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Governor Philip Lowe says it is “not unreasonable” to expect the cash rate to climb to 2.5%. That’s an extra $600 to service a $500,000 mortgage.
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Of the news on prices, wages, interest rates and unemployment, only the unemployment update looks set to be positive for the Coalition.
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Enormous price rises beyond Australia’s control are cutting our standard of living. Cutting it further by rising rates won’t help.
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The Reserve Bank has scheduled an announcement for Thursday. The government will unveil a second coronavirus stimulus package within days.
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Even when interest rates are already low, on balance further cuts boost rather than harm confidence.
On the first Tuesday of every month but one the Reserve Bank has to make a decision. This time the inflation rate is zero.
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Interest rate cuts don’t work like they used to, and they help us put off the hard things we need to do to improve our lives.
The case for cutting rates is strong, but there’s a stronger case for waiting. The Reserve Bank’s Sydney HQ.
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The Reserve Bank has adjusted rates in previous election campaigns, but it needs to have a very, very, good reason.
Longer-term interest rates influence households’ and businesses’ spending and investment plans.
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While the RBA might not be able to influence the current cash rate, it can still influence longer-term rates by offering guidance about its future policy decisions.
Construction of apartments will be a key thing to watch in 2018.
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Statements from the RBA show it’s little wonder markets are not predicting a rate increase this year.
New Fed chair Jerome Powell has some tough choices ahead.
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The data shows a tricky balancing act for policy makers. Interest rates will need to rise but too quickly could squash the recovery.