Skip to content

Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Australia’s central bank leaves cash rate unchanged at 1.5%

Australia’s Reserve Bank of Australia’s board decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 1.5% as widely expected

RBA cash rate unchanged Source: Bloomberg

The RBA’s decision was widely expected among analysts, since policy makers signaled a steady outlook for the near term.

The RBA’s decisions to leave the cash rate on hold indicates the RBA is maintaining a neutral balance.

This month’s monetary statement seems to be relatively unchanged from last month, as there seems to be no new information added to RBA Governor Stevens speech.

The RBA’s policy stated there has been a significant increase in employment with the unemployment rate is at 5%, but a further decline in the unemployment rate to 4 3/4 per cent is expected over the next couple of years.

Indications

RBA Governor Philip Lowe indicated that the board is considering a near-term reduction.

Lowe said, ’The low level of interest rates is continuing to support the Australian economy,' This is the same line that’s been featured in past statements.

'Taking account of the available information, the Board judged that holding the stance of monetary policy unchanged at this meeting would be consistent with sustainable growth in the economy and achieving the inflation target over time.' Lowe said. Another line repeated in past statements.

Australian Dollar price

The Australian dollar edged higher after the RBA statement was released. AUD/USD trading to $0.7085 from around $0.7075 before the RBA decision.

Analysts predict AUD/USD is unlikely to rally too far ahead of Wednesday’s Q4 Australian GDP.

This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Markets Limited. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients. See full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.

Discover how to trade the markets

Explore the range of markets you can trade – and learn how they work – with IG Academy's free ’introducing the financial markets’ course.

Live prices on most popular markets

  • Equities
  • Indices
  • Forex
  • Commodities


Prices above are subject to our website terms and agreements. Prices are indicative only. All share prices are delayed by at least 15 minutes.

Prices above are subject to our website terms and agreements. Prices are indicative only. All shares prices are delayed by at least 15 mins.

Plan your trading week

Get the week’s market-moving news sent directly to your inbox every Sunday. The Week Ahead gives you a full calendar of upcoming economic events, as well as commentary from our expert analysts on the key markets to watch.


For more info on how we might use your data, see our privacy notice and access policy and privacy webpage.

You might be interested in…

Find out what charges your trades could incur with our transparent fee structure.

Discover why so many clients choose us, and what makes us a world-leading provider of spread betting and CFDs.

Stay on top of upcoming market-moving events with our customisable economic calendar.