Banks’ profits healthy, but margins may shrink and deposits could disappoint

Banks experienced growing stress in unsecured retail, micro finance, and rural loans in the first quarter, influenced by heatwaves, election slowdowns, and higher risk weights. Despite a 21% increase in net profit, margins and deposit growth continued to lag credit demand. Major slippages were seen in State Bank of India and IDFC First Bank. Analysts consider these challenges temporary but warn of declining margins and high deposit rate requirements to attract savings.