Business
Banks raise lending rates: Here’s what realty experts have to say
Close on the heels of the Reserve Bank of Indias (RBI) recent hike in repo rate by 40 basis points, besides giving indications it would raise further in the upcoming monetary policy review meets, several Indian lenders too have raised their lending rates.
On Wednesday, lending major HDFC and PNB Bank raised their lending rates by 5 basis points and 15 basis points, respectively.
The upward revision in rates will essentially lead to an increase in EMIs for borrowers.
Recently, the State Bank of India (SBI) and Bank of Baroda also hiked their lending rates across various tenures, as per reports.
At the same time, the government also waived customs duty on the import of some raw materials, including coking coal and ferronickel, used by the steel industry. Steel is a key input for the real estate industry.
Here’s what some of the developers and domain experts have to say on the impact of rate hike on the realty sector and its demand:
Vivek Rathi, Director, Research at Knight Frank India
An increase in home loan interest rate by 1 per cent reduces house purchase affordability by 7.4 per cent. We are on a landscape of rising interest rates and increasing property prices, which will put pressure on affordability if they move beyond income growth.
At the current juncture, strong income growth is supportive of homebuyer affordability. Hence, a comfortable affordability level coupled with the renewed enthusiasm for home ownership shall help maintain the strong housing sales momentum in the near term.
Dharmesh Shah, CEO of Hero Realty
The retail buyers in the home segment have seen an incredible increase post-pandemic. Despite an increased interest rate the market is expected to be buoyant but this increase has come at the wrong time.
The home buyer segment needs a pat on the back and not an increase in the interest rates. However, this also considerably marks a sense of stability as the end of low-interest rates will bring the serious buyers back in focus.
Sanjay Sharma, Director, SKA GROUP
At a time when the real estate sector had just begun to pick up, the increase in home loan interest rates, even though negligible, would act as a psychological barrier for the buyers. Coupled with the increase in input costs that to an extent had forced the developers to increase in prices, it would act as a dampener to the buyer’s spirit, especially the ones looking for homes in the affordable segment.
Nayan Raheja, Raheja Developers
The increase in interest rates by banks could not have come at a worse time. With buyers shaking off the negative spirits of the pandemic and seeking to benefit from the historic low costs of the dwelling units as well as historic low home loan interest rates, the move by the banks would definitely have an impact on buyers’ sentiments. Further, it will affect the real estate sector that had begun to pick up pace after a gap of two to three years and which among others is one of the largest generators of employment. Most of all it will also signal that the days of low home loan interest rates are over.
Sachin Gawri, CEO and Founder Rise Infraventures Limited
The news of interest rate hikes by the banks especially after RBI had raised the base rates were a foregone conclusion. However, I wish that the banks had waited for a few more months for this series of hikes. At least it could have waited for the real estate sector to pass on the benefits of the reduction in fuel prices and the decrease in the price of iron (through hike in export duty) to the customers. The move will also affect the development of the commercial and retail segments.
Deepak Kapoor, Director of Gulshan Homz
The current hike in home loan interest rates by banks will surely convey to home buyers that interest rates are only going to go northwards. Contrary to the popular perception that any such increase only affects the affordable housing segment, the move, according to me, will also leave a big impact in the big-ticket luxury segment that involves high volumes of money, hence higher EMIs and higher interest amount. Besides, since one of the banks had increased its RPLR three times in one month, the move will also add to the uncertainty regarding the quantum of hikes in the future.
Business
Adani Electricity distributes clothes to empower underprivileged communities

Mumbai, Aug 6: In a bid to help underprivileged communities, over 2,500 employees of Adani Electricity donated a large volume of garments as part of the social welfare initiative.
Adani Electricity had requested employees to donate cloths for the underprivileged communities in its distribution areas.
The employees participated enthusiastically in the social welfare drive. The donated clothes were distributed across communities and ‘padas’ (settlements) within Adani Electricity’s distribution areas. Residents of Moracha Pada in Goregaon’s Aarey Colony were among those who received clothes from the Adani Electricity team.
Meanwhile, the leading electricity distribution company in Mumbai proactively escalated its disaster management readiness for the monsoon season, aiming to safeguard its 3.15 million customers from potential disruptions.
To address any emergencies that may arise during the monsoon, Adani Electricity activated its Central Disaster Control Centre (CDCC). This pivotal hub will orchestrate response efforts and operate round-the-clock, ensuring swift action and communication throughout the monsoon period, said the leading electricity distribution company in Mumbai.
Seven Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have been strategically deployed across the distribution network. These teams are equipped with comprehensive response, recovery, and restoration plans specifically tailored for the challenges posed by the monsoon season, said the company.
To monitor rising water levels, 98 advanced water level sensors are now integrated with the Advanced Distribution Management System at critical locations. This setup enhances the ability to preempt and respond to flood-related electrical issues.
The CDCC will leverage state-of-the-art satellite and wireless technologies, including walkie-talkies and remote devices, to maintain uninterrupted communication across departments and with external authorities. This infrastructure ensures minimal downtime and efficient incident management.
Adani Electricity also conducted extensive pre-monsoon inspections and maintenance. Equipment in low-lying areas was elevated to prevent water damage. Essential materials, emergency vehicles, and diesel generators were strategically positioned to tackle any emergency swiftly.
Business
Gold hits seven-week high as safe-haven demand offsets hopes of US-Iran deal

