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More hawkish RBA holds rates steady

The Reserve Bank is optimistic about growth and inflation but it isn't getting carried away by rising commodity prices and is more cautious about jobs.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has held the cash rate steady at 1.50 per cent
The Reserve Bank of Australia has held the cash rate steady at 1.50 per cent Source: AAP

The Reserve Bank is more hawkish about the economy and inflation in its latest rates decision, indicating interest rates may have bottomed out, economists say.

The RBA left the cash rate at 1.50 per cent at its November board meeting on Tuesday, in line with the expectations most economists.

RBA governor Philip Lowe said after two cuts already this year, keeping the cash rate steady was the best option to achieve the central bank's economic growth target and boost the nation's sluggish inflation numbers.

"Over the next year, the economy is forecast to grow at close to its potential rate, before gradually strengthening. Inflation is expected to pick up gradually over the next two years," Dr Lowe said in a statement.

CommSec chief economist Craig James said the RBA's more "hawkish" outlook indicated a view that sluggish inflation had bottomed out and the economy was set to grow at a faster pace.

The Reserve Bank had cut interest rates 12 times since November 2011, from 4.75 per cent to 1.50 per cent, and the easing cycle may be over.


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Source: SBS News



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