RBA Inflation Rates and the Uncertainty Over Interest Rates

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On Wednesday, new monthly inflation data will be released by the Bureau of Statistics, offering a clearer picture of current economic trends. Economists anticipate that the August inflation rate might exceed 3.1 per cent, fueled largely by increasing electricity costs and a steady rise in house prices.

NAB's senior markets economist, Taylor Nugent, cautions that a resurgence in new dwellings inflation could pose a risk, exacerbating shelter costs. More robust than anticipated shelter inflation remains a concern for the overall inflation outlook.

Despite these projections, experts believe the higher inflation rate may not significantly influence the RBA's decisions on interest rates. The bank's key focus remains on underlying inflation measures, which exclude volatile items like energy prices, and are expected to decline slightly.

It's important to note that the monthly figures, while indicative, are not considered as reliable as the comprehensive quarterly data provided by the Bureau of Statistics. With the RBA board scheduled to commence its next interest rate meeting on September 29, market analysts anticipate that a decision on rate cuts might be deferred until November.

Moreover, the economic strain on businesses is evident, with rising wholesale prices and global trade friction adding to the pressure. Creditorwatch's report highlights a 19 per cent surge in business defaults in July, a trend that persisted through August. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable, with failure rates positioning 12 per cent higher than the decade-long average, notably affecting regions like Western Sydney and southeast Queensland.

As these dynamics unfold, stakeholders across Australia's financial landscape continue to monitor developments closely, anticipating potential shifts in policy and business strategies.

Published:Wednesday, 24th Sep 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

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