India's retail inflation cooled to a five-month low of 4.31% in January 2025, down from 5.22% in December. This significant drop, driven by declining food prices, offers relief to consumers and raises hopes for further monetary easing. Food inflation fell sharply to 6.02% from 8.39% in December, with notable decreases in vegetable and pulse prices. The easing inflation, combined with recent income tax cuts, could boost consumer spending power. However, economists caution that unseasonably warm weather might impact wheat crops, potentially affecting future food prices. The RBI's recent rate cut and this inflation data suggest a positive outlook for economic growth and stability.
Sources: Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation, Economic Times, Financial Express