Core Viewpoint - A report from the State Bank of India (SBI) suggests a potential 25 basis points (bps) cut in the repo rate due to benign inflation, although most economists anticipate the Monetary Policy Committee will maintain the current rate during the announcement on October 1 [1] Group 1 - The SBI report indicates a favorable inflation environment that could justify a rate cut [1] - Economists are divided on the outlook, considering factors such as GST rationalization, US tariffs, and overall growth stability [1]

Core Points - All seven days from September 29 to October 5 will be bank holidays in various parts of India due to religious celebrations and national holidays [1][2] - The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) mandates these holidays, which include the second and fourth Saturdays of each month and all Sundays [1][3] Summary by Date - **September 29 (Monday)**: Bank holiday in Agartala, Kolkata, and Guwahati for Maha Saptami, the seventh day of the Durga Puja festival [4] - **September 30 (Tuesday)**: Multiple cities including Agartala, Bhubaneswar, and Kolkata will observe bank closure for Maha Ashtami/Durga Ashtami, the eighth day of Durga Puja [4] - **October 1 (Wednesday)**: Banks closed in cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata for Navaratri End/Maha Navami/Dussehra [4] - **October 2 (Thursday)**: Nationwide bank closure for Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti/Dussehra/Durga Puja [4] - **October 3 (Friday)**: Banks closed in Gangtok for Durga Puja [4] - **October 4 (Saturday)**: Banks closed in Gangtok for Durga Puja [4] - **October 5 (Sunday)**: Nationwide bank closure for the weekly Sunday off [4] Banking Operations - Online and mobile banking services remain available during national holidays unless otherwise notified [4] - ATMs will be operational for cash withdrawals, and app and UPI functions will continue as usual [4]

Core Insights - The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved biometric authentication technology for digital payments, including IDEX's fingerprint payment solutions, effective April 2026 [1][2] - The RBI's endorsement of fingerprint biometric authentication marks a shift from traditional SMS-based one-time passwords, validating IDEX's strategic positioning in the Indian market [2][3] - IDEX Biometrics' CEO emphasized the significance of this approval as a transformational moment for digital payment security in India, highlighting successful pilot testing with Indian payment partners [3] Company Overview - IDEX Biometrics ASA is a global leader in fingerprint biometrics, providing authentication solutions for payments, access control, and digital identity [4] - The company's biometric solutions are designed to enhance convenience, security, and user experience, utilizing patented sensor technologies and integrated circuit designs [4] - IDEX partners with leading card manufacturers and technology companies to bring its biometric solutions to market [4]

India’s inflation accelerated for the first time in ten months in August, though low enough for the central bank to keep the door open for rate cuts if economic growth takes a knock https://t.co/WLd5GwrfgR ...

Current Account Balance - India's current account deficit reached $2.4 billion in the April-June quarter [1]

US-India Relations & Tariffs - The US imposed a 50% tariff on a US ally (India) for purchasing Russian oil [1] - India faces a 25% tariff on all its goods, plus an additional 25% for trading oil with Russia [3] - The Indian leadership signals a search for alternatives due to perceived unreliability of the US [4] - A short-term deal with India would signal India as a possible "China plus one" destination [15] - A quick deal with India, removing the 25% tariff, would greatly benefit the India-US relationship [16] India's Stance & Alternatives - India is perceived as confused regarding its relationship with the US [3] - India is signaling it may seek closer ties with countries the US considers adversaries [4] - India doesn't gain much from buying Russian oil; before the war, it accounted for about 2% of Indian purchases [7] - India has largely adhered to the $60 per barrel price cap on Russian oil [8] Diplomacy & Potential Resolutions - Diplomacy, rather than direct tariffs, would have been a more effective approach [10] - Back channel discussions are hoped to be underway to reverse the 50% tariffs [11] - If the US requests India to stop buying Russian oil through back channels, India would likely comply [9] - A potential deal with India could involve India slowing down or terminating purchases of Russian oil [16]

India’s inflation eased to the lowest in eight years last month, though the central bank forecasts that the price gains may inch up in the coming months https://t.co/DhG2rzuCHd ...

A Reserve Bank of India panel recommended that the central bank take a more flexible approach to managing how it provides money to lenders https://t.co/P1mkhxkUwy ...

Investment Strategy & Market Outlook - Initially holding 95% in cash, the portfolio is now 50% cash due to high market valuations [1][3] - Cash is considered "king" currently, with plans for aggressive buying during market corrections [2] - Holding cash provides a 4-5% interest rate from U S Treasuries, making it a safe and attractive option [3] - Emerging markets are showing promise, keeping pace with the US market in the last year [3][4] - Trade negotiations are expected to conclude in the next 4-5 months, potentially boosting emerging markets [4] Regional Investment Opportunities - Japan presents opportunities with good earnings, low price-earnings ratios, and growth, despite the Bank of Japan's policy rate of about 0 5% and inflation around 2 7% [5] - India and Taiwan are also promising markets, despite facing high tariffs from the US administration [6] - India's self-contained market and trade restrictions mitigate the impact of tariffs [7][8] - Consumer companies, airlines, and telecoms (e g Bharti Airtel) in India are attractive investment sectors [9] Risks & Uncertainties - Tariffs have negatively impacted market sentiment, raising concerns about higher inflation and poor earnings for import/export-dependent companies [14] - The ultimate impact of tariffs remains uncertain, with potential legal challenges in US federal courts [15] - Competition in the tech sector, particularly in AI, poses a significant risk to tech investments [25][26]

US President Donald Trump’s surprise tariff announcement is set to weigh on the Reserve Bank of India’s monetary policy decision next week even as a final word on the trade deal is awaited https://t.co/EhJIdNqW0R ...