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RBI Reports Uneven Rate Cut Transmission; Deposit Rates Dip 85 bps, Credit Growth 17.7% in May 2026

Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCBankingSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
22 Jun 2026
~2 min
Source: The Hindu
Key Data:Repo rate hike 250 bpsRepo rate cut 85 bpsWADR hike 259 bpsWADR cut 85 bpsLending rate hike 182 bpsLending rate cut 83 bps
Bodies:RBI
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.RBI bulletin shows uneven transmission of 85 bps rate cuts to lending and deposit rates across sectors.

2.During rate hikes (250 bps), weighted average deposit rates rose 259 bps; during cuts, they dipped only 85 bps, highlighting asymmetry.

3.Credit growth (17.7%) far exceeds deposit growth (12.2%) in May 2026, widening the credit-deposit gap and raising liquidity concerns.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

RBI's May 2026 bulletin reveals that transmission of 85 bps rate cuts (Feb 2025-Apr 2026) has been uneven across sectors. Deposit rates fell less than lending rates, and credit growth (17.7%) continues to outpace deposit growth (12.2%), widening the wedge. This impacts bank profitability and loan pricing for consumers.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Repo Rate Hike (May 2022-Jan 2025)250 bps
Repo Rate Cut (Feb 2025-Apr 2026)85 bps
WADR Increase During Hikes259 bps
WADR Decrease During Cuts85 bps
Credit Growth (May 2026)17.7%
Deposit Growth (May 2026)12.2%

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Repo Rate Hike (May 2022-Jan 2025): 250 bps
  • ›Repo Rate Cut (Feb 2025-Apr 2026): 85 bps
  • ›Target this Data: 250 bps repo rate hike (May 2022-Jan 2025) and 85 bps cut (Feb 2025-Apr 2026)
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
  • ›Target this Concept: Asymmetric transmission - WADR up 259 bps during hikes, down only 85 bps during cuts

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which institution publishes the bulletin on monetary policy transmission mentioned in the news?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements:

1. RBI increased the repo rate by 250 bps between May 2022 and January 2025.

2. During the easing cycle (Feb 2025-Apr 2026), the weighted average deposit rate on fresh deposits increased by 85 bps.

3. Credit growth in May 2026 stood at 17.7%.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

What was the increase in weighted average lending rates during the rate hike cycle (May 2022-Jan 2025)?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary concern highlighted by the widening gap between credit growth (17.7%) and deposit growth (12.2%) in May 2026?

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