New Delhi, Aug 6: Gold prices on Thursday climbed to a seven-week high as lower US Treasury yields boosted safe-haven demand even as optimism over a possible US-Iran agreement raised hopes of easing geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures (October 5) opened 0.36 per cent or Rs 536 higher at Rs 1,49,029 per 10 grams and later touched an intraday high of Rs 1,49,700 — an increase of 0.81 per cent or Rs 1,207 by 12:10 pm.
On the other hand, silver futures (September 4) prices have witnessed buying momentum in early deals.
The white metal touched an intraday high of Rs 2,28,397 per kg, an increase of 0.35 per cent or Rs 813 compared to the previous close of Rs 2,27,584. At the last count, it was trading at Rs 2,26,580, a decrease of 0.44 per cent or Rs 1,004.
In the international market too, COMEX gold was trading 0.36 per cent higher at $4,320 per ounce. COMEX silver was at $62.36 per ounce, up 0.12 per cent.
However, the rally came despite reports claiming that the Strait of Hormuz could reopen and comments by US President Donald Trump indicating that Washington was seeking to reach an agreement with Iran.
According to market experts, expectations that easing tensions in the region could lead to lower crude oil prices have reduced concerns over inflation and near-term US monetary tightening, putting pressure on US Treasury yields.
For MCX gold, immediate resistance is at Rs 1,50,000-1,50,700 and a break above targets next resistance at Rs 1,52,200-1,52,800, the experts said, adding that immediate support is at Rs 1,48,600-1,48,000 with next support at Rs 1,46,600-1,46,000.
“Price has decisively broken above all key EMAs (20/50/100/200), confirming a strong shift in near-term momentum after weeks of consolidation. Bias stays positive above Rs 1,49,000, with a hold needed to extend gains toward Rs 1,50,000; a slip below Rs 1,49,000 would signal exhaustion after the sharp run-up, they added.
For silver, the analysts said that a sustained move above Rs 2,29,000 and a break above targets next resistance at Rs 2,31,500-2,32,500.
Immediate support is at Rs 2,25,000-2,24,000, previously resistance now acting as support, with next support at Rs 2,22,000-2,21,000, according to them.
Price is holding above its 20-EMA and 200-EMA, with RSI at 54, edging upward, reflecting improving momentum, though a decisive close above the 50-EMA is needed to confirm renewed strength, the experts said, adding that bias stays cautiously constructive above Rs 2,28,000, with a break above Rs 2,30,000 opening the path toward higher levels; a slip below Rs 2,27,000 risks a pullback toward Rs 2,25,000.
Additionally, Brent crude — the international oil benchmark — slipped 0.51 per cent to trade below $80 per barrel. Similarly, US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude slumped nearly 1 per cent to below $75.
Business
CPI likely at 4.5 pc in July with upside risks from food inflation: Report

New Delhi, Aug 6: India’s consumer price index is expected to settle at 4.5 per cent in July 2026, with risks tilted to the upside as food inflation broadens across key items, a report said on Thursday.
The report from Bank of Baroda said inflation remains broad‑based across essential commodities, led by onions, edible oils, rice and pulses, although improved arrivals of key vegetables and a normal monsoon offer some comfort.
Core inflation (excluding food and fuel) is expected to remain contained at around 4–4.1 per cent, supported by softer international gold prices, though higher input costs could create upside pressure going forward.
The bank mentioned that its Essential Commodities Index (BoB ECI) has risen at its sharpest pace in the entire series in July 2026 by 4.1 per cent, on YoY basis. In August 2026, the build-up was even higher (first 5-days) at 5.4 per cent.
The bank noted that among vegetables the arrival statistics for TOP (tomato, onion and potato) have been comforting despite stickiness in onion price trajectory.
International gold prices have softened further by -3.7 per cent on MoM basis, hence personal care and effects of core inflation are likely to derive some relief. Core excluding precious metals is also likely to be muted for now, the report noted.
Monsoon progress was mentioned as favourable, with 63 per cent of States receiving normal rainfall.
The area sown as percentage of normal area of major Kharif crops (except oilseeds and sugarcane) as on July 31, 2026 have remained above the same period of previous year.
International food prices, especially edible oils, have softened, the report said.
The bank warned that upside risks could emerge in the near term as corporate Q1 transcripts indicate pass‑through of higher input costs to consumers amid robust demand conditions.
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