Rate-Sensitive Stocks Rise as RBI Cuts Repo Rate by 25 bps, Adopts Accommodative Stance

MPC’s Accommodative Shift Sparks Optimism in Rate-Sensitive Sectors Despite Broad Market Weakness

The Reserve Bank of India’s 25 basis point cut in the repo rate to 6.00%, announced on April 9, coupled with a decisive shift in policy stance from ‘neutral’ to ‘accommodative’, provided a much-needed boost to rate-sensitive stocks even as overall market sentiment remained subdued. The decision, taken unanimously by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), was made against a backdrop of elevated global uncertainty, trade-related headwinds, and concerns about India’s near-term growth trajectory.

Despite the benchmark indices—the Nifty 50 and Sensex—trading lower by over 0.5% in the early session, sectors directly impacted by interest rates such as banking, NBFCs, and auto stocks outperformed. The Nifty Auto index remained flat, while the Bank Nifty and Nifty Private Bank indices declined marginally by just 0.3%, reflecting a relatively stronger footing than the broader market.

• Repo rate cut of 25 bps to 6.00%, stance turned accommodative

• Rate-sensitive sectors outperform broader indices

• Investors anticipate improved demand for credit-linked sectors

• Auto and banking stocks show resilience despite muted sentiment

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Easing Cost of Credit Fuels Demand Outlook in Lending, Auto, and Housing Segments

The repo rate cut is expected to ease borrowing costs for both consumers and corporates, setting the stage for revival in credit demand across sectors such as automobiles, housing, and real estate. Lenders—both banks and NBFCs—stand to benefit from the prospective rise in loan disbursements, particularly in segments where demand is interest rate-sensitive.

Investors appear to be betting on a pickup in auto and housing loan activity, as lower interest rates generally lead to better consumer sentiment, increased purchasing power, and higher retail credit offtake. The positive outlook for auto sales and real estate absorption, in turn, enhances earnings visibility for financial institutions.

• Home and vehicle loan demand expected to rise

• NBFCs and private banks likely to benefit from improved credit offtake

• Affordability boost could support housing and mid-income real estate

• Rate cut seen as pro-growth and pro-liquidity

Muted Index Reaction Reflects Broader Concerns Over Global Growth and Tariff Pressures

While rate-sensitive stocks showed relative strength, the broader markets remained under pressure due to fears of global recession and escalating tariff-driven trade friction, especially in light of US President Donald Trump’s renewed protectionist measures. At 10:10 AM, the Nifty 50 was down 144.90 points (0.64%) to 22,390.95, and the Sensex fell 442.59 points (0.60%) to 73,784.49, signaling persistent caution among investors.

Analysts argue that the effectiveness of monetary easing will ultimately depend on the extent of rate transmission by commercial banks and how swiftly banks reduce lending rates in tandem with the RBI’s move. Moreover, the currency implications and inflationary effects of tariffs remain key risks on the horizon.

• Global economic and trade concerns overshadow domestic policy gains

• Investors monitor pace of rate transmission to retail borrowers

• Currency volatility and imported inflation risks remain high

• Domestic demand recovery faces external headwinds

Market Observers Track New MPC Member’s Views and FY26 Growth Revision Risks

Market participants are also closely observing the views of newly appointed RBI Deputy Governor Poonam Gupta, whose opinions are expected to be revealed in the forthcoming MPC meeting minutes. With India’s FY26 growth projected at 6.7%, analysts warn that this estimate may be vulnerable to downward revision if global recessionary trends deepen due to continued tariffs and trade disruptions.

Brokerages like Emkay Global and JM Financial have highlighted that while it may be premature to revise forecasts officially, the downside risks to growth are intensifying. Emkay also noted that Indian industry could experience a disinflationary impulse from weaker global commodity prices and surplus supply conditions, particularly in goods exports.

• FY26 GDP growth projection of 6.7% faces downside risk

• Deputy Governor Poonam Gupta’s stance to be scrutinized in minutes

• Lower global commodity prices may aid disinflation

• India’s macro policy outlook influenced by external shocks

Rate Cut Marks Second Consecutive Easing Amid Five-Year Pause Preceding February

This latest repo rate cut follows the February 2025 reduction, when the MPC slashed rates by 25 bps to 6.25%, marking the first rate cut in five years. The April decision now brings the repo rate down to 6.00%, reinforcing the RBI’s commitment to supporting growth amid a fragile global macro environment. The back-to-back easing signals a more dovish trajectory, particularly with the central bank emphasizing an accommodative stance going forward.

• Second consecutive 25 bps cut following February 2025 decision

• Repo rate now at 6.00% from previous 6.50% level

• Stance signals potential for further rate easing if needed

• RBI prioritizes growth amid mounting external headwinds