Rising Inflation Pushes RBA to Consider Interest Rate Hikes in February
Rising Inflation Pushes RBA to Consider Interest Rate Hikes in February
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
The Australian economy is facing a likely increase in interest rates in February, as inflation hits its highest rate in 33 years.
The latest Consumer Price Index figures show that inflation reached 7.8% in 2022, with a 1.9% increase in the December quarter alone.
This increase in inflation is largely attributed to a post-pandemic spend-a-thon, with domestic holiday travel and accommodation rising 13.3% and international holiday travel and accommodation rising 7.6%.
Additionally, rents increased by 4% and power bills by 8.6%.
Measures of underlying inflation, such as the trimmed-mean inflation rate and the weighted median price, also came in at record highs. These statistics indicate that prices are increasing rapidly across the Australian economy.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is expected to increase interest rates by 0.25 percentage points at its next meeting on February 7th and likely several more times throughout 2023 in order to fulfill its mandate of keeping inflation between 2% and 3%. Higher interest rates will encourage households to spend less and save more, and will also make the dollar more valuable. This will help to make imports cheaper and will also lead to higher loan repayments for households with a mortgage.
While economists expect inflation to have peaked, the pace at which it will then fall is still uncertain. If rents continue to rise or wage growth picks up, it's possible that the CPI will continue to rise, resulting in the RBA lifting rates. However, if the rate of inflation starts to fall more quickly towards the 2-3% target band, the RBA may not need to increase interest rates as much.
Overall, there remains a high degree of uncertainty in the outlook of the Australian economy. Policymakers will need to remain flexible when setting macroeconomic policy and be ready to adjust interest rates as the economy changes.
Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.
Australia’s personal loan market has entered July with a clear message for households and small business owners: the advertised rate is only the starting point. Recent rate tables show a wide gap between the most competitive personal loan offers and the upper end of the market, particularly for unsecured borrowing. That spread matters because two applicants seeking the same loan amount can face very different total repayment outcomes depending on credit profile, product type, fees and loan term. - read more
Judo Bank’s sharp share price fall on 25 June has put a spotlight on the pressure building in parts of Australia’s small business lending market. The ASX-listed specialist lender, known for focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises, saw its shares drop heavily after it disclosed a small group of deteriorating business loans and lifted its expected cost of managing credit risk. - read more
The Reserve Bank of Australia’s June decision to keep the cash rate target unchanged at 4.35 per cent marks an important pause after three consecutive rate increases earlier in 2026. For households, sole traders and small to medium-sized business owners, the hold does not mean borrowing has suddenly become cheaper. It does, however, create a valuable moment to reassess existing debt, planned applications and overall cash flow before the next policy move. - read more
If you are seeking lower rates, lower fees and more flexibility in your home loan. you are in luck! Our national panel of mortgage brokers is looking forward to an opportunity to assist you. Apply online for a free eligibility assessment and one of our broker network refinance specialists will get on the case to track down the best deal for your individual circumstances. Without any obligation and at no charge to you!
Welcome, Australian entrepreneurs and business owners! Whether you're just setting down the foundation of a startup or steering a well-established enterprise, access to capital remains a critical ingredient for business growth and survival. In the bustling economy of Australia, a well-structured business loan can be the catalyst that propels your business forward, aiding in expansion, the acquisition of new equipment, or simply ensuring smooth operational cash flow during lean periods. - read more
In recent years, refinancing has emerged as a popular financial strategy for many Australian homeowners. With the housing market's dynamic nature and fluctuating interest rates, more people are considering the benefits of refinancing their home loans. This trend is not surprising, as refinancing can potentially reduce monthly payments, secure lower interest rates, and assist with debt consolidation. - read more
When you're on the journey to owning your dream home, securing the right home loan is as critical as choosing the perfect location. The benefits of using online home loan calculators can't be overstated, as they wield the power to illuminate the murky depths of mortgage rates, terms, and payments with surprising precision. - read more
Knowledgebase
Second Mortgage: A type of subordinate mortgage made while an original mortgage is still in effect.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.