RBI hiked the repo rate 25bp to 5.5%, its first increase since Feb 2023, with a unanimous MPC vote and a stance shift from neutral to "calibrated tightening." Stronger-than-expected growth and West As

What happened: The Reserve Bank of India raised the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.5%, its first hike since Feb 2023, and shifted its stance from neutral to calibrated tightening. Key numbers: Repo rate 5.5%, up 25 bps. EMI on a Rs 1 crore, 15 year loan up about Rs 1,500 a month. FY27 GDP growth forecast raised 40 bps to 7.1%. Inflation forecast raised from 5% to 5.2%. Why it matters: Loans will get costlier and deposits may yield more. The governor said rate cuts are off the table near term, and SBI's economist flagged a possible repo peak near 6% in Dec, so EMIs may rise further.

RBI's first repo rate hike in 44 months signals higher borrowing costs.

RBI's first repo rate hike in 44 months signals higher borrowing costs. — impact context not separately stored; see What changed.