India keeps interest rates on hold at 8.5%
India keeps interest rates on hold at 8.5% The value of the rupee has fallen to an all-time low against the dollar on fears for the Indian economy The Reserve Bank of India has held interest rates at 8.5%, interrupting a long period of rate increases. The widely expected decision reflects concern at the weakness of the economy. Inflation remains high, although the rate of wholesale price rises fell to 9.1% in November from 9.7% a month earlier, data on Wednesday showed. Despite the central bank raising rates 13 times since March, the value of the Indian rupee fell to another all-time low against the dollar this week. The currency's weakness, which has been driven by weakening economic data, has pushed up the price of imported goods in India, fueling inflation. March decision? "The central bank is walking a very tight rope," said Jagannadham Thunuguntla, head of research at SMC Global Securities, in New Delhi. "They are battling too many c...