central bank on Thursday issued guidelines for the same.

Will India's forex kitty swell to a new record high?

Will India's forex kitty swell to a new record high?

Rediff.com5 Jan 2024

India's forex reserves jumped by $ 2.76 billion to $ 623.2 billion in the week ended December 29, the Reserve Bank said on Friday. In the previous reporting week, the overall reserves had increased by $4.47 billion to $620.44 billion. In October 2021, the country's forex kitty had reached an all-time high of $ 645 billion.

RBI may maintain status-quo on interest rate, say experts

RBI may maintain status-quo on interest rate, say experts

Rediff.com30 Jul 2023

The Reserve Bank is likely to maintain status-quo on the key interest rates for the third time in a row in its upcoming bi-monthly policy review despite the US Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank hiking benchmark rates, as domestic inflation is within the RBI's comfort zone, say experts. The borrowing cost which started rising in May last year has stabilised with RBI keeping the repo rate unchanged at 6.5 per cent since February when it was raised from 6.25 per cent. In the previous two bi-monthly policy reviews in April and June the benchmark rate was retained.

Why are gold prices rising? Chris Wood of Jefferies explains

Why are gold prices rising? Chris Wood of Jefferies explains

Rediff.com22 Apr 2024

Gold prices have been on an uptrend in the last few months, rising nearly 28 per cent to $2387 per ounce now. This rise in gold price, according to Christopher Wood, global head of equity strategy at Jefferies, is attributed to the demand from China amid lack of investor euphoria as regards the yellow metal. "Recent developments show a distinct lack of investor euphoria as regards gold, the question remains what is driving the current rally.

US House passes $95-bn aid package for Ukraine, Israel and other allies

US House passes $95-bn aid package for Ukraine, Israel and other allies

Rediff.com21 Apr 2024

One bill provides $60.8 billion for Ukraine, with over 80 percent of it for helping Kyiv amid its ongoing war with Russia, including replenishing supplies of US made weapons and ammunition.

S&P ups India's FY'24 growth forecast to 6.4%

S&P ups India's FY'24 growth forecast to 6.4%

Rediff.com27 Nov 2023

S&P Global Ratings on Monday raised India's growth forecast for the current financial year to 6.4 per cent, from 6 per cent, saying that robust domestic momentum has offset headwinds from high food inflation and weak exports. The US-based rating agency, however, has cut growth estimates for the next fiscal (2024-25) to 6.4 per cent, as it expects growth to slow in the second half (October-March) of the current fiscal, on higher base impact and subdued global growth.

On a hat-trick: Will Das throw up another surprise?

On a hat-trick: Will Das throw up another surprise?

Rediff.com7 Dec 2023

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das had stumped the market in the previous two policies - in August and in October - first with action and then with words. In August, it was the introduction of an incremental cash reserve ratio (I-CRR) to take out excess liquidity, which took the markets by surprise. In October, there was no action. Rather, what is known as "open mouth operation", Das' comment that the central bank might conduct open market operations (OMOs) by selling bonds tempered the euphoria in the bond markets after JP Morgan's inclusion of India in its Emerging Market Bond Index.

Banks bid 2.5x against Rs 1.75 trn at VRR auction

Banks bid 2.5x against Rs 1.75 trn at VRR auction

Rediff.com1 Jan 2024

Banks submitted bids amounting to Rs 4.75 trillion, around 2.5 times of the notified amount of Rs 1.75 trillion, at the Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRR) auction conducted by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on December 22, a day after the liquidity deficit in the banking system widened to Rs 2.5 trillion. In the most recent VRR auction held by the RBI on December 15, bids totaling 2.7 times the notified amount were received. Banks secured Rs 1 trillion at a weighted average rate of 6.63 per cent.

Deloitte pegs India's FY25 GDP growth at 6.6%

Deloitte pegs India's FY25 GDP growth at 6.6%

Rediff.com26 Apr 2024

Deloitte India on Friday said it estimates India's GDP growth at 6.6 per cent in the current fiscal helped by consumption expenditure, exports rebound and capital flows. In its India's economic outlook report, Deloitte said the rapid growth of the middle-income class has led to rising purchasing power and even created demand for premium luxury products and services. With the expectation that the number of middle-to-high-income segments will be one in two households by 2030/31, up from one in four currently, we believe this trend will likely become further amplified, driving overall private consumer expenditure growth, it said.

