RBA
Rates hike still on the table despite softer inflation
8 January
A softer-than-expected inflation result will boost the case for the Reserve Bank to hold interest rates steady, but there’s still plenty in the detail to suggest a February hike remains in play. Headline inflation slowed from 3.8 per cent to 3.4...[Read More]
Weaker housing market tipped as rate hike fears mount
8 January
The housing market is tipped to start weaker in 2026 with confidence dented by fears the Reserve Bank’s next move will be a rate hike, a leading property data provider says. Cotality’s national Home Value Index recorded the smallest gain in five...[Read More]
RBA reveals what’s needed to avert rate hikes in 2026
25 December
By the end of January Australians should have a clearer picture of whether they can expect interest rate hikes next year. Quarterly inflation data, due to be released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on January 28, will confirm or allay...[Read More]
Dishing the public dosh to force RBA’s hand on rates
25 December
There are two ways to fix Australia’s inflation problem, a leading economist for a top bank says. One, HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham, says is to restrain government spending, allowing for the private sector to continue its recent upsurge...[Read More]
Mixed employment report won’t make RBA’s job any easier
18 December
A messy jobs report will provide the Reserve Bank with little clarity as it tries to discern just how tight the labour market is. The central bank is piecing together data to get a clearer picture of the economy for a crucial interest rate decision...[Read More]
Plea for spending cuts as banks tip interest rate hikes
18 December
Economists have urged Treasurer Jim Chalmers to show greater spending restraint to take some heat out of the economy and spare Australians from more interest rate hikes. With the economy already pushing up against its speed limit, a modest recovery...[Read More]
Rate rise flagged as RBA does a Grinch with no Xmas cut
11 December
Mortgage holders should not expect any relief for the foreseeable future, Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock says, after leaving interest rates on hold. In a widely-anticipated, unanimous decision, the central bank’s monetary policy board kept...[Read More]
Australian economy builds as investment roars back
4 December
Surging investment in data centres and housing has driven Australia’s economic growth rate to its fastest pace in two years. The nation’s gross domestic product grew by 2.1 per cent over the year to September, the Australian Bureau of Statistics...[Read More]
Chinese economic slowdown at top of RBA’s mind
4 December
The Reserve Bank head says a wobble in the Chinese economy is top of the central bank’s mind, shortly after forecasters downgraded growth prospects for Australia’s largest trading partner. RBA governor Michele Bullock said a slowdown in China...[Read More]
Homebuyers at square one as price hikes eat rate cuts
4 December
Surging home prices have wiped away the benefits of three interest rate cuts to new buyers, new data reveals. Across Australia, home values grew by one per cent in November with the median dwelling now worth $888,941, property analytics firm...[Read More]
New inflation reporting has the Reserve Bank excited
27 November
Wednesday was a momentous day for stats nerds. The Australian Bureau of Statistics released the nation’s first complete monthly consumer price index publication, bringing the nation in line with peer economies and giving the Reserve Bank a more...[Read More]
AI could push up the RBA’s neutral interest rate level
27 November
Artificial intelligence could push up Australia’s neutral interest rate level, making it harder for the Reserve Bank the lower rates further. The whereabouts of the neutral rate – the interest rate level that neither slows down nor speeds up the...[Read More]
Inflation surges as energy rebates run out of gas
26 November
Surging inflation has dashed hopes of one last rate cut and heightened expectations energy rebates will be extended. Expiring electricity subsidies helped drive up the annual consumer price index from 3.6 per cent to a 16-month high of 3.8 per cent...[Read More]
Australian economy ‘island of security’ in risky seas
20 November
The nation’s economy is an “island of security” says Treasurer Jim Chalmers despite less certainty about interest rate cuts among economists after stronger-than-expected jobs data. Dr Chalmers hailed low unemployment in a speech to investors...[Read More]
Insight on cash rate pause as economy runs at capacity
20 November
The Reserve Bank will shed further light on its decision to deny homeowners a further rate cut when it releases minutes from its last meeting earlier in November. Australia’s central bank kept interest rates on hold at 3.6 per cent after the...[Read More]