Are Credit and Deposit Growth Indicators Finally Turning Positive?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, Jan 24 (NationPress) Recent policy measures are starting to yield favorable outcomes throughout the economy, showcasing enhancements in credit and deposit growth, industrial performance, and various consumption-related metrics, according to a new report.
The analysis provided by BNP Paribas India highlights improvements in credit and deposit growth, IIP, automotive sales, port activity, GST e-way bills, fuel use, and consumer confidence, despite a slowdown in export growth and GST collections.
“Consumption metrics, including automotive sales, fuel usage, PMI, credit card transactions, urban wage increases, and consumer attitudes, remain strong. We believe that the government's emphasis on consumption through expansionary fiscal and monetary policies will bolster growth,” mentioned the report.
Urban consumption indicators are looking optimistic, as vehicle sales (PV, 2W, tractors), fuel consumption, deposit growth, e-way bills, airline passenger numbers, and hiring demand have all seen increases.
In contrast, rural indicators are mixed; while the GST rate reduction is positive and monsoon conditions have been favorable, low agricultural realizations may continue to pose challenges in the short term, according to the brokerage.
Following a lackluster festival season in October, rural indicators are beginning to show signs of recovery, with improvements noted in agricultural exports, tractor sales, and reservoir levels.
The firm anticipates that food inflation has reached its lowest point and is expected to turn positive this quarter due to base effect dynamics. The combination of food inflation and the government’s renewed focus on consumption should bolster rural wage growth.
Both industry and services are indicating signs of recovery, with year-over-year credit growth at approximately 12 percent, deposit growth at 12.7 percent, increased airline and port activity, robust PMI figures, and government spending.
Industrial production has rebounded post-festivities, with manufacturing output, PV production, new order growth, and cement production remaining elevated, as per the report.
On the expenditure front, capital expenditure for the year appears to have been front-loaded and may lessen in the upcoming months, as noted by the brokerage.