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As highly expected by many economists, the RBA board has decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at a 1,5% low for the 28th month. The board said the global economic expansion is continuing, with low unemployment rates in most economies.
Economists predict a cut won’t happen anytime soon, but as time passes some suggest a cut could be more and more likely
The board expressed some concerns of a slowdown in global trade from ongoing trade tensions, however the board notes inflation remains low, globally, with an increase from a lift in oil prices.
IG Market Analyst Kyle Rodda says the RBA delivered what was expected, with very little new information.
“Markets aren't pricing much of a change all of next year. Global growth is forecast to slow down, so we may well be vulnerable to that. Traders aren't confident in the RBA's ability to hike any time soon.” Said Mr Rodda.
Housing market slowdown
The Board has noted that conditions in the Sydney and Melbourne housing markets have eased nationwide, with rent inflation remaining low.
“Credit conditions for some borrowers are tighter than they have been for some time, with some lenders having a reduced appetite to lend. The demand for credit by investors in the housing market has slowed noticeably as the dynamics of the housing market have changed.
Growth in credit extended to owner-occupiers has eased to an annualised pace of 5-6 per cent. Mortgage rates remain low, with competition strongest for borrowers of high credit quality. The low level of interest rates is continuing to support the Australian economy.” The RBA monetary noted.
Australian dollar price
The Australian dollar against the greenback just before the release was sitting at 73.6, with little movement in response to the December decision. Analysts say the December decision comes to no surprise, with the RBA monetary statement vastly like the November statement.
The Australian dollar is not expected to move substantially in response to the highly predicted 1.5% cash rate.
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