Monetary and Liquidity Measures
Repo rate unchanged at 8.0%.
CRR unchanged at 4.0%.
Global Economy
Global economy has slowed, though the recent sharp fall in crude prices will have a net positive impact on global growth.
Indian Economy
Activity is likely to be muted in Q3 also because of a moderate kharif harvest.
A rise in investment is critical for a sustained pick-up in overall economic activity.
While low capacity utilisation in some sectors is a dampener, the recent strong improvement in business confidence and in investment intentions should help.
The fiscal outlook should brighten because of the fall in crude prices
GDP growth estimate for 2014-15 has been retained at 5.5%, with a gradual pick-up in momentum through 2015-16.
Policy Stance and Rationale
Central forecast for CPI inflation is revised down to 6% for March 2015.
Over the next 12-month period, inflation is expected to retain some momentum and hover around 6%, except for seasonal movements.
Accordingly, the risks to the January 2016 target of 6% appear evenly balanced under the current policy stance.
But, there is still some uncertainty about the evolution of base effects in inflation
A change in the monetary policy stance at the current juncture is premature.
If the current inflation momentum and changes in inflationary expectations continue, and fiscal developments are encouraging, a change in the monetary policy stance is likely early next year, including outside the policy review cycle.
Next Monetary Policy Review is scheduled on 03 February 2015.