Mumbai, Oct. 16 -- HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank, India's two largest private sector banks, are likely to face a similar challenge in the September quarter - sustaining loan growth without sacrificing margins as deposit costs rise, according to three brokerages

When the two lenders report their Q2 earnings on Saturday, investors will closely track their net interest margins (NIMs), credit costs and management commentary on growth. Robust deposit mobilisation led by robust foreign currency non-resident bank or FCNR(B) deposits and resilient asset quality are expected to support the performance of the banks.

For HDFC Bank, the focus will be on the execution by the new management, the impact of FCNR(B) deposits, and translating improved operati...