RBI likely to hold rates steady amid inflation and growth concerns, says Bank of Baroda

The Reserve Bank of India is expected to hold interest rates steady on Friday, according to Bank of Baroda. The central bank will likely maintain a data-dependent approach, balancing growth concerns with rising inflation risks. An upward revision in inflation forecasts is anticipated due to increased fuel prices and ongoing global uncertainties.

Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to maintain the status quo on interest rates in its monetary policy announcement on Friday as the impact of the ongoing crisis in West Asia on economic growth remains difficult to assess, according to a report by Bank of Baroda.

The report said the central bank is expected to continue with a data-dependent approach while balancing growth concerns, inflation risks and global uncertainties.

"We may expect status quo on rates as the impact on growth due to the crisis is still difficult to ascertain, and on the inflation front, an increasing trend is imminent," the report said.

Bank of Baroda also expects the RBI to retain its neutral policy stance, saying it provides the central bank with the flexibility to respond to incoming economic data.

According to the report, several developments have taken place since the RBI's previous monetary policy meeting.

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It noted that there have been reports of a 60-day extension of the ceasefire in West Asia, although uncertainty surrounding the situation remains high. While international crude oil prices have shown some correction following the development, the report cautioned that volatility in crude prices cannot be ruled out unless a formal peace agreement is reached.

The report highlighted that one of the most significant developments since the last policy meeting has been the increase in petrol and diesel prices.

According to Bank of Baroda, the RBI's inflation projections are likely to reflect the impact of these higher fuel prices.

"We expect the RBI's CPI projection for FY27 to be revised upward," the report stated.

The report also pointed to volatility in the Indian rupee as an important development in recent months. However, it noted that exchange rate movements do not directly fall under the scope of monetary policy decisions.

From a growth perspective, the report believes maintaining rates at current levels remains the preferred option at this stage.

It noted that headline consumer price inflation, which remains the RBI's key policy variable, has not yet fully reflected the impact of higher costs being passed on across the economy.

As a result, the report expects the upcoming policy statement to be relatively more hawkish in tone, particularly through an upward revision in inflation forecasts and a stronger emphasis on near-term inflation risks.

The report concluded that, given the evolving geopolitical situation, inflation concerns and uncertainty around growth, the RBI is likely to wait for more data before making any major changes to interest rates.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra is set to announce the outcome of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) three-day meeting on Friday, June 5.