Q2 2024-25: Economic Momentum Amid Inflation Concerns

The Reserve Bank of India's July Bulletin highlights quickening economic momentum in Q2 2024-25, though food inflation remains a concern. Rural spending and agriculture show positive trends. Despite systemic liquidity fluctuations and varied foreign investments, persistent food price inflation remains the biggest challenge to economic stability.

The second quarter of 2024-25 has shown signs of increasing economic momentum, despite persistent food inflation concerns, according to the Reserve Bank of India's July Bulletin released on Thursday.

In an article titled 'State of the Economy', the Bulletin noted positive trends in agriculture outlook and rural spending, contributing to better demand conditions. However, consumer price inflation rose in June 2024 after a three-month decline, primarily due to a spike in vegetable prices.

RBI Deputy Governor Michael Debabrata Patra and his team highlighted that food price shocks, initially thought to be temporary, have proven otherwise, influencing overall headline inflation and household inflation expectations.

The Bulletin stressed the importance of maintaining a steady monetary policy aimed at aligning inflation with a 4% target, despite the high uncertainty surrounding inflation outlooks.

The central bank clarified that the article's views represent the authors' opinions, not RBI's official stance.

The Bulletin detailed liquidity shifts, noting a surplus in June's first half, followed by a deficit due to tax payments, before returning to surplus. Gross inward FDI in April-May 2024 hit $15.2 billion, concentrated in sectors like manufacturing and financial services. Net FDI doubled to $7.1 billion over the previous year, supported by increased inflows and reduced repatriation.

(With inputs from agencies.)