Yesterday
Inflation figures make or break for pre-election rate cut
While economists expect inflation is falling faster than the RBA’s forecast, will the decline be rapid enough for the central bank to shift gears?
- Michael Read
This Month
- Opinion
- Interest rates
Jobs boom puts election rate cut on a knife edge
The stunning employment surge makes a pre-election rate cut less likely than the Albanese government would be hoping.
- John Kehoe
No need for a February rate cut after bumper jobs report: economists
In the face of a resilient labour market, some experts say the central bank may opt to wait until May 20 to start easing.
- Updated
- Michael Read
- Opinion
- Interest rates
Reserve Bank should not bow to political pressure for February rate cut
Giving in to the pile-on by Labor-aligned commentators calling for cuts would be a bad look and would damage the central bank’s credibility.
- Richard Holden
Soft inflation data brings February rate cut into sight
Economists and markets are increasingly confident the RBA will cut the cash rate in February after price pressures cooled further in November.
- Updated
- Michael Read
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
Boards better off getting on with business than playing economists
The risk for investors is that boards use the interest rates confusion to shut up shop and wait until the supposed uncertainty clears.
- Anthony Macdonald
Why the falling $A could delay RBA rate cuts
The Aussie dollar hit a fresh two-year low, prompting strategists to raise the alarm that it will hold up inflation and may delay the first RBA rate cut of 2025.
- Updated
- Cecile Lefort
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
Big business is sweating on a quick rate cut call
Even one would provide a boost for beaten up consumers – banks will have to pass it straight to customers no questions asked given the political environment.
- Anthony Macdonald
December 2024
- Analysis
- Australian economy
The lucky country has blown the (20-year) boom
Australian governments have frittered away much of the windfall from the mining boom, which may now be fading. And there is no plan to pay for spending locked in.
- John Kehoe
Soft wages, growth revive chances of first RBA rate cut in February
The Reserve Bank has signalled it could be ready to cut the cash rate early next year if upcoming data meets expectations, bolstering Labor’s re-election prospects.
- Michael Read
- Opinion
- Monetary policy
Credible appointments will improve Reserve Bank board
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has selected two good candidates and should be congratulated for shoring up the RBA at a pivotal time in the inflation fight.
- John Kehoe
Chalmers brings former bank CEO, economist on board in RBA overhaul
The appointment of ANU professor Renée Fry-McKibbin and former Bendigo Bank boss Marnie Baker sets the scene for the biggest shake-up of the central bank in decades.
- Updated
- Michael Read and John Kehoe
- Opinion
- Interest rates
Why the RBA will follow the Fed’s election playbook
The Reserve Bank of Australia appears set to ease interest rates in a move that will support its political masters heading into a problematic poll.
- Christopher Joye
‘Bye-bye’ February rate cut as unemployment rate falls to 3.9pc
More than 35,000 people found jobs in November, pushing the unemployment rate below 4 per cent for the first time since March.
- Updated
- Michael Read, John Kehoe and David Marin-Guzman
- Opinion
- Chanticleer
It’s time to start asking that other question about interest rates
The first interest rate cut will be big news, but it’s the last one we need to watch.
- James Thomson
- Opinion
- Interest rates
Dovish turn as RBA gains confidence in inflation fight
The Reserve Bank board has noticed that parts of the economy such as consumer spending and wage growth have been a bit softer than anticipated.
- John Kehoe
- Opinion
- Interest rates
We aren’t out of the woods on inflation yet
The arguments put forward about why interest rates should be cut immediately simply do not stack up.
- Warren Hogan
Bullock opens door to February rate cut as RBA pivots
RBA governor Michele Bullock says she has more confidence inflation is returning to target, reviving the prospect of a pre-election interest rate cut.
- Michael Read
- Analysis
- Australian economy
Australia’s economic problems have been brewing for years
We are in the most prolonged downturn since the 1991 recession. It’s time for a treasurer to do something about it.
- John Kehoe
- Opinion
- Australian economy
No amount of lipstick on this pig can hide the economic stagnation
The national accounts make grim reading and are indisputably worse than expected.
- Updated
- John Kehoe