Economists urge RBI to cut interest rates as global markets decline ahead of April 9 policy decision
New Delhi: With global markets witnessing a sharp downturn, several economists have called on the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to consider cutting interest rates in its upcoming monetary policy meeting scheduled for April 9.
In an interaction with ANI, experts highlighted that current global and domestic economic trends present an opportune moment for the central bank to take bold measures to support growth.
Debopam Chaudhuri, Chief Economist at Piramal Group, suggested that the RBI should front-load rate cuts. “A 50-basis-point cut in April can be a good pre-emptive move. Domestic inflation is low, global yields are declining, and the rupee has regained some ground against the dollar. These trends offer a strong case for aggressive rate cuts,” he said.
However, not all economists are in favour of such a sharp cut. Sonal Badhan, Economics Specialist at Bank of Baroda, advocated a more cautious approach. “We expect a 25-basis-point rate cut, as the RBI will wait for greater clarity on the monsoon. That said, the policy stance is likely to shift to ‘accommodative’, which could pave the way for additional cuts based on macroeconomic developments,” she noted.
Globally, central banks are facing increasing pressure due to economic uncertainties, intensified by recent tariff announcements from U.S. President Donald Trump. These protectionist moves have raised concerns about their impact on global trade and inflation control.
The RBI’s monetary policy committee began its meeting on Monday in Mumbai. The final decision on policy rates will be announced on April 9.
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Allen, Raghuvanshi, Green power KKR to 29-run win over GT
Kolkata (PTI): Finn Allen blasted a 35-ball 93, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi hit an unbeaten 44-ball 82 as Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoff hopes alive with a 29-run win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL match here on Saturday.
Sent in to bat, Allen went on a six-hitting spree, smashing 10 maximums and four boundaries to add 95 off 41 balls with Raghuvanshi (82).
Raghuvanshi then shared another 108 off 53 balls with Cameron Green (52 not out) to power KKR to a challenging 247 for 2.
In reply, GT could manage 218-4, riding on skipper Shubman Gill's 49-ball 85 and a 35-ball 57 from Jos Buttler. Opener Sai Sudarsan was retired hurt but returned to make a 28-ball 53 not out.
Sunil Narine (2/29) claimed two wickets and Saurabh Dubey snapped one for KKR.
For GT, Mohammed Siraj (1/50), Sai Kishore (1/38) were the wicket-takers.
Brief Score:
KKR: 247 for 2 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 82 not out, Camero Green 52 not out; Mohammed Siraj 1/50).
GT: 218 for 4 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 85, Sunil Narine 2/29).
