RBA meeting: interest rates remain unchanged at 1.00%
Here’s everything you need to know about the RBA’s latest Monetary Policy Decision statement.
RBA statement at a glance
RBA Governor Philip Lowe today announced that Australia’s official cash rate would remain on hold at 1.00%.
Though Governor Lowe believes the global growth outlook remains 'reasonable', he noted that risks are currently 'tilted to the downside.'
US-China trade tensions in focus
Unsurprisingly, Governor Lowe attributed much of the global uncertainty that we are currently witnessing to the US-China trade tensions – which have escalated in recent weeks.
Here, it was further noted that:
'The trade and technology disputes are affecting international trade flows and investment as businesses scale back spending plans due to the increased uncertainty.'
Even when considering such risks, Governor Lowe still pointed out that, 'the persistent downside risks to the global economy combined with subdued inflation have led a number of central banks to reduce interest rates this year and further monetary easing is widely expected.'
This has indeed been the trend across a number of advanced economies in recent times.
The US Fed for example cut interest rates by 25 basis points in July.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand went even further in August, cutting the official cash rate by 50 basis points – to 1.00%.
Finally, while the Australian dollar (AUD) has floated around 10-year lows in the last few days, as IG Market analyst Kyle Rodda tweeted – the AUD 'popped' in response to the RBA’s decision to keep interest rates on hold.
A housing turnaround
Low and stagnant income growth, as well as declining house prices have combined to see household consumption take a hit in recent times.
Even so, Governor Lowe was keen to point out there are 'signs of a turnaround in established housing markets, especially in Sydney and Melbourne.'
Ultimately however, with interest rates at historic lows and with an already weakened property market, signs of a turnaround should potentially come as little surprise to those following the situation.
Where are interest rates are heading next?
The RBA’s media release today suggests that interest rates will remain low for the foreseeable future. In a quote that many media outlets have already latched onto, Governor Lowe maintained that:
'It is reasonable to expect that an extended period of low interest rates will be required in Australia to make progress in reducing unemployment and achieve more assured progress towards the inflation target.'
In line with this, the RBA remains committed to easing monetary policy further where required, should the economy require an additional boost.
The RBA remains committed to hitting its 2020 inflation target of a 'little under' 2%.
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.
Act on share opportunities today
Go long or short on thousands of international stocks with spread bets and CFDs.
- Get full exposure for a comparatively small deposit
- Trade on spreads from just 0.1%
- Get greater order book visibility with direct market access
See opportunity on a stock?
Try a risk-free trade in your demo account, and see whether you’re on to something.
- Log in to your demo
- Take your position
- See whether your hunch pays off
See opportunity on a stock?
Don’t miss your chance – upgrade to a live account to take advantage.
- Trade a huge range of popular stocks
- Analyse and deal seamlessly on fast, intuitive charts
- See and react to breaking news in-platform
See opportunity on a stock?
Don’t miss your chance. Log in to take advantage while conditions prevail.
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.
