In a statement to pressmen, the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia said the bank expects to hike rates more. Essentially, this will aid realize a corresponding monetary squeeze as its counterparts across the globe. 

Australia Looks To Increase Rates More 

Michele Bullock, RBA’s chief, spoke about Australia’s rates decisions at the 2022 AFIA Conference. During her oration at the Sydney event, she explained the reason behind October’s 25bps. According to Michele, the bank’s policy makers meet eleven times annually, considerably more than its peers.

So, it makes for an avenue to constantly assess a decision before finalizing it. Especially amid trying times, this aids the bank recoil from making capricious choices. She added that the bank’s light rate lift at every meeting puts it ahead of fellow reserves.

Since May, the bank has raised its fund rate by 250bps, an equivalent of 2.6%. Earlier in October, it shocked investors when it only lifted interest rates by 25 basis points. Meanwhile, on four separate occasions, it had kept the pace at 50bps.

Bullock further said the policymakers are contemplating more increases in the months ahead. But the inflation report will determine the timing and pace. She noted that the bank is considering the reaction of household spending to the decision. 

However, the economy is currently in a downturn. During quarter two, inflation peaked at a twenty-one-year high of 6.1 percent. The pervading opinion is that it would have hit 6.9 percent at quarter three. 

Australian investors have begun predicting rates would climb up to 4 percent by December. Although some analysts still believe it will fall between 2.85 percent and 3.6 percent. These forecasts started rolling in, given Fed’s stable hawkish action and heating inflation.

Australia Expects PMI Update 

Bullock also stated that RBA had maintained a high rate trajectory than its contemporaries. 

Australia will release its Purchasers’ Manager Index (PMI) data on October 24. Markets anticipate the report because it will reveal how deep inflation has cut through the economy. It will also signal possible steps policymakers may take to curb rising prices.

Recently, S&P Global did a PMI survey which showed that the private sector is at the mercy of inflationary pressure. Therefore, posing a risk to the economic health of the industry. Australia lifted interest rates in September to contain demand and increase business activities. 

Meanwhile, a meter that reads business confidence revealed it at its lowest since Covid-19. Australia’s economic condition in 2023 will rest considerably on demand. Economists must evaluate economic bias on production and business to predict possible outcomes.

Australia’s PMI survey collated input and output cost reports for April and July 2022. In September, it revealed increased transportation and energy costs and wages. Also, according to a statement, the pandemic’s moping effects are pressuring the economy. 

China’s lockdown contributed to Australia’s economic downturn as shipped goods were delayed on the ocean. Likewise, the Russian-Ukraine war continues to give off a negative economic sentiment.