The following are the highlights of the fourth bi-monthly monetary statement for 2018-19:
* RBI keeps key lending rate (repo) unchanged at 6.5 pc * Reverse repo rate stands at 6.25 pc, bank rate at 6.75 pc, CRR at 4 pc * Projects retail inflation to rise to 3.8-4.5 pc in October-March * Retains GDP growth estimate at 7.4 pc for current fiscal * Global economic activity becoming uneven, outlook clouded by uncertainties * Excise cut in petrol and diesel will moderate retail inflation * Rise in oil prices may have a bearing on disposable incomes, dent profit margins of corporates * Oil prices remain vulnerable to further upside pressures * Global, domestic financial conditions tightened, may dampen investment
activity * Exports outlook uncertain * Fiscal slippage at the centre/state to have a bearing on the inflation outlook,
besides heightening market volatility and crowding out private investment * Inflation outlook needs a close vigil over the next few months, several upside risks persist * Trade tensions, volatile and rising oil prices, and tightening global financial
conditions pose substantial risks to growth, inflation outlook * Calls for further strengthening of domestic macroeconomic fundamentals * Next meeting of the MPC on December 3-5.