Moody's Investors Service has projected an economic growth rate of close to 7.5 per cent in 2016 and 2017, saying the prevailing low headline inflation is expected to continue with the help of a good monsoon. It however, said in a report that India has a strong GDP growth, but private investment remains weak.
“Prevailing low headline is expected to remain so, given the current forecast of a good monsoon season, and should allow the Reserve Bank of India to sustain its current accommodative stance,” Moodys' said, adding it expects the Indian economy to continue to grow close to an annual rate of 7.5 per cent in 2016 and 2017, largely driven by private consumption growth. “Moreover, investment spending fell in the last quarter of 2015, as did industrial production and capital utilisation rates remain low.” It said that India's overall economic growth is supported by robust consumer spending, which makes up 55 per cent of aggregate demand in the economy.
Private spending will be supported by the implementation of the public sector salary increases, mandated by the 7th Pay Commission, and a rise in rural incomes, provided the forecast of a good monsoon is realised. “Looking forward the impact of weaker commodity prices is likely to fade over time with the stabilisation of commodity prices. Combined with the fact that external demand is likely to remain lackluster, a sustained improvement in domestic private investment would be required for the growth momentum to be sustained,” it said.
