Mumbai: Bank economists have told the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) at a pre-policy meeting that there is no immediate need to either raise the repo rate or change the stance, provided inflation remains within the central bank’s tolerance band, multiple participants in the discussions told ET.

They also added that RBI has alternative tools to manage currency pressures and is unlikely to resort to a rate hike, unless the impact becomes visible in inflation, one economist said.

Discussions at the meeting were largely centred on the war, the risk of a pick-up in inflation, and the expectation of a global growth slowdown, another economist who attended the meeting told ET.

“Inflation forecasts by participants ranged from 3.5% to 5%, depending on where they see oil prices to average,” said an economist who participated in the discussions. “No one in the meetings suggested a rate hike or even a change in stance, as there is little clarity on how the situation in West Asia will evolve.”

The central bank’s monetary policy committee (MPC) is scheduled to announce its first rate decision of FY27 on April 8.

The meeting with economists comes in the backdrop of the West Asia war, rising crude oil prices and inflationary pressures. Brent crude prices saw a record surge in March, rising by roughly 60-64% compared with February levels, according to Reuters, and have traded between $110 and $120 per barrel since the war broke out.

Last Resort
“To the extent the ongoing energy shock does not translate into CPI inflation breaching the target durably, we believe the RBI MPC is unlikely to resort to rate hikes,” said a Barclays report.
RBI in its February 2026 policy held a status quo on repo rate at 5.25%. The central bank has reduced the repo rate by 125 basis points since February 2025.

Calls for a status quo are also emerging amid deep uncertainty over the duration of the US-Israel war on Iran.

Economists say the impact will largely depend on how long the war lasts, making it difficult for market participants to assess the scale of the shock or frame appropriate policy responses.

“More than the current inflation print, it is the outlook on how the situation would evolve in West Asia which would determine the policy decision on rates,” ICICI Bank said in a report early March.

“Liquidity will remain the most important variable in the interim before we have much more clarity on energy markets and thus, we should see an extended pause for now.” Retail inflation stood at 2.75% in January, while GDP in Q2FY26 climbed 8.2%. RBI in its February policy projected inflation in Q1 and Q2 of FY27 at 4% and 4.2%, while GDP of Q1 and Q2 FY27 is projected at 6.9% and 7%, respectively.

Maven Capital Partners has successfully exited Manchester-based fintech AccessPay following its acquisition by US investment firm Accel-KKR, delivering a 2.5x return for investors in the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund I.

The transaction marks a significant milestone for both AccessPay and the wider Northern fintech ecosystem, underscoring the growing strength of technology businesses outside London and the role of regional investment funds in scaling high-growth companies.

Maven first backed AccessPay in 2018 through the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF), investing £1 million to support the company’s expansion. The funding enabled the business to scale operations, invest in talent and accelerate revenue growth at a critical stage in its development.

Since then, AccessPay has grown into a leading provider of bank integration software, connecting corporate finance systems directly to banking networks and enabling automated, structured payment and reconciliation processes.

The platform is now used by more than 1,000 organisations globally, reflecting strong demand for solutions that streamline financial operations and improve data accuracy.

The acquisition by Accel-KKR is expected to support AccessPay’s next phase of growth, including the development of new products and an accelerated acquisition strategy.

The US-based investor specialises in technology businesses and is likely to bring both capital and operational expertise to help expand AccessPay’s presence in international markets and strengthen its enterprise offering.

Anish Kapoor, (pictured) chief executive of AccessPay, said Maven’s early backing had been instrumental in the company’s growth.

“Maven supported us at a key point when we were scaling our market presence, and that foundation has helped us reach over 1,000 customers globally,” he said.

AccessPay’s growth highlights the increasing importance of regional fintech hubs, particularly in Greater Manchester, which contributes more than £1 billion annually to the UK economy.

The company has established itself as one of the fastest-growing fintech businesses outside London, gaining recognition for its innovation in bank connectivity and enterprise payments infrastructure.

Jeremy Thompson, partner at Maven, said the exit reflects the strength of the business built during the investment period.

“This transaction is a testament to the company’s leadership and the solid financial foundation established over the years,” he said.

The deal also illustrates the impact of public-private investment partnerships in supporting early-stage companies.

The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund, backed by the British Business Bank, has played a key role in providing growth capital to businesses across the North of England.

Debbie Sorby of the British Business Bank said the exit demonstrates the value of equity finance in helping companies scale and succeed.

“This is a testament to AccessPay’s success and highlights the strength of the Northern fintech ecosystem,” she said, noting that further support will continue through the next phase of the fund.

For AccessPay, the acquisition represents a transition from scale-up to global expansion, with increased resources to compete in a rapidly evolving financial technology market.

For Maven and its investors, the 2.5x return reinforces the case for backing high-potential regional businesses early and supporting them through to exit.

As demand for digital financial infrastructure continues to grow, deals such as this are likely to become more common, reflecting both the maturity of the UK fintech sector and the increasing global appetite for scalable technology platforms.

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SYDNEY, Australia — Australians heading into the Easter long weekend from April 3 to 6, 2026, face a patchwork of retail trading restrictions that vary significantly by state and territory, with major supermarkets, shopping centres and bottle shops observing closures or reduced hours on Good Friday and Easter Sunday in most jurisdictions.

Good Friday on April 3 and Easter Monday on April 6 are national public holidays, while Easter Saturday and Sunday have different status across the country. Retail trading laws, designed to balance worker protections with consumer needs, create a complex landscape that often catches shoppers off guard, particularly for last-minute grocery or essential purchases.

