The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) completed a 4-day Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction accepting bids worth Rs 569.35 billion against the notified Rs 750 billion. The weighted average and cut-off rate settled at 5.49%, reflecting RBI's ongoing liquidity management to maintain rate stability amid evolving market conditions.
The Reserve Bank of India conducted a 4-day Variable Rate Reverse Repo auction recently, aimed at absorbing surplus liquidity and aligning overnight rates within its Liquidity Adjustment Facility corridor. While Rs 750 billion was notified for bidding, bids worth Rs 569.35 billion were received and accepted.
The cut-off and weighted average rate for the auction was set at 5.49%, slightly above the current policy repo rate, demonstrating balanced demand-supply dynamics in the money market. This operation helps RBI regulate liquidity fluctuations caused by government expenditure, banking activities, and other macroeconomic factors.
RBI’s VRRR auctions incentivize banks to park excess funds securely, ensuring controlled inflation and stability in short-term interest rates crucial for monetary policy transmission. The moderate acceptance value signals cautious banking system liquidity preferences ahead of further fiscal commitments and monetary policy updates.
Market analysts view the VRRR auction as an effective tool for short-term liquidity drainage, with the 5.49% rate acting as a benchmark for overnight lending and borrowings in India’s financial markets.
Key Highlights:
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RBI’s 4-day VRRR auction accepted Rs 569.35 billion out of Rs 750 billion notified
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Cut-off and weighted average rate established at 5.49%
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Aims to absorb surplus liquidity and control inflationary pressures
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Helps in maintaining overnight rates within Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) corridor
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VRRR rate guides benchmark short-term interest rates in money markets
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Auction results indicate balanced liquidity demand amid fiscal and banking activities
Source: Reserve Bank of India official release, Reuters, Economic Times