SBI Research has forecasted a 6 percent growth in the second quarter of the current fiscal on account of improvement in several macroeconomic indicators like trade, transport, and communication, says a report. In a report made public on October 30, SBI Research said: "In the first quarter GDP grew at 5.7 percent, causing a lot of heartburn, but we strongly believe that the second quarter growth is likely to trend higher and might be in the lower end of 6-6.5 percent band with an upward bias." According to the report, IIP growth for September may likely be over 5 percent as mining and electricity growth may improve significantly on account of state electricity boards having purchased more power because of the festive demand. Further, it noted that most of the lead indicators - foreign tourist arrivals, international passenger and air freight traffic, railway traffic and telephone subscribers have shown an uptick in recent months. Significantly, it also said that consumption facing sectors are currently witnessing an increase in investment opportunities which "bodes well for the investment cycle going forward". However, it observed that the growth rate in agriculture sector is a point of concern. "Agriculture growth may be muted as rainfall in the first three months of monsoon was hugely deficit in key foodgrain producing states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh," it said.