RBA
The worrying trend that could put an end to rate cuts
5 November
In the shock inflation print that scared the Reserve Bank off cutting interest rates at its latest meeting, two items gave governor Michele Bullock particular cause for concern. After the central bank kept the cash rate steady at 3.6 per cent on...[Read More]
Fresh RBA forecasts spell bad news for borrowers
5 November
The Reserve Bank of Australia has drastically revised up its inflation predictions in updated economic forecasts as it held the cash rate steady at 3.6 per cent on Tuesday, reducing the likelihood of further rate cuts. GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT: * Dec...[Read More]
Jump in forecast inflation clouds interest rate hopes
5 November
The Reserve Bank has drastically lifted inflation forecasts after admitting its last estimate was off the mark, likely ruling out rate cuts until late 2026 at the earliest. Released as its monetary policy board held interest rates steady on Tuesday,...[Read More]
Pre-Christmas rate relief dashed after inflation spike
29 October
Home owners are unlikely to receive further relief on interest rates for the rest of the year after a surge in inflation. The latest figures showed headline inflation for the September quarter rose from 2.1 per cent to 3.2 per cent. It was the first...[Read More]
Bank heads to open up before ‘urgent’ rate cut talks
22 October
Central bank chiefs could set the table for an interest rate cut when they speak after a shock unemployment jump. Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock and key lieutenant Brad Jones will address events this week, a fortnight before they meet and...[Read More]
Blow for borrowers as Reserve Bank curbs rate-cut hopes
15 October
The Reserve Bank is in no rush to cut interest rates again, the minutes from its last meeting reveal, as it waits for more economic data to guide its next steps. The central bank is worried inflation may be stronger than expected, driven partly by...[Read More]
Shaving red tape, inflation key to economic growth
15 October
Price rises in parts of Australia’s economy remain difficult to contain as businesses struggle under the burden of excessive red tape, top economic officials warn. Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock has used her appearance at a parliamentary...[Read More]
Spending rebound staggers as Aussies kick booze, smokes
8 October
Falling spending on alcohol, tobacco and recreation has slowed Australia’s consumer recovery as the Reserve Bank mulls whether to cut interest rates again. Household spending grew 0.1 per cent in August, the Australian Bureau of Statistics...[Read More]
Overheated share markets may risk financial meltdown
8 October
Global stock markets are likely underpricing heightened risks from geopolitical tension and cyber threats, leaving financial systems vulnerable to a violent correction, the Reserve Bank of Australia warns. The central bank identified international...[Read More]
Rate cut run may be over as inflation raises concerns
1 October
It’s looking increasingly unlikely borrowers will get more mortgage relief in 2025 after the Reserve Bank of Australia’s most hawkish interest rate hold since it began cuts. Governor Michele Bullock refused to say whether the central bank was...[Read More]
Cup Day rate cut in doubt as RBA nears final straight
1 October
A Melbourne Cup interest rate cut looks increasingly unlikely, despite the treasurer saying Australia has made ground on inflation. A hawkish turn from the Reserve Bank of Australia prompted analysts to push back their expectations for when the...[Read More]
Bank’s big rate call after ‘ugly’ inflation print
24 September
Mortgage holders might have to wait until next year for more rate relief after a sharp rise in services inflation all but killed off the already slim chance of a September cut. The consumer price index climbed from 2.8 to three per cent for the year...[Read More]
National economy still stuck in ‘productivity malaise’
24 September
Australia’s productivity performance improved in the June quarter, but weak capital investment is still holding back growth in living standards, the Productivity Commission says. Growth in labour productivity – or doing more with less –...[Read More]
RBA boss optimistic on inflation but fears correction
24 September
Australia is in a “very good position” on inflation but there are signs financial markets are being complacent about the geopolitical risks, the central bank boss says. Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock painted a rosy picture of...[Read More]
Banks back scrapping card surcharges for consumers
10 September
Australian banks strongly support banning debit and credit card surcharges but want the Reserve Bank to rethink its proposed cap on the fees merchants pay card issuers. The RBA in July proposed banning the surcharges that some merchants charge...[Read More]