The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to maintain the cash rate at 4.1% for a third consecutive month, citing “significant uncertainties around the outlook.” This decision was in line with the expectations of 97% of economists surveyed. The last interest rate hike occurred in June, providing relief to overextended borrowers. However, some predict another 0.25% interest rate increase by November or as early as October. The RBA remains cautious, stating that further tightening of monetary policy might be necessary to achieve inflation targets. Services sector inflation and wage increases remain key concerns, though opinions on future rate cuts vary among economists. This decision marked one of Dr. Philip Lowe’s last acts as RBA governor before Michele Bullock takes over on September 18.
