Key Highlights
RBI’s Upcoming Meeting with Bankers
- Date: April 3, 2025
- Objective: Discuss liquidity management framework and potential changes.
- Context: Possible updates to be announced during the April Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting (April 7-9).
Key Discussion Points
- Banks seek clarity on RBI’s liquidity comfort level relative to Net Demand and Time Liabilities (NDTL).
- RBI’s expected comfort level: 1.5%–2% of NDTL.
- Banks may request guidance on maintaining a specific liquidity percentage.
Pre-MPC Consultation with Economists
- Majority support a 25 basis points (bps) rate cut in the April policy.
- Mixed views on policy stance:
- Some favor shifting from “neutral” to “accommodative.”
- Others advocate maintaining a neutral stance.
Banking System Liquidity Status
- Liquidity improved due to:
- Government spending.
- $10 billion USD/INR swap auction (March 25).
- Net liquidity narrowed to ₹40,788 crore (March 27).
- Recent liquidity trends:
- Deficit of ₹1.57 trillion (March 26).
- Peaked at ₹3.2 trillion deficit in January 2025.
Impact of RBI’s Liquidity Measures
- Swap auction attracted bids worth $22.28 billion against the notified $10 billion.
- Government spending infusion (~₹90,000 crore) expected to bring a mild liquidity surplus by March-end.
- Advance tax and GST payments influenced liquidity shifts.
Outlook for FY26
- RBI measures have successfully injected liquidity ahead of financial year-end credit demand.
- Experts foresee no significant liquidity deficit in FY26.
- MPC meeting outcome will be crucial in shaping liquidity policies further.
Implications
- Potential rate cut and liquidity boost could support economic growth.
- RBI’s stance will affect banking operations, credit availability, and market sentiment.
- Government spending and RBI’s interventions remain key factors in liquidity stability.
