The expected reduction in interest rates has been delayed, which is different from what was anticipated earlier this year. Experts now predict a slower and less substantial decrease. This has consequences for bond market investments.
The MPC decided to remain focused on the withdrawal of accommodation to ensure that inflation progressively aligns to the target, while supporting growth. The RBI has been holding rates since February
Mahendra Jajoo says: “At the beginning of 2023, inflation was still very far away from the Central Bank s target. Now at the end of 2023, I think we are at the fag-end of the rate hike cycle. Therefore, I expect the rates should be stable to lower in the next year.”
"As December is generally a sluggish month, market yields may not move much either side. We expect 10Y G-Sec yield to trade in a range of 7.15%-7.25% with a downward bias," says Avnish Jain, Head- Fixed Income, Canara Robeco Mutual Fund.
"RBI would target Inflation rate of 4% and not 2%-6% range, again signals the policy rates to remain higher for longer until Inflation is projected to come below 4%. RBIs sharp focus on bringing down inflation is positive for markets in the medium-to-long term," says Amit Somani, Senior Fund Manager – Fixed Income, Tata Asset Management.