Relief likely as Reserve Bank tipped to hold cash rate
The Reserve Bank is widely tipped to leave interest rates on hold for the first time this year despite inflation still being above target levels.
interest rate
Reserve Bank meets with rates tipped to stay on hold
Borrowers can finally expect relief from quickfire interest rate rises with the Reserve Bank poised to maintain the status quo for the first time in 2026.
RBA keeps rates on hold but leaves door open to hikes
Economists are split on whether the Reserve Bank's latest cash rate decision heralds the end of the hiking cycle or merely a pause before the next move upwards.
Slowing economy could shut the door on more rate hikes
Stagnant productivity means households face higher inflation and lower living standards but the treasurer hopes cheaper housing will ward off voter discontent.
Buyer blow as rising rates offset dip in home prices
Despite property prices falling, the annual income required to afford a median house has risen by thousands of dollars in Sydney and Melbourne since January.
Big bank changes RBA rate call as cost pressures ease
Slowing economic activity and softer price growth could convince the Reserve Bank to keep rates on hold, with inflation pressures weaker than initially feared.
GDP data tops the economic agenda, RBA officials speak
Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock will get a chance to react to Wednesday's economic growth figures when she fronts a parliamentary hearing in Canberra.
Temporary fall in inflation won’t ease RBA fears
A short-lived reduction in the fuel excise has provided some momentary price relief but inflation will only worsen without a resolution to supply blockages.
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Falling fuel prices bolster hopes for RBA rate reprieve
A cut in the fuel excise caused annual headline inflation to fall, but the underlying impulse for price pressures is still gathering steam.
budgets and budgeting
construction and property
housing and urban planning
interest rate
politics
real estate
state budget and tax
Middle ring could be ‘hollowed out’ by tax overhaul
Tax changes in the federal budget will likely shift property investors to new houses in the outer suburbs and inner-city apartments, economists say.
budgets and budgeting
economic policy
economy, business and finance
inflation and deflation
interest rate
politics
Budget spending stokes fears of further rate rise pain
An extra $114 billion in federal government spending will be directed off-budget as the treasurer claims a "historically responsible" fiscal update.
Last-minute budget pitch to ‘level field’ for young
Labor has made a pre-budget pitch to young Australians on social media as the government shakes up the tax system to help more people buy homes.
‘Decline’: housing downturn looms as rate hikes bite
Higher rates and affordability pressures are threatening to push the housing market into a decline, with prices in the two biggest cities already on the slide.
Federal budget to dominate the economic agenda
The government will do well to resist spending a "tantalising" budget windfall, as boosting demand while supply is constrained could result in more rate hikes.
US Fed holds rates, three members dissent on ease bias
The US central bank is leaving its interest rate unchanged for the third straight meeting but signalling it could still cut rates in the coming months.
central bank
economy (general)
economy, business and finance
inflation and deflation
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Close call tipped as Reserve Bank mulls third rate hike
Traders and economists expect the central bank to raise interest rates for a third straight meeting but high uncertainty could result in another split decision.
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inflation and deflation
interest rate
mortgages
national government
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state budget and tax
Treasurer warned on household handouts ahead of budget
Millions of Australians could receive an income offset in the budget, but the Reserve Bank is cautioning against the federal government increasing spending.
central bank
diesel fuel
economy, business and finance
interest rate
mortgages
petrol
prices
real estate
Third RBA rate hike might not be the end for borrowers
Mortgage holders are back to square one after a third straight Reserve Bank rate hike, adding hundreds of dollars more to interest repayments since February.
banking
central bank
diesel fuel
economy, business and finance
government
interest rate
mortgages
petrol
politics
state budget and tax
Oil crisis not over: warnings of diesel over $4 a litre
With the Strait of Hormuz still shut and stockpiles running down, economists warn fuel prices could spike above levels previously seen during this oil crisis.
Warning for borrowers as RBA frets over its credibility
The Reserve Bank is worried about 1970s-style runaway inflation if it loses credibility in fighting inflation, as analysts warn of up to five more rate hikes.
RBA’s stagflation nightmare: prices up, confidence down
Consumer and business confidence has taken a dive following the Iran conflict, highlighting the Reserve Bank's dual fears of falling activity and rising prices.
RBA to sift through jobs data as world watches Hormuz
The labour market will be top of the economic agenda in the coming week, while speaking engagements from central bank officials will be closely studied.
Consumer spending and confidence in the spotlight
Analysts and governments will pore over latest economic data this week for more insight into the devastating impact of soaring fuel prices on the nation.
construction and property
economy, business and finance
house building
interest rate
land price
mortgages
real estate
Major capital home prices slip in two-speed market
Australia's housing market is diverging as the biggest capitals go backwards while growth accelerates in mid-tier cities.
CBA ups inflation prediction as supply chains strain
Australia is staring down the barrel of inflation above five per cent as a result of the Iran oil supply shock, economists from the Commonwealth Bank warn.
RBA to air board’s disagreement in meeting minutes
Central bank watchers will get to peak into the Reserve Bank board room as minutes of a meeting that split 5-4 in favour of an interest rate hike are released.
The RBA conflict that could decide its next rates call
Australia's central bank must abandon its narrow path and choose between getting inflation down quickly or keeping unemployment low, economists say.
RBA ready to shift up a gear as the neutral rate rises
The Iran war will hurt consumers by pushing up prices and slowing the economy but the Reserve Bank must act to contain inflation expectations, an official says.
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economy, business and finance
inflation and deflation
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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.
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.