RBI's October 7, 2026, rate decision: Hike or hold?

Ahead of the October 7, 2026, decision, The Economic Times reported that the RBI had held its repo rate at 5.25% for four consecutive reviews. Its poll found that 20 of 21 economists and bank executives expected a 25-basis-point hike to 5.50%, while Bank of Baroda expected the rate and policy stance to remain unchanged. Governor Sanjay Malhotra's policy statement was scheduled for 10 a.m. IST.