Monetary policy: RBI to pause for sure on Feb 7, but for how much longer?

The monetary policy announcement on February 7 will be one of the most critical ones in recent times for analysts because it will set the stage for the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI’s) course of action.

The policy, coming a week after the Budget, could reverse the rate-cutting cycle for good and may hint at the central bank turning hawkish. 

A poll by Business Standard of 12 economists and treasurers showed there was agreement that there will be a pause this time. But the debate was whether the policy stance would remain neutral, or how hawkish the tone of the