News Nation Logo

RBI likely to opt for status quo at policy review in April: Analysts

The Reserve Bank Is Likely To Opt For Status Quo Despite The March 2017 Inflation Number Being Much Below The Targeted Level At Next Month's Policy Review, Analysts Said On Monday.

PTI | Updated on: 27 Mar 2017, 08:28:57 PM
Reserve Bank of India

Mumbai:

The Reserve Bank is likely to opt for status quo despite the March 2017 inflation number being much below the targeted level at next month's policy review, analysts said on Monday.

"Although the CPI inflation is likely to significantly undershoot the March 2017 target, we do not expect a repo rate cut in the upcoming policy review in April 2017, with the Monetary Policy Committee firmly focused on the medium term target of 4 per cent," rating agency Icra's managing director Naresh Takkar said.

Apart from the challenge of getting inflation down to4 per cent which was flagged by Governor Urjit Patel at the last review, one of the biggest factors influencing the analysts seems to be the shift in the policy stance to neutral.

"The RBI surprised with a shift to a neutral stance inFebruary. Rates will remain on hold at April?s review, "analysts at Singaporean lender DBS said.

Also Read: RBI denies reports of introducing new denomination notes as of now

As against a RBI target of 5 per cent, the CPIinflation for March came in at 3.7 per cent in February. It, however, is expected to rise further. The medium-term target for the RBI is to get inflation down to 4 per cent level.

Icra said it expects the CPI number to rise up to 4.5per cent for March, as the favourable base continues to fade. However, the agency's call of a status quo is driven by "greater emphasis on bringing inflation in a durable manner to 4 per cent".

DBS also said for the first time, the wholesale price based inflation has raced past the CPI and added that food inflation will be the most important aspect to watch out for.

The bank said also said the excess liquidity in the system is also a problem that needs to be addressed, butIcra said it does not see a tweaking in the cash reservation.

"Policy rates have bottomed out and are likely to be held steady in the year ahead. The next move is likely to be a hike rather than a cut," Icra said.

Also Read: RBI directs banks to remain open on all days till April 1 2017 to facilitate govt receipt and payment functions 

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.

First Published : 27 Mar 2017, 08:18:00 PM

Related Tags:

RBI Policy Review

Videos