BS EDIT: RBI’s 50 bps Cut: Signal of Flexibility, Not Reversal

By Business StandardPublished On Jun 18, 2025

Decoding the Surprise Cut

RBI cut the repo rate by 50 bps and shifted to a “neutral” stance to pre-emptively use policy space amid inflation easing

Why Front-Load Now?

Monetary policy acts with a lag. Acting early supports growth without waiting for more clarity

Liquidity Push with CRR Cut

A 100 bps CRR cut will release ₹2.5 trillion in liquidity to aid transmission

WACR to Stay Near Lower Bound

RBI will likely keep short-term rates low to align with the easing stance

Inflation Outlook is Key

Policy depends on forward inflation, expected at 3.7% for FY26 with some upside risk

Pause, Not Pivot

Rate cuts may pause if inflation holds. More easing possible if projections fall