Quarter the 13th: Banks feel the squeeze as margins get tight

Indian banks witnessed their first operating profit decline in 13 quarters during July-September, primarily due to sluggish net interest income growth. This dip, a 1% year-on-year fall to ₹1.5 lakh crore, stemmed from faster loan repricing downwards than deposits, squeezing margins. Analysts anticipate this contraction phase is nearing its end, with stabilization expected soon.