Banks’ lending margins to bottom out as rate cuts settle in

Group 1: Banking Sector Insights - Indian banks, including HDFC Bank Ltd and ICICI Bank Ltd, are expected to show that net interest margins have bottomed out following a recent rate-cutting cycle by the Reserve Bank of India and tax breaks aimed at stimulating economic growth [1][2] - The Reserve Bank of India has cut the key rate by a total of 100 basis points this year through June, with expectations that net interest margins will reach their lowest point in the July-September or October-December quarter for most banks, assuming no further rate cuts [2] - Loan growth is a key focus for the markets, particularly in light of recent rate cuts and the government's consumption tax cut, with IndusInd Bank Ltd potentially lagging in loan growth due to its strategy of limiting lending to enhance its risk profile [3] Group 2: Consumer Goods Sector Insights - Hindustan Unilever Ltd, the largest consumer goods maker in India, is anticipated to reflect the impact of the government's GST cut implemented in September, although it expects second-quarter business to remain stable or grow by low-single digits due to supply chain disruptions caused by the tax cut [4]