Despite improved liquidity and policy rate cuts by the central bank, banks have been slow to reduce lending rates for existing borrowers. MCLR-linked loan rates have seen minimal reduction (5-15 bps), while past rate hikes were more fully passed on. Experts attribute the uneven transmission to varied credit portfolios and spreads, expecting rates to remain dynamic for some time.
FCNR(B) hurdle: Singapore holds ground on withholding tax
Given the spread between interest offered on FCNR deposits and interest charged on loans, a 10% WTH on loan interest on tax grossed-up basis would