Inflation in India is expected to rise above the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) targeted goal of 5.4 percent in the fiscal year 2017-18, given the more hawkish stance of most Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) members in the latest meeting minutes.
Most members were concerned about the trend reversal in food inflation, rigid core inflation, and second round impact of higher house rent allowance under the civil servant wage increase. However, there were two contrasting views. Board member Dholakia appeared dovish as he noted benign core inflation dynamics due to likely weaker pass through of non-core inflation to core inflation.
On the other hand, member Patra sounded hawkish and called for a pre-emptive 25 bps rate hike on the view that core inflation will likely run ahead of headline inflation through FY2018. On aggregate, the minutes highlight a neutral-to-hawkish undertone.
"We concur with the upside risks underscored by the MPC and expect inflation to rise to 5.4 percent in FY2018 from 4.6 percent in FY2017. We continue to expect a status quo on rates in FY2018," ANZ Research commented in its recent report.


Japan Producer Inflation Hits 7.1% in June, Fueling BOJ Rate Hike Expectations
Japan Eyes Bigger GPIF Investment in Domestic Assets as BOJ Independence Concerns Grow
Gold Prices Slip as U.S.-Iran Conflict, Fed Rate Hike Bets Pressure Precious Metals
Wall Street Rises as SK Hynix’s Record Nasdaq Debut Steals Spotlight Ahead of U.S. CPI Data
Gordie Howe Bridge to Open July 27 After U.S.-Canada Reach Toll Revenue Agreement
Dollar Slips as Oil Prices Ease, Fed Rate Outlook Remains Uncertain
FxWirePro: Daily Commodity Tracker - 21st March, 2022
US Launches New Iran Strikes as Strait of Hormuz Conflict Escalates, Oil Prices Rise
Oil Prices Slip but Stay on Track for Weekly Gains as U.S.-Iran Conflict Persists
Dollar Ends Week Higher as Yen Jumps on Japan Pension Fund Investment Plans 



