Are High-Frequency Indicators Indicating Economic Stability in Q3 FY26?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Domestic economic activity shows resilience in Q3 FY26.
- GST rationalization and festival spending boost demand.
- Rural demand remains strong, while urban demand recovers.
- Investment activity is healthy, driven by private investments.
- Real GDP growth projected at 7.3% for 2025-26.
New Delhi, Dec 19 (NationPress) Recent high-frequency indicators indicate that domestic economic activity is stabilizing in Q3 FY26, despite some emerging signs of weakness in several leading indicators, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday.
In the minutes from the monetary policy committee (MPC), the central bank noted that GST rationalization and festival-related expenditures bolstered domestic demand throughout October and November.
“Rural demand remains strong while urban demand is gradually recovering. Investment activity is robust, with private investments gaining momentum due to an upsurge in non-food bank credit and high-capacity utilization,” the RBI stated.
On the supply front, agricultural growth is supported by healthy kharif crop yields, elevated reservoir levels, and improved rabi crop sowing. Manufacturing activity is on an upward trend, and the services sector is sustaining a steady growth pace.
“Looking forward, domestic factors such as promising agricultural forecasts, ongoing GST rationalization effects, manageable inflation, solid corporate and financial institution balance sheets, and favorable monetary and financial conditions should continue to foster economic activity. Ongoing reform initiatives are expected to further enhance growth,” the MPC minutes highlighted.
Internationally, while services exports are anticipated to remain strong, merchandise exports may encounter some challenges.
“Global uncertainties still present downside risks to the economic outlook; however, swift completion of current trade and investment negotiations may offer potential upside. Considering all these elements, real GDP growth for 2025-26 is projected at 7.3 percent,” the Reserve Bank remarked.
The next MPC meeting is slated for February 4-6, 2026.
In India, the real gross domestic product (GDP) achieved a six-quarter high growth of 8.2 percent in Q2 FY26, driven by resilient domestic demand amid global trade and policy uncertainties.
Economic activity in the first half of the financial year benefitted from income tax and GST rationalization, lower crude oil prices, proactive government capital expenditure, and supportive monetary and financial conditions amid manageable inflation.