current repo rate

 

What is the current repo?

Repo rate is the rate at which commercial banks borrow money from the central bank of a country (which in the case of India is the Reserve Bank of India or RBI) when they are in the need of funds. On the other hand, reverse repo rate is the interest rate paid to commercial banks when they deposit their excess funds in the central bank or when the central bank borrows money from them. As of April 2021, RBI’s repo rate stands at 4% and reverse repo rate at 3.35%. The repo rate was reduced by 40 basis points from 4.4% to 4% and the reverse repo rate was pegged at 3.35% in May 2020. RBI has kept these crucial rates unchanged since the last five sessions to accommodate the current economic situation.RBI keeps revising the repo rate and reverse repo rate periodically according to the state of the economy. Every sector of the economy is affected by changes made to these interest rates. Most banks have an RRLR or repo rate linked lending rate and when the repo rate is revised, banks are directed by RBI to change the interest rate applicable on various loans accordingly. Generally, when the repo rate is reduced, the interest rate charged on home loans, EMIs etc. also reduces, making it easier for customers to avail loans or borrow from banks. This in turn helps in the economic growth of the country. Though changes made to repo rates are meant to affect the interest rate of commercial banks, the actual rates applicable for the customer may vary from bank to bank and is also dependent on various factors including the terms of the loan such as the amount being borrowed, tenure of repayment, etc. Read