Core Viewpoint - The State Bank of India (SBI) report suggests that a 25 basis points (bps) rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in September is the most favorable option due to controlled inflation and a positive outlook for further moderation [1][8] Inflation Outlook - Inflation is expected to remain benign, tracking below 2 percent in September and October without any Goods and Services Tax (GST) cut [2][8] - CPI numbers for FY27 are estimated to be around 4 percent or less, with potential for October CPI to fall to approximately 1.1 percent, the lowest since 2004 [5][8] Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) Meeting - The MPC is scheduled to meet on September 29 and 30, with a policy announcement expected on October 1, 2025 [5][8] Rate Cut Rationale - The report warns against the risk of repeating a Type 2 error by maintaining a neutral stance despite favorable conditions, emphasizing the need for calibrated communication from the central bank [1][5][8] - Post-June, the threshold for rate cuts has increased, necessitating careful messaging from the RBI [1][8] CPI Inflation Projections - SBI anticipates that CPI inflation may decline further by 65-75 bps due to expected GST rationalization [6][8] - Historical data from 2019 indicates that reducing GST rates for common goods led to a 35 bps decline in overall inflation within a few months [6][8] - With the new CPI series, further moderation of 20-30 bps in inflation is expected, keeping CPI inflation at the lower end of the target band of 4 percent plus-minus 2 percent for FY26 and FY27 [7][8]