The Repo Rate Hike: Inflation Gave the Cover, the Rupee Gave the Reason

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SumanSpeaks Independent Capital Markets & Geopolitical Intelligence RBI Policy Decoded The Repo Rate Hike: Inflation Gave the Cover, the Rupee Gave the Reason The RBI raised the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50 percent on 7 October 2026. With the rupee at ₹96.78 to the dollar, the Fed at 3.75–4.00 percent and bank credit growing near 18 percent, the fuller story is bigger than August CPI of 4.8 percent. The Reserve Bank of India raised the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50 percent on 7 October 2026. It is the first hike since February 2023, and the stance has moved from neutral to calibrated tightening. The rate decision was unanimous. The Governor cited inflation. The Monetary Policy Committee said the inflation outlook is no longer as comfortable as it was last year, and near-term rate cuts were taken off the table. That is the official story, and it is not wrong. But it is incomplete. Look at what surrounds the decision: a rupee near its record...
Tit - bits
The key domestic bourses ended with steep losses on Monday, extending their losing streak for fourth consecutive trading session. Weak domestic economic data, surge in fresh coronavirus cases and intensifying US-China tensions spooked the markets.

The S&P BSE Sensex slumped 667.29 points or 1.77% to close at 36,939.60 while  the Nifty50 index lost 173.60 points or 1.57% to end the day at 10,899.85. Interestingly, the Nifty declined 3.55% in four sessions.

Private banks where many of our TV Analysts suddenly became bullish saw the brunt of the bear pressure.

Also, the index heavyweight Reliance Industries (RIL) fell 2.83% to 2008.45, as was expected and mentioned on my blog several times. There is an old saying that when RIL moves, it means we have probably come at the end of the current phase of a rally.

In the broader market too, the sentiment were conflicting. The BSE Mid-Cap index fell 0.31%, while the BSE Small-Cap index rose 1.02%. Both these indices outperformed the Sensex.

The market breadth was slightly positive. On the BSE, 1416 shares rose and 1234 shares fell. A total of 180 shares remained unchanged.

The artificial rally, which started with massive infusion of liquidity into the system, should not continue for too long. Hence, any rise in the markets should be used to lighten your positions.

#Meanwhile, there were media reports that RJ has recently increased his stake in the  beleaguered JP Associates Ltd (Rs.3.45).
But, you must be aware that as per a recent media (source) based report, Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) has probably been entrusted to probe Jaypee group's flagship firm JP Associates and its bankrupt Jaypee Infratech (Rs.1.40) for alleged financial irregularities. The probe agency comes under the corporate affairs ministry. The source based news said the ministry has ordered an SFIO probe against both the JP group companies. In such a situation, apart from debt burden that both the companies are reeling under, it doesn't make it a good bet, inspite of the RJ - factor. He may exit at any time or decrease holding without informing you like his many other misadventures (DB Realty, DHFL, Bilcare, Mandhana Retail Ventures, Autoline Industries, HOEL, etc)
There were also news from Rakhesh Jhunjhunwala himself, as SEBI has started investigating the role of his family members, including his brother Rajesh Kumar Jhunjhunwala and wife Rekha Jhunjhunwala in an insider trading case with Aptech Ltd (Rs.108.75). Hence, there is no reason, to get excited if RJ has entered a company.
Hence, I would suggest you to stay clear from the JP Group like ADA Group of Anil Ambani.


#Short Bank Nifty (21070.10) for a short term price target 18700. The Chief Economic Adviser Krishnamurthy Subramanian, recently said that 
a big reason for the current slowdown is because of problems in the banking sector such as soured loans, risk aversion, and an impact of a decline in corporate lending on investment, Mr.Subramanian further mentioned that the decline in investment has slowed down growth with a lag, impacting consumption. According to me, with the prevailing set of conditions, it will take a long time, before the banking sector comes out of this "Chakravyuh".

#Buy GAIL (Rs.94.10) near Rs.91/92, during market dips for short term targets of Rs.97/103. There are two positive factors according to CLSA. 
  • GAIL offers a 20% upside at a spot Brent of $41 per barrel.
  • The domestic gas price is set to be cut by 25% by September, which is a big positive for GAIL since it is a consumer of this gas and will benefit because of lower input costs.

However, with Brent Crude Oil price trading at $43.70, I don't see too much upside from the CMP. 

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