SBI Research: Monitor Inflation in FY27 as New CPI Series Kicks In

• SBI Research suggests monitoring inflation before RBI's monetary policy decision in 2026-27, with the new CPI series coming into effect.
• The new CPI series, with base year 2024, will be released on February 12, 2026, as part of government efforts to revise macroeconomic indicators.
• RBI's MPC kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% and maintained a neutral stance; GDP growth outlook revised to 6.9% in Q1 FY27 and 7% in Q2 FY27.
• Retail inflation for 2025-26 projected at 2.1%, with a slight upward revision due to increased precious metal prices.
• RBI enhanced collateral-free loan limits for MSEs from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh and permitted lending to REITs.