Expert opinion: What's in store with rates?

Even at 4.75 per cent, Australia has the highest rates in the industrialised world. Hence the currency is so strong at the moment.

groceries_generic_0203_B_SBS_530046691
The Reserve Bank left interest rates on hold for the fifth consecutive month at 4.75%

But even at that rate, it's the highest in the industrialised world, hence our currency is so strong at the moment.

What I found most interesting though, is a comment from Glenn Stevens, RBA Governor in the accompanying statement.

He says that over the year, inflation is expected to stay within the 2-3 per cent target band.

Don't forget, one of the main reasons the RBA lifts rates is to keep a lid on rising consumer prices, or inflation.

At this stage, that doesn't seem to be a threat. So I would take that to mean the RBA will sit on the sidelines for a while.

But what does everyone else think?

I spoke with St George Chief Economist, Besa Deda for more.


Share
1 min read

Published

Updated

By Ricardo Goncalves
Source: SBS

Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world