Heads‑Up From RBI: Surveys Say We’re Vibing Into the Future

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has published the latest findings of its Forward-Looking Surveys, presenting a broad picture of consumer confidence, inflation expectations, and industry sentiment. These surveys are useful sources of information on economic trends, influencing policy-making and market perceptions.

Consumer Confidence & Inflation Expectations
The Consumer Confidence Survey (CCS) captures household attitudes toward economic conditions, employment, and consumption patterns.

The Household Inflation Expectations Survey (IESH) reflects popular sentiment on price directions, affecting monetary policy deliberations.

The Rural Consumer Confidence Survey (RCCS) takes rural economic sentiment as its reference point, showcasing changes in spending power and financial health.

Industry & Professional Forecasts
The OBICUS Survey measures capacity utilization and order books for the manufacturing industry.

The Industrial Outlook Survey measures business sentiment for the next quarter.

The Survey of Professional Forecasters collates professional forecasts of macroeconomic variables, providing a leading indicator of growth and inflation.

Banking & Infrastructure Trends
The Bank Lending Survey monitors credit availability and sectoral borrowing trends.

The Services and Infrastructure Outlook Survey assesses business sentiment across principal service industries.

These surveys are an invaluable resource for policymakers, firms, and investors, assisting them in responding to economic change and looking ahead to future trends.

Sources: Reserve Bank of India, Tax Guru, RBI Bulletin.