Bharat Express

Consumer Price Index

India's retail inflation, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), eased to 4.31% in January, marking a five-month low.

The RBI reduced the repo rate, the interest rate at which the central bank lends money to commercial banks, for the first time since May 2020.

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is scheduled to meet on February 7. Analysts expect the MPC to maintain a neutral stance, with consensus indicating a possible rate cut starting in February.

Declining food inflation and stable non-food inflation are expected to create conditions for a rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in the coming months.

India's household spending on non-food items such as transport, garments, and entertainment has seen a significant increase.

September had seen a nine-month high with Rs 57,724 crore of net inflows, highlighting the volatility in FPI trends. As of December 13, FPI investments in 2024 stand at Rs 7,747 crore, according to depository data.

The Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) showed inflation at 9.24% for September. Urban housing inflation increased to 2.78%, up from 2.66% in August

Asian markets also reflected positive momentum, with Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Jakarta all trading in the green.

Urban food inflation fell sharply to 4.63% in July 2024, compared to 12.37% in July 2023. Similarly, rural food inflation decreased to 5.89% from 11.04% over the same period.

RBI's Inflation Targeting Pays Off as CPI Inflation Slips Below Upper Limit