RBI maintains Repurchase Rate at 5.25%, as expected, via unanimous decision and maintains neutral policy stance

Says:

• Standing Deposit Facility Rate maintained at 5%, Marginal Lending Facility and Bank Rate are kept at 5.50%.
• Indian economy is on a steady and improving trajectory.
• External headwinds intensified since the last meeting.
• Current policy rate is appropriate, underlying inflation remains low.
• Net external demand remains a drag.
• Rural demand remains steady.
• Recovery in urban consumption is to strengthen.
• Excluding gold, core inflation remains stable.
• Geopolitical uncertainties pose upside risks to inflation.
• FY26 CPI inflation seen at 2.1% (prev. 2.0%)
• Announces several measures to enhance credit flow, among others.
• RBI proposes to allow banks to lend a REITs with some prudential safeguards.
• Proposes to remove tenor and moratorium-related requirements on housing loans for Tier 2 and Tier 3.