The Call Money Rate is the interest rate charged on short-term loans given by banks and financial institutions to each other for a very brief period, typically one day. It is a crucial indicator in the money market, reflecting the cost of borrowing and lending funds overnight.Banks borrow and lend money to each other to manage their cash needs for a day or two. This short-term borrowing is called call money.
The Call Money Rate changes every day. It goes up when banks need more cash and borrow more. If there’s plenty of cash in the system, the rate drops. This rate matters because it affects other interest rates in the market, impacting overall financial stability.
Understanding The Call Money Rate
The Call Money Rate is the interest rate banks pay when they borrow money for a very short period, usually just for a day. It’s a key rate for short-term borrowing and lending among banks.
Banks often need quick cash to meet their daily cash reserve requirements. Instead of going to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), they borrow from other banks through the call money market. The interest they pay for these short-term loans is the Call Money Rate.
For example, if a bank borrows ₹10 crores for a day at a Call Money Rate of 6%, it will pay back the principal plus interest calculated at 6% annually. This rate can change daily based on how much money is available in the market and how much banks need.
The RBI keeps an eye on the call money market. If there’s not enough cash in the system, the RBI might adjust its policy rates to control the Call Money Rate and maintain financial stability.
How the Call Money Rate Works?
Now that you know what is call money rate, lets see how it works:
Demand and Supply:
The Call Money Rate is primarily influenced by the demand and supply of short-term funds in the interbank market. High demand for funds pushes the rate up, while surplus liquidity lowers it.
Central Bank Policies:
RBI’s monetary policies, such as the repo rate and reverse repo rate, directly impact the Call Money Rate. If the repo rate increases, borrowing becomes costlier, raising the call money rate.
Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR):
Banks must maintain a specific CRR with the RBI. When they fall short, they borrow funds through the call money market, affecting the call money rate.
Market Sentiment:
Economic events, market volatility, or unexpected cash outflows can increase the demand for funds, leading to a spike in the Call Money Rate.
Liquidity Position:
The availability of funds in the banking system also plays a role. Surplus funds lead to a drop in the call money rate, while a cash crunch raises it.
Example of the Call Money Rate
Lets say Bank A needs ₹50 crores overnight to meet its cash reserve ratio requirements. It borrows the amount from Bank B at a Call Money Rate of 7%.
Loan Amount: ₹50 crores
Call Money Rate: 7%
Duration: 1 day
This is how the interest will be calculated:
Interest = (₹50 crores × 7% × 1 day) / 365
= (₹50,00,00,000 × 0.07 × 1) / 365
= ₹95,890
Bank A will repay ₹50 crores along with ₹95,890 as interest. This shows how the Call Money Rate impacts short-term borrowing costs for banks.
Factors Influencing Call Money Rate
Liquidity Position:
When there is excess cash in the market, the call money rate tends to decrease. Conversely, cash shortages drive the rate up.
Repo and Reverse Repo Rates:
RBI’s changes in repo and reverse repo rates directly affect the Call Money Rate. Higher repo rates often increase borrowing costs, raising the call money rate.
Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR):
When the RBI increases the CRR, banks need more funds to meet reserve requirements, pushing up the Call Money Rate.
Market Sentiment:
Unexpected economic events or policy changes can increase demand for funds, influencing the rate.
Inflation Levels:
Rising inflation can lead to tighter monetary policy, increasing the Call Money Rate.
Demand and Supply:
A sudden increase in fund demand or a reduction in cash supply can significantly impact the call money rate.
Conclusion
The Call Money Rate serves as a critical indicator of short-term liquidity in the banking system. It reflects the cost of borrowing funds for a single day and is sensitive to market conditions, central bank policies, and liquidity levels. Understanding the Call Money Rate helps you gauge overall market sentiment and assess short-term borrowing costs.
If you are considering investments that may be impacted by changes in the call money rate, such as money market funds or short-term bonds, it’s essential to keep a close eye on these fluctuations.