Major supermarket chains including Coles, Woolworths and Aldi will close most stores nationwide on Good Friday, April 3. Exceptions are limited, with some airport or tourist-area outlets potentially operating in Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. On Easter Sunday, April 5, restrictions tighten further in New South Wales and South Australia, where the majority of stores will remain closed, while Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia allow more outlets to trade, often with reduced hours.

Easter Saturday, April 4, offers the most normal trading across the country, with supermarkets generally open at standard or slightly adjusted hours. Easter Monday sees most chains reopen, though many operate on public holiday schedules with earlier closing times.

Shopping centres follow similar patterns. Westfield and other major malls will close on Good Friday in most locations. On Easter Saturday, most centres open from around 9am to 5pm, with variations in New South Wales and Victoria. Easter Sunday brings closures in New South Wales and South Australia, while centres in Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia open with limited hours, typically 10am to 5pm. Easter Monday trading resumes with many centres operating 10am to 5pm or later in select Sydney locations.

Department stores such as Myer, David Jones, Target, Kmart and Big W generally align with mall hours, closing on Good Friday and offering restricted trading on Easter Sunday in restricted states. Hardware retailers like Bunnings often remain open on public holidays with standard hours in many areas, though some locations may adjust.

Bottle shops and liquor outlets face strict rules. Dan Murphy’s, BWS and Liquorland typically close on Good Friday nationwide, with limited or no trading on Easter Sunday in several states. Easter Saturday and Monday usually see normal or slightly reduced operations.

State-by-state differences add complexity. In New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, Good Friday and Easter Sunday are restricted trading days, meaning most non-exempt retail must close. Easter Saturday and Monday have fewer restrictions.

Victoria allows more flexibility on Easter Sunday for some supermarkets and centres, though many still operate reduced hours. Queensland has defined trading areas with specific allowable hours for non-exempt shops, particularly on Easter Sunday.

South Australia maintains some of the strictest rules, with many metropolitan stores closed on Easter Sunday and limited options on other days. Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory generally offer more open trading, though individual stores may vary.

Pharmacies, including Chemist Warehouse and independent outlets, often remain open throughout the weekend as essential services, though hours may be reduced. Petrol stations and convenience stores like 7-Eleven typically operate as usual, providing vital access to essentials.

Restaurants, cafes and takeaway outlets generally stay open, though many adopt public holiday menus or hours. Tourist attractions, beaches and outdoor venues see high demand during the four-day break, with families taking advantage of the extended weekend.

Consumer groups advise planning ahead. Shoppers should check specific store locators on retailer websites or apps for exact hours, as individual outlets — particularly in regional areas or tourist precincts — may have exemptions. Airport and service station supermarkets often provide limited options when main stores close.

The Easter period highlights ongoing debates about retail trading laws. Retail industry bodies argue for greater flexibility to meet consumer demand, while unions emphasise worker rights to family time and rest on significant holidays. Some states have deregulated trading in recent years, leading to more consistent access, but the patchwork remains.

For families preparing Easter meals, the advice is clear: stock up before Good Friday or plan for alternatives such as online delivery where available. Many supermarkets offer click-and-collect or delivery services with adjusted schedules during the long weekend.

Tourism operators expect strong domestic travel, with families heading to beaches, regional getaways or staying local for barbecues and gatherings. Public transport and road networks will operate on holiday timetables in many areas.

As Australians enjoy the break — with Good Friday and Easter Monday as national public holidays — retailers prepare for a surge in spending on non-restricted days. The long weekend provides a welcome respite after the busy summer period, though navigating trading restrictions requires some preparation.

Easter 2026 falls slightly later than in some recent years, with Good Friday on April 3. This timing aligns with milder autumn weather in southern states, encouraging outdoor activities.

Retail experts note that while major chains dominate headlines, independent grocers, butchers and bakeries often provide valuable alternatives on restricted days, particularly in suburban and regional communities.

For the latest updates, consumers should consult official state government resources, retailer websites or apps. Trading hours can be subject to last-minute changes based on local conditions or individual store decisions.

The Easter long weekend remains one of Australia’s most significant consumer periods outside Christmas, blending religious observance with family celebrations and retail activity. Understanding the varied trading rules helps shoppers make the most of the break while respecting the holiday’s traditions.

In summary, while Good Friday brings widespread closures and Easter Sunday limits options in several states, Easter Saturday and Monday offer more normal access. Planning ahead remains the best strategy for a stress-free long weekend across Australia.

Indian markets are navigating a tricky environment as geopolitical tensions and global inflationary pressures create uncertainty for investors. Manish Sonthalia from Emkay Investment Managers shared his views on the current landscape and potential opportunities.

On the market environment, Sonthalia said, “The conflict will widen first, then shift into a longer phase of economic adjustment and selective repair rather than broad recovery. This is no longer just a geopolitical event—it’s impacting oil prices, LNG, and supply chains, creating an inflation shock. India, being dependent on oil, will feel the impact, and recovery could take time, likely until FY28.”

Regarding buying opportunities, he added, “For foreign investors, returns in dollar terms are less attractive due to rupee depreciation. But for domestic investors, valuations have corrected to near COVID-era levels. Some sectors and companies now look attractive from a three- to four-year perspective. Domestic savings is replacing foreign flows, so one should focus on resilient stocks and valuations.”

When asked about sector preferences, Sonthalia noted, “Sectors benefiting from inflation, commodities, consumption with pricing power, defence, renewables, and hospitals look promising. Financials require selectivity—private banks are solid long-term, while PSU banks offer favourable valuations. Overall, pick and choose carefully, focusing on sectors with resilience.”

The market may be turbulent in the short term, but selective opportunities exist for disciplined investors with a longer-term horizon.