The next RBI rate hike is in the hands of the government
Going forward, RBI monetary policy will depend on how much the government is able to stick to its fiscal discipline and impact of elections on inflation
Markets have priced in a status quo on policy rates by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) ahead of Wednesday’s monetary policy committee meeting.
That is because the recent spate of data has built a convincing case for a pause. The October retail inflation print showed the full effect of depressed food inflation and came far below RBI’s mandate on inflation. Economic growth for the second quarter was slower than expected, with even consumption slowing down a bit.
The risk to inflation from global crude oil prices that the central bank had flagged in October has now reduced in a big way. Despite the rally on Monday, oil prices are down a whopping 26% since the October meeting.
There is enough evidence to say that rural income hasn’t risen and hence demand pressure from there is unlikely to manifest. Even the weak rupee has recouped its losses, cutting the pressure on the import bill and hence domestic inflation.
Indeed, RBI has less reason now to hike interest rates than it did two months ago when it chose not to hike. The central bank’s decision is based on its assessment on the future of inflation and inflationary expectations, not just past data. Its previous survey had shown an increase in households’ expectation of inflation three months ahead. One reason could be the sharp rise in core inflation. Core inflation was an uncomfortable 6.1% in October.
But the key factor that could play truant for both inflation and inflation expectations is the government’s fiscal path. Fiscal deficit has already crossed the full-year target in October and the outlook on tax revenue for the government is not very sanguine. Revenue from the goods and services tax (GST) has been falling short of target every month this year, and there is the risk of big spending in the run-up to 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
For now, the benign economic data may warrant a vote to keep rates on hold; but how RBI would turn on rates in the next meeting will depend on the government.
The Union Budget will be announced on 1 February and it will provide a clearer sense of where the year’s deficit is likely to end up. The central bank’s policy rate move will depend on how much the government is able to stick to its fiscal discipline and the impact of the surrounding elections on inflation. Given that the government’s historic trend in sticking to targets does not inspire much confidence, RBI may well move on its calibrated tightening sooner than later.
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