Short-Term View:
⏺Boost to Borrowing: Lower interest rates on loans (e.g., home loans, car loans, personal loans) encourage borrowing and spending.
⏺Economic Stimulus: Cheaper credit can stimulate economic activity, especially in sectors like real estate, automobiles, and consumer goods.
⏺Stock Market Reaction: Equity markets may react positively as lower rates reduce the cost of capital for businesses, potentially boosting corporate profits.
⏺Inflationary Pressure: A rate cut could lead to higher inflation if demand increases significantly without a corresponding increase in supply.
Long-Term View:
⏺Economic Growth: Over time, lower borrowing costs can lead to increased investment and consumption, driving economic growth.
⏺Debt Servicing: Businesses and individuals with existing loans may benefit from lower EMIs (Equated Monthly Installments), improving disposable income and financial health.
⏺Inflation Risks: If the rate cut leads to excessive liquidity in the economy, it could fuel inflation, prompting the RBI to reverse its stance in the future.
⏺Currency Impact: A lower repo rate may weaken the Indian rupee (INR) as foreign investors might seek higher returns elsewhere, potentially impacting imports and exports.
Conclusion:
A 25 bps repo rate cut is generally seen as a move to support economic growth by making credit more accessible. However, its effectiveness depends on how banks transmit the rate cut to consumers and businesses, as well as broader economic conditions.