Demand for bonds strong; banks, FIs to be top issuers

The Reserve Bank of India may postpone anticipated policy interest rate cuts, but strong demand for bonds from long-term investors like retirement funds and insurers will keep market interest rates low, particularly for top-rated borrowers. Soumyajit Niyogi, Director at India Ratings, noted that while hopes for significant rate cuts may be diminishing, elevated rates in the banking system will be favored. However, institutional investors' robust demand will keep bond yields low, especially for high-rated issuances.