In recent years, Indian households have experienced a notable shift in their financial behavior, marked by declining savings and increasing reliance on loans. This trend reflects significant changes in the economic landscape and consumer habits.
Savings Patterns
Indian households have traditionally relied on a variety of saving instruments, including bank deposits, life insurance, Public Provident Fund (PPF), shares, and debentures. However, recent data indicates a shift in these patterns. While savings in banking deposits and life insurance have declined, there has been a significant increase in non-banking deposits, PPF, and investments in shares and debentures. Notably, investments in shares and debentures doubled in 2021-22 compared to the previous year.
Financial Liabilities
On the other side of the ledger, financial liabilities, including loans and advances, have surged. The total financial liabilities of Indian households reached around Rs 807127 crore in 2021-22, marking a significant increase from the previous fiscal year. This increase is primarily driven by loans taken from banks, which have been rising steadily over the past few years. Home loans, in particular, constitute a substantial portion of these liabilities, with HDFC reporting around Rs 616039 crore in outstanding home loans by 2022-23.
Other Financial Indicators
Other notable observations include a steady increase in NRI bank deposits, a rise in interest rates on deposits and loans, and a growing investment in mutual funds. Despite a decline in the Assets Under Management (AUM) of Mutual Funds during the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector has shown a robust recovery in subsequent years.
Implications and Future Trends
This shift towards higher indebtedness and lower savings rates among Indian households indicates a change in consumer behavior, with younger generations spending more than their predecessors. This trend is expected to continue in the near future, potentially impacting the overall economic landscape. The Reserve Bank of India may respond to these trends, particularly inflation, by adjusting key policy rates, which could lead to higher deposit and lending rates.
The data and trends outlined above provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of Indian household finances, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in the evolving economic environment.