RBI's decision on connected lending may curb India Inc's powers

RBI's decision on connected lending may curb India Inc's powers

Rediff.com18 Dec 2023

The decision by the Reserve Bank of India to introduce a unified regulatory framework on connected lending for all the regulated entities (RE) is expected to reduce the influence of business conglomerates in the Indian lending space, said bankers and experts. "Connected lending pertains to lending to related parties within the same business group. "While the RBI might appear more agreeable to allowing business conglomerates to own banking licenses, it deems it crucial to bolster regulations that would prevent conglomerate-owned banks from gaming the system," said Shivaji Thapliyal, head of research and lead analyst, YES Securities.

PSU banks urged to review their gold loan portfolio

PSU banks urged to review their gold loan portfolio

Rediff.com13 Mar 2024

The finance ministry has directed all state-owned banks to review their gold loan portfolio as instances of non-compliance with regulatory norms have been noticed by the government. The Department of Financial Services (DFS) in a communication addressed to heads of public sector banks has asked them to look at their system and processes related to gold loan. "We have asked banks to undertake comprehensive review of the gold loan business," financial services secretary Vivek Joshi told PTI.

Retail inflation eases to 4-month low of 4.87% in Oct

Retail inflation eases to 4-month low of 4.87% in Oct

Rediff.com13 Nov 2023

The retail inflation eased to a four-month low of 4.87 per cent in October, mainly due to cooling prices of food items, government data showed on Monday. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) based retail inflation fell to a three-month low of 5.02 per cent in September. The previous low inflation was recorded at 4.87 per cent in June.

Shaktikanta Das: RBI Governor Who Walks The Talk

Shaktikanta Das: RBI Governor Who Walks The Talk

Rediff.com13 Mar 2024

'Das is friendly, but he finally does what he does. The quality of engagement is very good.'

RBI retains repo rate at 6.5% for fifth time in a row

RBI retains repo rate at 6.5% for fifth time in a row

Rediff.com8 Dec 2023

The Reserve Bank of India on Friday decided to keep the policy rate unchanged at 6.5 per cent for the fifth time in a row as it maintains a tight vigil on inflation. The rate increase cycle was paused in April after six consecutive rate hikes, aggregating to 250 basis points since May 2022. Announcing the bi-monthly monetary policy, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) unanimously decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 6.5 per cent.

Paytm Crisis: StartUp Founders Take Note

Paytm Crisis: StartUp Founders Take Note

Rediff.com22 Feb 2024

Startup founders need to sit up and think about how not to take stardom for granted and how not to disappoint their fans who have stood in long queues for those precious selfies with popular entrepreneurs, notes Nivedita Mookerji.

Forex reserves jump $2.82 bn to $606.86 bn

Forex reserves jump $2.82 bn to $606.86 bn

Rediff.com15 Dec 2023

India's forex reserves jumped $2.816 billion to $606.86 billion in the week ended December 8, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said on Friday. In the previous reporting week, the overall reserves had risen $6.11 billion to $604.04 billion. It can be noted that in October 2021, the country's forex kitty had reached an all-time high of $645 billion.

'2024 may be one of the best years for debt markets'

'2024 may be one of the best years for debt markets'

Rediff.com2 Feb 2024

'Investors with higher risk appetite and longer horizon (more than one year) can invest in longer-duration funds like corporate bond funds, long-duration funds and gilt funds for maximum gain.'

India's gold demand up 8% in Q4 despite high price

India's gold demand up 8% in Q4 despite high price

Rediff.com30 Apr 2024

India's gold demand rose 8 per cent annually to 136.6 tonne in the March quarter helped by a strong economic environment despite prices touching historic highs, according to the World Gold Council. The aggressive gold buying by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) also contributed to the rise in demand. India's gold demand in value terms rose 20 per cent on an annual basis to Rs 75,470 crore during the January-March period of this year on volume growth as well as a rise in quarterly average prices by 11 per cent.

Forex reserves jump $9.11 bn to $615.97 bn

Forex reserves jump $9.11 bn to $615.97 bn

Rediff.com22 Dec 2023

India's forex reserves jumped $9.11 billion to $615.97 billion in the week ended December 15 and the quantum of increase is one of the highest for a week, according to RBI data. In the previous reporting week, the overall reserves had risen $2.82 billion to $606.86 billion. In October 2021, the country's forex kitty reached an all-time high of $645 billion.

