SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

RBA leaves rate cut door ajar

Reserve Bank governor Glenn Stevens says low inflation leaves open the option for an interest rate cut if needed.

1 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Skip to article content

Reserve Bank governor Glenn Stevens hasn't ruled out the need for another interest rate cut in the face of an uncertain global economy.

The first central board meeting of the year on Tuesday left the cash rate at an all-time low of two per cent, where it has stood since May last year.

While giving an upbeat appraisal of the economy, Mr Stevens expressed his concerns over the global economy and volatile financial markets.

Predicting that inflation is likely to remain low over the next year or two, Mr Stevens said this may provide scope for easier monetary policy "should that be appropriate to lend support to demand".

In the meantime, he said new economic figures should allow the board to judge whether the recent improvement in labour market conditions is continuing and whether the recent financial turbulence portends weaker global and domestic demand.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

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

Building approvals and international trade data kicks off the usual spread of monthly figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Crucial labour force figures are not due until February 18.


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

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

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world