LIVE ALERT: MUMBAI: RBI ANNOUNCES MONETARY POLICY/ SANJAY MALHOTRA (RBI GOVERNOR) PRESS CONFERENCE On the Monetary Policy, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra says, "... The MPC voted unanimously to keep the policy repo rate unchanged at 5.5%. Consequently, the STF rate remains at 5.25%, while the MSF rate and the bank rate remain at 5.75%. The MPC also decided to continue with the neutral stance... The average headline inflation for this year has consequently been revised, lowered from 3.7 % which was projected in June, 3.1 % in August, to 2.6%. Headline inflation for Q4 this year and Q1 next year too has been revised downwards and is broadly aligned with the target despite unfavourable base effects. Core inflation for the year and Q1 next year is also expected to remain contained... Moreover, prevailing global uncertainties and tariff-related developments are likely to decelerate growth in H2 this year and beyond. The current macroeconomic conditions and the outlook has opened up policy space for further supporting growth... The trade-related uncertainties are also unfolding." On the Monetary Policy, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra says, "The Monetary Police Committee (MPC) considered it prudent to wait for the impact of policy actions to play out and for greater clarity to emerge before starting the next course of action. Accordingly, the MPC unanimously voted to keep the policy repo rate unchanged at 5.5% and also decided to retain the stance as neutral."