Factory output slows to 3.8% in Jan; Feb retail inflation flat at 5.09%

Factory output slows to 3.8% in Jan; Feb retail inflation flat at 5.09%

Rediff.com12 Mar 2024

India's industrial production growth slowed to 3.8 per cent in January, while the February retail inflation at 5.09 per cent remained within the Reserve Bank's comfort zone for the sixth straight month, according to the latest government data. Growth in factory output, based on the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), slowed to 3.8 per cent in January 2024, mainly due to poor performance of manufacturing, mining and power sectors, according to the data released by the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation.

PE inflow in real estate declines to $3 bn: Knight Frank

PE inflow in real estate declines to $3 bn: Knight Frank

Rediff.com21 Dec 2023

Global investors have been cautious this year to put money into Indian real estate, as private equity inflow is down 44 per cent till December 12 to $3 billion compared to the entire previous year, according to Knight Frank. Real estate consultant Knight Frank India on Thursday released its data showing that the Indian real estate market received $3,024 million in PE investments from 23 deals between January 1 and December 12 this year, as against $5,357 million recorded in 2022.

New Challenges Facing Banks

New Challenges Facing Banks

Rediff.com28 Feb 2024

As the fight for deposits intensifies, the cost of money will rise and the margin will be under further pressure, points out Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Sensex sinks 353 points on profit booking

Sensex sinks 353 points on profit booking

Rediff.com26 Feb 2024

Selling in index heavyweights, including Infosys, TCS, ICICI Bank and Reliance Industries, dragged the benchmark indices into the negative for the second straight session, analysts said. Among the Sensex shares, Asian Paints fell the most by 3.9 per cent as analysts expressed concerns over rising competition in the domestic paints market following the entry of Aditya Birla group company Grasim Industries into the paints segment. IT shares Infosys, TCS, HCL Tech, Wipro and Tech Mahindra continued to slide amid inflation concerns in the US market.

India to drive Asia Pacific growth as China's fortunes wane, says S&P

India to drive Asia Pacific growth as China's fortunes wane, says S&P

Rediff.com6 Dec 2023

India will drive growth in the Asia-Pacific (Apac) region as the growth engine is likely to shift from China to South and Southeast Asia in the coming years, S&P Global Ratings said in a report on Tuesday. The rating agency's report projected China's growth to slow down to 4.6 per cent by 2026 from an estimated 5.4 per cent in 2023. India is likely to clock 7 per cent economic growth from 6.4 per cent estimated for 2023.

India can sustain 8% growth, even higher: RBI bulletin

India can sustain 8% growth, even higher: RBI bulletin

Rediff.com19 Mar 2024

India can sustain 8 per cent annual GDP growth and the conducive macroeconomic configuration may become a launching pad for a step-up in the country's growth trajectory, said an article on the 'State of Economy' in the central bank's March Bulletin published on Tuesday. Over the period 2021-24, gross domestic product (GDP) growth has averaged above 8 per cent. The global economy is losing steam, with growth slowing in some of the most resilient economies and high frequency indicators, pointing to further levelling in the period ahead, said the article authored by a team led by RBI Deputy Governor Michael Debabrata Patra.

Sensex tanks 736 pts, Nifty slides below 22K

Sensex tanks 736 pts, Nifty slides below 22K

Rediff.com19 Mar 2024

From the Sensex basket, Tata Consultancy Services, Nestle, Bajaj Finserv, Wipro, Maruti Suzuki India, Reliance Industries, Larsen & Toubro and NTPC were the major laggards. Tata Steel, Bajaj Finance, JSW Steel and Bharti Airtel were among the gainers.

India's foreign exchange reserves jump $2.54 bn to $597.93 bn

India's foreign exchange reserves jump $2.54 bn to $597.93 bn

Rediff.com1 Dec 2023

India's foreign exchange reserves increased $2.54 billion to $597.93 billion for the week ended November 24, the Reserve Bank said on Friday. In the previous reporting week, the overall reserves had jumped $5.08 billion to $595.4 billion. For the week ended November 24, the foreign currency assets, a major component of the reserves, increased $2.14 billion to $528.53 billion, as per the data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Improving metrics keep Street positive on stocks of public-sector banks

Improving metrics keep Street positive on stocks of public-sector banks

Rediff.com30 Mar 2024

Public sector banks (PSBs) have delivered significant outperformance over the past three years and the sector has been re-rated. Given the growth and profitability expectations of an 18 per cent return on equity (RoE) over FY24-26, there is still a case for buying at the current levels. While the net interest margins or NIMs may remain range-bound or have a downward bias, there's optimism about possibly better opex ratios and lower non-performing assets (NPAs), plus scope for further credit cost reduction, and healthy treasury performances as interest rates trend down.