Friday, 3 February 2017

Demonetisation may delay Indian banks asset-quality recovery, says Fitch Ratings -The Total Investment & Insurance Solutions

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3 February 2017

Demonetisation is likely to push back the recovery in Indian banks' asset quality, given the disruptive impact that cash shortages have had on the country's large informal economy, Fitch Ratings says in a research note. Cash shortages caused by the demonetisation of large-denomination currency notes have affected the income of many borrowers - by holding back economic activity - and reduced their short-term repayment abilities. The Reserve Bank of India has allowed forbearance on some loans to the agricultural sector and small businesses, but these have accounted for a relatively small share of outstanding lending. The Total Investment & Insurance Solutions

The impact of demonetisation on asset quality is likely to only start showing up significantly in data for the January-March quarter. However, most state banks have already indicated publicly that loan recovery has been affected, point out Fitch analysts. The Total Investment & Insurance Solutions

Demonetisation has also weighed on loan growth, at least in the short term. Loan demand has weakened in the uncertain economic environment and banks have had to focus on cash management instead of normal lending activities. Mortgage lending is likely to be affected, with home sales down by 44% year-on-year last quarter. Loan growth slowed to 4.8% in November 2016, from 6.7% in October 2016. Fitch analysts feel that  it is likely that loan growth will be below its previous forecast of 10% in FY17 and may even slow from the 8.8% recorded in FY16. The Total Investment & Insurance Solutions


Finally, Fitch analysts forecast that there is scope for further lending rate cuts, but much will depend on the proportion of new deposits that remains in the banking system. Tight restrictions on cash withdrawals were imposed at the start of demonetisation and have so far been relaxed only slightly. The lasting impact on bank deposits - and lending rates - will become clear only after withdrawal limits are lifted.The Total Investment & Insurance Solutions

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