Topic
central bank
RBI's Swap Scheme May Attract $80-85 Billion in Forex Inflows, Says SBI Report
The Reserve Bank of India's concessional swap facility could attract $80-85 billion in foreign currency inflows, led by FCNR(B) deposits, according to a report by SBI Research. By July 17, inflows reached nearly $20 billion, providing a positive reprieve for India's external sector. The report projects a balance of payments surplus of over $50 billion for FY27.
Trade Finance Forex Inflow Crosses $20.7 Billion Under RBI Special Swap Scheme
Banks have mobilised over $20.7 billion in foreign exchange inflows under the Reserve Bank of India's special swap scheme, operationalised on 8 June 2026. The bulk came through FCNR(B) deposits at $17.4 billion, with smaller contributions from OFCBs and ECBs. The scheme aims to strengthen India's balance of payments and incentivise capital inflows.
RBI Governor Malhotra Signals Patience on Inflation, Credit Growth Spurt
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra signaled the central bank is unlikely to tighten policy in response to elevated inflation and strong credit growth, attributing price pressures to supply-side factors and noting no immediate distress in fast-growing loan segments. CPI is projected at about 5.1% this year, slightly above target but driven by specific sectors.
Led by NRI deposits, RBI swaps may draw $80-85 billion in foreign capital
Bankers expect India to attract $80-85 billion through RBI's swap-backed initiatives spanning FCNR(B) deposits, external commercial borrowings, and overseas foreign currency bonds. Early traction is seen in NRI deposits, while PSUs and banks adopt a wait-and-watch approach for other instruments. The inflows are expected to support the rupee, which has been under pressure from global turmoil.
India's Forex Reserves Surge $7.3 Billion to $674.2 Billion in Week Ended July 3
India's foreign exchange reserves increased by $7.3 billion to $674.2 billion in the week ended July 3, according to data from the Reserve Bank of India. The rise was fueled by a $4.5 billion jump in foreign currency assets and a $2.7 billion surge in gold holdings, the latter reflecting higher international gold prices. The buildup strengthens India's import cover and buffers against currency volatility.
India's US Treasury Holdings Plunge to Near 6-Year Low as RBI Shifts Reserves into Gold
India's holdings of US Treasury securities fell to a near six-year low of $181 billion in April, according to US Federal Reserve data, as the Reserve Bank of India actively diversifies its foreign exchange reserves into gold. Gold reserves rose to 881 metric tonnes, valued at $102.5 billion, reflecting a strategic shift in reserve management amid global geopolitical uncertainty.
North Korean $1.5B Crypto Heist Traced to Iran Central Bank Wallets
The $1.5 billion crypto heist from Bybit, operated by North Korean hackers, has been traced through blockchain analysis to wallets linked to Iran's central bank, with funds moving through CoinEx exchange. The case underscores growing challenges in enforcing sanctions as cryptocurrency becomes integrated into Iran's financial networks.
Business India’s Foreign Reserves Rise by $963 Million to Over $672 Billion, RBI Data Shows
India's foreign exchange reserves rose by $963 million to over $672 billion in the week ended June 19, driven by a $4.1 billion increase in gold reserves, according to Reserve Bank of India data. In contrast, foreign currency assets declined by $3.07 billion, while SDRs and IMF reserve positions also fell.
Commodities Gold wavers as investors weigh US strikes on Iran, await Fed minutes
Gold prices fluctuated on Wednesday as fresh US military strikes against Iran boosted oil and the dollar, stoking inflation fears. Investors awaited the release of the Federal Reserve's June meeting minutes for direction on interest rates. Spot gold rose 0.5% to $4,125.59 per ounce after earlier hitting its lowest since July 2.
RBI’s Net Short Forward Position Hits Record $106.6 Billion Amid Rupee Pressure
According to a July 1, 2026 report by the TOI Business Desk for Business Today, the Reserve Bank of India's net short forward position hit a record $106.6 billion amid rupee pressure. The development signals heightened central bank intervention to support the currency, with implications for trade finance costs and forex hedging.
