U.S. Stock Futures Edge Higher as Tech Rout Deepens on AI Concerns and Earnings 
RBA Expected to Raise Interest Rates by 25 Basis Points in February, ANZ Forecast Says 
Bank of England Expected to Hold Interest Rates at 3.75% as Inflation Remains Elevated 
RBA Raises Interest Rates by 25 Basis Points as Inflation Pressures Persist 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
BOJ Rate Decision in Focus as Yen Weakness and Inflation Shape Market Outlook 
South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
ECB’s Cipollone Backs Digital Euro as Europe Pushes for Payment System Independence 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is widely expected to maintain its key policy rate at 5.50% during its upcoming meeting, though analysts caution that a surprise rate cut cannot be ruled out. According to a Reuters poll, nearly three-quarters of economists forecast a pause, but major financial institutions including Citi, Barclays, Capital Economics, and SBI suggest the possibility of an “insurance” cut to safeguard growth amid global uncertainties.
Since the beginning of the year, the RBI has already reduced rates by 100 basis points. However, private investment remains subdued, and financial conditions have tightened since the August policy meeting when the central bank held rates steady. Economists at Citi noted that the October meeting is “live,” with the RBI possibly opting for a dovish pause or a proactive rate cut to counter external risks such as U.S. trade tariffs and global slowdown pressures.
India’s economy grew 7.8% in the June quarter, a figure stronger than expected, though some analysts believe the inflation-adjusted data may exaggerate economic strength. Meanwhile, fiscal measures including income tax relief and GST rate rationalisation have provided some support, but rupee weakness and tariffs on Indian exports continue to weigh on the outlook.
Capital Economics predicts the RBI will resume easing, with one rate cut in October and another in December, citing subdued inflation that remains below the central bank’s 4% target. Economists also expect inflation to trend even lower due to GST cuts, while full-year growth estimates may be revised upward. SBI’s Chief Economist Soumya Kanti Ghosh argued that a cut now would position the RBI as forward-looking but stressed the importance of careful communication.
Still, many experts believe the central bank could wait until December, especially if trade negotiations improve. For now, bond and swap markets have not priced in a cut, suggesting that any surprise easing could trigger a sharp market rally.
