The majority of the top executives from Indian industry expect the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to cut the repo rate by up to 25 basis points (Bps) in the next
six months, according to a survey conducted by Moneycontrol and Deloitte. The survey asked 45 CXOs regarding their expectations from the upcoming RBI Monetary Policy Committee meeting. 43.46 per cent of respondents believe the RBI may cut repo rate by 25 bps, 28.27 per cent of respondents believe that the RBI will hold rates, and 26.07 per cent expect the RBI to cut repo rate by 25-50 bps in the next six months. The remaining respondents believe the RBI may cut the repo rate between 50-100 bps or above 100 bps in the next six months. CXOs From Across Industry The Survey includes CXOs from across industries such as banking and insurance; manufacturing; transport and logistics; energy; life sciences and health; telecom and tech; e-commerce, while the companies ranged across three categories—very large corporates (above Rs 3000 crore); large corporates (Rs 500 crore to Rs 3000 crore) and MSMEs (Rs 500 crore and below). The MPC is set to meet from February 4 to February 6 for its bi-monthly policy review meeting. Governor Sanjay Malhotra will announce the decision on the last day of the meeting. Rate Cut In 2025 MPC has reduced the repo rate by 125 bps since February 2025, to aid growth, cutting 25 bps each in February and April, 50 bps in June, and 25 bps in December. The RBI kept the repo rate unchanged in its August and October monetary policy reviews. According to experts, RBI will stick to its “neutral” stance and keep its tone dovish in its upcoming policy. This tone will aim at lowering interest rates to increase spending and lending, simultaneously giving a boost to growth. Also Read: ‘Extremely Dangerous Times’: Ex-RBI Guv Raghuram Rajan Lays Out What Budget 2026 Should Prioritise