Finance Supreme Court blocks Trump's attempt to fire Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook in 5-4 ruling
The US Supreme Court ruled 5-4 to block President Trump's attempt to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, stating the administration did not provide sufficient due process. The case returns to lower courts where the administration must prove mortgage fraud allegations. The decision is seen as affirming the Fed's independence.
India's Forex Reserves Rise to $672.59 Billion After Gold Holdings Jump
India's foreign exchange reserves increased to $672.59 billion, according to a report by the TOI Business Desk of The Times of India. The rise was attributed to a jump in gold holdings.
Finance Banks Borrow ₹16,800 Crore at RBI VRR Auction, Signaling Comfortable Liquidity Conditions in Banking System
Banks borrowed only ₹16,800 crore from the Reserve Bank of India at its four-day Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction, against the notified amount of ₹50,000 crore, indicating comfortable liquidity conditions. The cut-off rate stood at 5.26%, marginally above the policy repo rate of 5.25%, according to News on AIR.
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra Says It's 'Premature' to Discuss Rate Hike Amid Persistent Global Uncertainty
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said it is premature to talk about a rate hike, pushing back against market expectations. He emphasized the central bank's data-dependent stance and noted that easing West Asia tensions have lowered crude oil prices, supporting growth and inflation moderation. Inflation remains below 4% target with subdued core inflation at 2.4%.
RBI Governor Malhotra Calls Rate Hike Talk ‘Premature’ Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty, Crude Volatility
Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra has pushed back against expectations of an imminent rate hike, calling such talk 'premature' given the fragile US-Iran truce and uncertainty over crude oil prices. The Monetary Policy Committee voted unanimously on June 5 to hold the repo rate at 5.25% after a full percentage point of cuts since February 2025. The MPC also revised down its FY27 GDP growth forecast to 6.6% from 6.9% and raised its inflation projection to 5.1% from 4.6%. Malhotra highlighted that the central bank is monitoring monsoon rainfall and crude prices, with cumulative rainfall 43% below normal as of June 22.
Finance Bank of England Holds Interest Rates at 3.75% as Energy Uncertainty Persists
The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee voted 7-2 to hold interest rates at 3.75%, with Megan Greene and Huw Pill dissenting in favor of a 4% rate. Governor Andrew Bailey cited encouraging oil price drops but cautioned about inflationary pressure from high energy costs. Inflation remains at 2.8%, with expectations of a 3.25% peak later this year. The recent US-Iran peace deal may ease supply concerns through the Strait of Hormuz.
RBI Sold Nearly $9 Billion in Forex Spot Market in April Amid Rupee Pressure
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) sold nearly $9 billion in the foreign exchange spot market in April to stem rupee depreciation, according to the Times of India. The intervention signals the central bank's active stance in managing currency volatility, with direct implications for corporate treasuries managing FX exposure and trade finance costs.
India's Forex Reserves Tumble Nearly $10 Billion as Gold Holdings See Sharp Drop
According to a report by Business-Today (TOI Business Desk) dated June 19, 2026, India's foreign exchange reserves dropped by nearly $10 billion, with gold holdings experiencing a sharp decline. The report did not provide further specifics.
Business Bank of Japan Raises Interest Rate to 1%, Highest Since 1995
The Bank of Japan raised its main interest rate to 1% from 0.75%, the highest since 1995, as global energy prices and the Iran war fuel inflation. Governor Kazuo Ueda missed the meeting due to a liver infection, but the BOJ continues its gradual tightening path started in March 2024.
Rupee rallies to five-week high on crude oil plunge; RBI measures add to momentum
The Indian rupee strengthened to a five-week high of 94.71 against the US dollar on Monday, supported by a sharp drop in crude oil prices after a preliminary US-Iran agreement and by RBI measures to attract dollar inflows. Traders and economists see further support for the currency, though the central bank's willingness to allow gains remains a key factor.
RBI to inject liquidity via Rs 50,000 crore repo auction ahead of MPC meeting
The Reserve Bank of India will conduct a Rs 50,000 crore repo auction to inject liquidity ahead of the Monetary Policy Committee meeting, according to a report by the TOI Business Desk on June 2, 2026. No further details were provided in the original report.
