Three more rate hikes tipped as prices begin to rise
Construction contractors are already hiking prices due to rising fuel costs, in a sign the US-Israeli war in Iran is contributing to economy-wide inflation.
interest rate
Upcoming inflation data to show calm before the storm
February consumer price data to be released on Wednesday will shape the Reserve Bank's thinking on interest rates ahead of a crucial meeting in May.
Treasurer warns of major economic damage from Iran war
Fresh modelling shows oil price shocks and soaring prices for other commodities will have a lasting impact on Australia's economy.
Big four banks predict three consecutive RBA rate hikes
The Middle East conflict could prompt the Aussie dollar to plummet and the Reserve Bank to hike interest rates to 15-year highs in 2026, analysts say.
Interest rate hike ‘no slam dunk’ amid Iran uncertainty
Traders and economists widely expect the Reserve Bank to lift interest rates but uncertainty over the Iran war could convince the board to keep them on hold.
Oil shock further reason for tax reform, spending cuts
An economic downturn might be needed to bring inflation back to target, economists warn, but the government can help with spending cuts and productivity reform.
Collateral damage: war threatens to blow up inflation
Domestic pressures were behind the Reserve Bank's decision to hike interest rates, governor Michele Bullock says, although the Iran war will worsen inflation.
Iran conflict raises spectre of triple RBA rate hike
Households are being warned to brace for a second interest rate rise in as many months as three big banks react to comments from a top Reserve Bank official.
Rate hike odds spike for ‘live’ March RBA meeting
The battle to tame inflation has been thrown into more uncertainty by conflict in Iran and the Middle East, the Reserve Bank governor says.
Good news is bad news: GDP growth fuels inflation fears
Australia's economy expanded by 2.6 per cent over 2025, above Reserve Bank forecasts, raising fears of an impending interest rate hike.
Wavering households ease urgency for more rate hikes
Economic data released this week will leave the Reserve Bank a little less concerned about underlying momentum in consumer demand, an economist says.
‘Rise on the horizon’: inflation fuels rate hike fears
A small increase in underlying inflation has led to growing expectations the Reserve Bank will lift the cash rate in coming months.
Renewables growth energises spending as inflation rises
Capital expenditure has been rising fast in Australia as the treasurer warns stubborn inflation will mean savings are needed in the budget.
‘Too high’: risk to economy forces RBA’s hand on rates
Minutes from the Reserve Bank's latest meeting reveal the thinking behind its call to lift interest rates for the first in more than two years.
Inflation does a job on wage growth, adds heat to rates
Rising inflation has pushed real wages below the level of rising costs, which could have a big impact on the Reserve Bank's next decision on interest rates.
Major builder expects ‘chronic undersupply’ to continue
Pent-up demand has property group Mirvac optimistic about the outlook for residential housing despite the prospect of higher interest rates.
Labour pains for borrowers as jobs data hits rate hopes
Economists fear two solid jobs readings could push the RBA to inflict more borrowing pain on Australian mortgage-holders.
Signs of softening spending could stay RBA’s rates hand
A surprise slide in consumer spending has thrown more uncertainty around the Reserve Bank's next move on interest rates.
Forecasters dial up rate bets as banks prepare to hike
With the RBA showing stronger resolve to rein in inflation, banks will more likely than not be lifting home loan rates again in a few months, economists say.
Greens hold door open to capital gains tax reforms
Support from the Greens could hold the key to opening the door to capital gains tax changes as the government ponders reforms the opposition says it won't back.
Reserve Bank boss calls on businesses to invest smarter
Opposition MPs have grilled Reserve Bank officials over whether government spending and monetary policy errors contributed to the first rate hike in two years.
Private demand under the microscope after rate hike
Fresh data will reveal whether the strong momentum in private spending, which spurred the Reserve Bank to lift interest rates, has continued into 2026.
Mortgage holders brace for hundreds more in repayments
Two incorrect assumptions have set the Reserve Bank on track for a costly U-turn on interest rates, with borrowers facing steeper repayments on their mortgages.
Borrowed time: rate hike unlikely to be one-and-done
Mortgage holders could face back-to-back rate hikes after the Reserve Bank raised interest rates amid rising inflation pressures.
Row over government role fuelling inflation, rate rise
Spending blow-outs by the government will force the Reserve Bank to hike rates, critics say, but the treasurer argues the private sector is driving inflation.
Why some economists go against the flow on RBA rate bet
The Reserve Bank is widely tipped to become the first major central bank on Tuesday to U-turn from rate cuts to rate hikes in the post-COVID inflation era.
Magic number that could decide an interest rate hike
Traders now tip a greater-than-50 per cent chance of an interest rate hike in February, but some pundits are holding out hope for a Reserve Bank reprieve.
Robust jobs market risks adding fuel to inflation fire
Australia's labour market remains tight, with limited spare capacity keeping pressure on already-high inflation and shortening the odds of interest rate hikes.
Complacency risk for economy as tariff wars re-emerge
A deterioration in the job market could spare Australian borrowers interest rate hikes in 2026, an economist says.
Rate hike ‘risks hurting’ fragile consumer sentiment
A fresh survey of Australian consumer sentiment doesn't make for encouraging reading as the central bank weighs lifting the cash rate at its next meeting.
Dishing the public dosh to force RBA’s hand on rates
With the government unlikely to restrain public spending, the Reserve Bank will have to lift rates in 2026 to keep inflation under control, economists say.