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Have you ever wondered how banks determine interest rates for loans and savings accounts? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the central bank of the country, plays a crucial role in shaping these rates through monetary policy decisions. One of the most significant tools in this process is the repo rate and the reverse repo rate. These rates directly influence home loans, investment flows, and overall economic growth
What are Repo Rate and Reverse Repo Rate?
- Repo Rate: The repo rate, short for repurchase agreement rate, is the interest rate at which the RBI lends money to commercial banks against government securities Think of it as the cost for banks to borrow funds from the RBI. A lower repo rate reduces borrowing costs for banks, increasing liquidity, while a higher repo rate does the opposite. As of January 21, 2025, the repo rate is 6.50%.
- Reverse Repo Rate: The reverse repo rate is the interest rate at which the RBI borrows money from commercial banks. It’s what the RBI offers banks for parking their surplus funds with the central bank. When the reverse repo rate increases, banks are incentivized to deposit more funds with the RBI, reducing the money supply in the economy. The current reverse repo rate is 3.35%
Latest Repo Rate and Reverse Repo Rate in 2025
In a significant move, the RBI has reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points for the first time in five years. Effective from February 7, 2025, the repo rate stands at 6.25%, down from 6.50%. This change follows the Union Budget 2025-26, where the government announced tax cuts to stimulate economic growth. The reverse repo rate remains unchanged at 3.35%.
source: IIFL
How are Repo Rate and Reverse Repo Rate Determined?
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), headed by the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), decides the repo rate and reverse repo rate in bi-monthly meetings. Shaktikanta Das currently leads the Reserve Bank of India. These rates are essential tools for controlling liquidity and inflation in the market
Impact of Repo Rate and Reverse Repo Rate on the Economy
Impact of Repo Rate
- Inflation Control: A high repo rate reduces the money supply, controlling inflation.
- Economic Growth: Lower repo rates encourage borrowing, leading to higher investments and economic expansion.
- Liquidity Management: RBI uses the repo rate to maintain an optimal cash flow in the economy.
Impact of Reverse Repo Rate
- Monetary Regulation: Helps absorb excess liquidity in the banking system.
- Interest Rate Adjustments: Affects home loan rates and deposit interest rates.
- Financial Stability: Balances inflation and economic growth by controlling lending and borrowing.
Difference Between Repo Rate and Reverse Repo Rate
| Feature | Repo Rate | Reverse Repo Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Rate at which RBI lends to banks | Rate at which banks deposit with RBI |
| Purpose | Increases liquidity | Absorbs liquidity |
| Effect on Borrowing | Higher repo rate discourages borrowing | Higher reverse repo rate reduces market lending |
| Role in Inflation | Higher repo rate controls inflation | Higher reverse repo rate stabilizes inflation |
Also read: Telangana Investments at the Davos Summit 2025
Historic Repo Rate in India from last Few Years
| Repo Rate Period | Repo Rate |
|---|---|
| 28 January 2014 | 8.00% |
| 15 January 2015 | 8.00% |
| 04 March 2015 | 8.00% |
| 02 June 2015 | 7.00% |
| 29 September 2015 | 7.00% |
| 05 April 2016 | 7.00% |
| 04 October 2016 | 6.00% |
| 02 August 2017 | 6.00% |
| 06 June 2018 | 6.00% |
| 01 August 2018 | 7.00% |
| 07 February 2019 | 6.00% |
| 04 April 2019 | 6.00% |
| 06 June 2019 | 6.00% |
| 07 August 2019 | 5.00% |
| 06 February 2020 | 5.00% |
| 27 March 2020 | 4.00% |
| 22 May 2020 | 4.00% |
| 06 August 2020 | 4.00% |
| 09 October 2020 | 4.00% |
| May 2022 | 4.40% |
| 08 June 2022 | 4.90% |
| 05 August 2022 | 5.40% |
| 30 September 2022 | 5.90% |
| 7 December 2022 | 6.25% |
| 8 February 2023 | 6.50% |
| 6 April 2023 | 6.50% |
| 8 June 2023 | 6.50% |
| 10 August 2023 | 6.50% |
| 10 October 2023 | 6.50% |
| 8 December 2023 | 6.50% |
| 8 February 2024 | 6.50% |
| 8 June 2024 | 6.50% |
| 8 August 2024 | 6.50% |
| 9 October 2024 | 6.50% |
| 6 December 2024 | 6.50% |
| 7 February 2025 | 6.25% |
How Do These Rates Impact Home Loans?
Home Loan Interest Rates
A reduction in repo rate leads to lower interest rates on home loans, making borrowing cheaper for homebuyers. Conversely, an increase in the repo rate makes home loans more expensive.
Equated Monthly Installments (EMIs)
Lower repo rates reduce EMIs, making homeownership more affordable. On the other hand, higher repo rates lead to increased EMI payments, reducing disposable income.
Loan Eligibility
When repo rates are high, banks become cautious in lending, making it harder for individuals to qualify for home loans. A lower repo rate relaxes lending norms, increasing home loan approvals.
Also read: Real Estate Development: Opportunities, Trends, and Future Growth
Elements of a Repo Transaction
- Liquidity Management: RBI controls inflation and money supply through repo transactions.
- Collateral Requirements: Banks provide securities, bonds, or gold to borrow from RBI.
- Short-Term Borrowing: Banks borrow funds for short durations, typically overnight.
- Economic Stability: Adjusting repo rates helps maintain financial equilibrium.
- Hedging and Leveraging: RBI manages risk by buying and selling bonds with banks.
Future Outlook and RBI’s Strategy
The RBI Governor has hinted at introducing new policies to ensure better transparency in lending rates, benefiting small borrowers. The focus remains on maintaining a balance between inflation control and economic growth. Future repo rate changes will depend on market conditions, inflation trends, and global economic factors.
Conclusion
Understanding the repo rate and reverse repo rate is crucial for anyone looking to take a home loan or understand economic trends. The latest reduction in the repo rate to 6.25% is expected to make home loans more affordable, stimulate real estate growth, and enhance liquidity in the market. By keeping a close watch on RBI’s monetary policy, borrowers, investors, and businesses can make informed financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The repo rate as of February 2025 is 6.25%, reduced from 6.50% by the RBI
A lower repo rate reduces interest rates on home loans, making borrowing cheaper, whereas a higher repo rate increases loan costs
RBI adjusts the repo rate to control inflation, manage liquidity, and stabilize economic growth.
A higher reverse repo rate encourages banks to park their money with RBI, reducing market liquidity, while a lower reverse repo rate increases lending in the economy
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