Shaktikanta Das-Led RBI To Announce Policy Decision Today

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will shortly announce its decision on monetary policy today as its top brass concludes a three-day review. Economists remain divided over whether the central bank will ease monetary policy further, by reducing the repo rate, despite inflation remaining way beyond its comfort zone. When Governor Shaktikanta Das addresses the media at noon, all eyes will be also on any hints of further monetary easing in the coming months, as well as any clarity on a relaxation in loan EMIs brought in during the coronavirus lockdown. Some say the country's worsening economic outlook amid increasing COVID-19 cases necessitates further reduction in the key lending rates, especially at a time when the central bank's recent policies have focused on financial stability and the need to support growth despite the price target.