Government Extends Tenure of RBI Deputy Governor Swaminathan J for Two Years
The central government has reappointed Swaminathan Janakiraman as RBI Deputy Governor for two years from June 26, 2026. He was originally appointed in June 2023. The decision maintains the statutory composition of four deputy governors under the RBI Act, 1934.
Rupee-Dollar Movement Driven by Global and Domestic Factors, Sitharaman Says RBI Steps In Only to Curb Volatility
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that rupee-dollar movements are driven by global and domestic factors such as US Fed policy, foreign capital flows, and currency crashes in Japan and Korea. She emphasised that the RBI intervenes only to curb excessive volatility, not to fix the exchange rate, using foreign exchange reserves sparingly.
Finance RBI’s ECL Model From FY28: Why Credit Scores Matter More for Borrowing Costs
The Reserve Bank of India will require banks to shift to an expected credit loss (ECL) model from FY28, increasing baseline provision coverage. This regulatory change will make credit scores—like CIBIL—more influential in determining borrowing costs, as lenders adjust pricing for risk. Under the new framework, borrowers with low scores face higher rates or rejection, while top-tier scores (750+) continue to attract the best terms.
RBI's Strategic Moves to Bolster Rupee Amid $75 Billion Inflows
The Reserve Bank of India is implementing strategic measures to stabilize the rupee, potentially attracting up to $75 billion in capital inflows. These efforts include maintaining the repo rate at 5.25% and expanding the Fully Accessible Route for government securities.
India's Forex Reserves Increase by $938 Million to $682.32 Billion
India's foreign exchange reserves rose by $938 million to $682.32 billion as of May 28, 2026, according to the Reserve Bank of India. This increase follows a previous decline and reflects changes in foreign currency assets and gold reserves.
Sensex, Nifty Gain as RBI Holds Repo Rate Steady at 5.25%
The BSE Sensex and Nifty50 indices remained in positive territory after the Reserve Bank of India decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25%. This decision has bolstered market sentiment, with domestic institutional investors continuing to support the market despite foreign outflows.
Polymer Notes: India's Potential Shift in Currency Material
The Reserve Bank of India is exploring the introduction of polymer currency notes to improve durability and security. This move could significantly reduce printing costs and counterfeiting risks.
RBI Rejects Treasury Bill Bids, Signals Potential Rate Cut
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) rejected bids for 182-day and 364-day treasury bills, accepting only 91-day bills at a 5.56% yield. This move suggests the RBI's intent to lower interest rates amid rising short-term yields and a widening spread between treasury bill yields and the policy rate.
RBI MPC Meeting: Rate Decision Amid Inflation and Geopolitical Tensions
The Reserve Bank of India's MPC is expected to maintain the repo rate amid inflation concerns and geopolitical tensions. Economists predict potential rate hikes later in FY27.
RBI Sells $12B Gold Amid US-Iran Tensions to Bolster FX Reserves
The Reserve Bank of India reportedly sold $12 billion in gold reserves to protect its foreign currency assets amid the US-Iran conflict. This move aims to stabilize the rupee and manage the impact of rising crude oil prices.
Finance RBI Balance Sheet Expands Amid Investment Surge
The Reserve Bank of India's balance sheet expanded by 20.6% to 91.97 lakh crore rupees, driven by domestic and foreign investments. This growth impacts trade finance and international business costs.
RBI MPC to Adjust Inflation and Growth Forecasts Amid Rupee Slide
The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee is expected to adjust its inflation and growth forecasts in response to ongoing geopolitical tensions and a depreciating rupee. The central bank may raise its inflation forecast to 5% and lower GDP growth to 6.5%.
RBI's Income Surges 26% to ₹4.3 Lakh Crore on Dollar Gains
The Reserve Bank of India's income increased by 26% to ₹4.3 lakh crore in FY26, largely due to gains from dollar investments and forex market interventions. This growth reflects a strategic advantage in foreign currency operations and domestic bond income.