The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has opted to maintain the Repo Rate at 6.5%, a decision that is viewed positively by experts as beneficial for home loan borrowers and the real estate sector during the festive season. Additionally, this unchanged repo rate offers an extended window of opportunity for fixed deposit (FD) investors to capitalize on the current higher interest rates.
Locking in Higher Interest Rates
Many banks are presently offering FDs with annual interest rates of up to 9% or more for various tenors. Anshul Gupta, Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer at Wint Wealth, suggests that retail investors should consider securing long-term FDs at these elevated interest rates in the coming 3-6 months. Gupta notes that this period is likely near the peak of the interest rate hike cycle.
Diversifying Investments
To optimize returns and manage risk, investors are advised to diversify their FD investments across different banks. This approach can align with specific financial goals and investment timeframes. Gupta recommends spreading investments across various commercial and small finance banks, as well as non-banking financial companies (NBFCs).
Floating Interest Rates for Home Loans
While FD investors are encouraged to lock in higher rates, home loan borrowers are advised to stick with their floating interest rate loans for now. Despite the availability of fixed-rate loans at discounts, experts suggest maintaining floating rates, as bond markets have already factored in rate cuts, leading to a decrease in 10-year G-Sec yields. The future may hold potential for rate cuts, making floating rates a more flexible option for borrowers.
This decision by the RBI provides an opportunity for both investors and borrowers to make informed financial choices based on the prevailing interest rate environment.
