This Diwali, Reserve Bank of India increased the Repo rate (rate at which RBI lends credit to banks) to 8.5% and Reverse Repo rate (rate at which RBI borrows from banks) to 7.5%, both increased by 25 basis points; and thus in last one and a half year it has increased cumulatively 525 basis points.… Continue Reading
Recently, Union Cabinet has decided to increase the cap for availing 1% subsidy on home loans. For poor and middle class people to whom owning a house is a big dream, it will be a relief as it will partially compensate for the ever increasing interest rates. The subsidy would now be available for home… Continue Reading
In a major relief to debt burdened and EMI paying borrowers, regulator National Housing Bank (NHB) directed housing finance companies (HFCs) not to levy penalty on prepayment of floating loans irrespective of the source of funds. However, borrowers with fixed rate loans can avoid prepayment penalties only if they pay from their own sources. According… Continue Reading
In this news roundup, we bring you our analysis of the latest and most interesting loans, interest rates and EMI related news from various resources. Banks not to raise lending rates for now While the mortgage rates in U.S. are at a record low, the persistent rate hike by RBI has increased borrower’s anxiety in… Continue Reading
While an existing borrower is reeling under the burden of ever increasing EMI, banks have embarked on all out rate war to attract new customers. At first glance, banks appear to be wooing new customers with various concessions to make up for high interest rates and higher property prices. While doing away with processing fees… Continue Reading
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) raised its repo rate – rate at which it lends to banks – and reverse repo rate – the rate it pays to banks for deposits – by a quarter of a percentage point to 8.25% and 7.25% respectively. With today’s rate hike, RBI has raised interest rates 12 times in… Continue Reading
In a major relief to home buyers, RBI has asked banks not to impose prepayment penalties on floating interest home loans irrespective of the source of funds. RBI has rightly pointed out that floating rate loans pass on the interest rate risk from the banks to borrowers. Thus, banks only substitute interest rate risk with… Continue Reading
As we mentioned elsewhere, “fixed rate” home loans are offered by banks when the interest rates are at peak or near peak and these offers dry up when interest rates come down. India Infoline, ICICI and HDFC banks have now introduced dual rate home loans and more lenders are likely to join the “rat(e) race”… Continue Reading