Lending rates could moderate further: Bankers

Soon after the Reserve Bank unveiled its mid-quarter review of the monetary policy, several bankers hinted that they may reduce lending rates in the coming days.

Commenting on RBI's action, State Bank of India (SBI) Chairman Pratip Chaudhuri said the bank will review its rates in the light of policy decision. The asset liability committee (ALCO) of bank is expected to meet soon to take a view on rate revision.

"It is a very positive move. I think the RBI has given a clear signal that they (banks) are willing to respond and that they (banks) have taken note of the signs of deceleration in economy," Chaudhuri said.

RBI today announced cut in CRR, the percentage of deposits banks keep with central bank, to 4.5%.

However, repo rate, at which the central bank lends to the banks, would remain unchanged at 8%. The reverse repo, at which it absorbs excess liquidity through borrowings from banks, remains at 7 per cent.

Terming the policy action strongly positive for the markets, Bank of Baroda Chairman and Managing Director MD Mallya said as much as Rs 720 crore of additional fund would come to the bank.

The liquidity infusion would ensure adequate flow of credit to productive sectors of the economy, Mallya said, adding that the bank's ALCO would meet soon to take stock of the situation.

Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC) Chairman and Managing Director S L Bansal also said that the bank would take a view on the rate revision in its ALCO meeting soon.

"I am of the opinion that there will be fall in the interest rate," Bansal said, adding that the lending rate would moderate further.

OBC has already cut its base rate or the minimum lending rate by 0.1% to 10.40% last month.