Inflation

Australian financial markets are now pointing to a close to zero chance of further rate rises — with a fair chance of a rate cut next year. That's thanks to the latest news from the US and UK, writes Peter Martin.

Minutes from the RBA's November meeting show the central bank decided to lift interest rates to their highest level in 12 years because of alarming signs that some businesses were passing on higher inflation costs to consumers.

High rents are driving our inflation because of record levels of immigration, and few appear willing to confront the problem. But this is not — and should not — be an argument about multiculturalism, race or diversity, writes Ian Verrender.

In Parliament the Government scrambles to deal with fallout from the High Court's decision making indefinite immigration detention unlawful.

Economists are warning recent wages growth could fuel Australia's already sticky inflation — and put even more upwards pressure on interest rates, writes David Taylor.

The Federal Treasurer published the Government's vision for a revived Productivity Commission, of which economist Danielle Wood is the new chair.

Wages post their biggest quarterly increase in at least a quarter of a century, due to big pay boosts for aged care staff and workers on awards.

The growing sullenness amongst voters about cost of living pressures makes it inevitable that the economy will once again become the absolute core issue for the government, writes Laura Tingle.

The Reserve Bank reveals the reasoning behind its latest interest rate rise and whether it is likely to have to lift them again.

A union-backed probe hears Cape York residents are paying exorbitant prices for meat, and up to $2.87 a litre for diesel, while a retired nurse has been forced to go without insurance to make ends meet.

There's nothing in the RBA governor's statement to suggest she is thinking of pushing up rates again, and financial markets are also betting this rate hike will be the last, writes Peter Martin.

The Reserve Bank raised the cash rate today for the first time in five months. a decision treasurer Jim Chalmers says will be "incredibly difficult” for struggling households.

Tuesday's RBA meeting is about more than rates — it's also a credibility test in disguise. After all, you can only make an explicit threat so many times and not follow through without eroding your authority, writes business editor Ian Verrender.

The Reserve Bank board to decide whether to raise official interest rates again, despite a weak economy and millions of households already suffering intense cost of living pain.

Why on earth would Australia's Big Four banks be expecting the Reserve Bank to lift rates on Melbourne Cup Day when Australians are buying less than a year ago and annual inflation is heading down, asks Peter Martin.

Like Looney Tunes' famous cartoon villain, the Reserve Bank risks running Australia's economy over a cliff if it becomes too single-minded in its pursuit of the inflation Road Runner, writes Michael Janda.

The number of available properties listed to rent fell to a record low in September, with worsening vacancy rates and a rising population increasing competition among renters that's resulting in higher prices.

Bets on an interest rate rise next month gyrate dramatically on Senate testimony from the Reserve Bank governor, having surged on higher-than-expected inflation numbers.

The rise has beaten market expectations of a 1.1 per cent hike, driven by rising fuel and housing prices.

Consumer prices rose 1.2 per cent in the September quarter, slightly above economist forecasts and increasing the risks of another Reserve Bank interest rate rise.

The ABC's Business Editor Ian Verrender says the RBA has been consistent in its messaging.

Reserve Bank of Australia governor Michele Bullock says the central bank "will not hesitate" to increase the cash rate over fears inflation could take longer to return to target than its current "late 2025" forecast.

Higher fuel prices make a compelling argument for the RBA to lift rates again next month, but the risks of it setting a foot wrong when it comes to policy are high to extreme, writes business editor Ian Verrender.

The Reserve Bank is deadly serious about maintaining the welfare of all Australians, but it's also deadly serious about anchoring inflation and it won't stop until that's achieved, writes David Taylor. 

The Reserve Bank's new governor Michele Bullock worries that continuing global supply shocks may entrench inflation expectations and bigger price rises, forcing interest rates higher for longer.