RBI should start rate hike cycle as inflation risks rise, says Bandhan MF’s Suyash Choudhary

Average inflation forecasts are likely to move higher, and the RBI should begin the rate hike cycle to maintain its credibility as an inflation-focused central bank, according to Suyash Choudhary, CIO-Fixed Income at Bandhan Mutual Fund. However, he believes rate hikes alone may not immediately solve the problem. He said the RBI must avoid mixed messaging to prevent market uncertainty and added that a favourable mix of global factors — including lower oil prices, better foreign inflows, and a weaker dollar — could help improve the situation.