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The Reserve Bank of Australia left rates unchanged at 2.5 per cent at its December board meeting. This is the 15th straight meeting rates have been left on hold. 

RBA governor Glenn Stevens said inflation was running between 2 and 3 per cent, with recent data confirming subdued rises in labour costs. 

“Although some forward indicators of employment have been firming this year, the unemployment rate has edged higher,” he said. “The labour market has a degree of spare capacity and it will probably be some time yet before unemployment de ...

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One of the reasons behind this decision is the unemployment rate, which has been creeping up recently and now stands at 6.1 per cent. It is expected to be some time before unemployment declines consistently.

Meanwhile inflation remains low at around 2.3 per cent, while wages are growing more slowly than inflation.

RBA governor Glenn Stevens again reiterated that while the exchange rate had been trading at lower levels – in part reflecting the strength of the US dollar – the Australian dollar remained above most estimates of its fundamental value ...

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The Reserve Bank of Australia left rates unchanged at 2.5 per cent for the 14th straight month at its latest board meeting, with RBA governor Glenn Stevens again reiterating that the dollar remains too high.

He says while the exchange rate has declined recently – largely reflecting the strength of the US dollar – it is still high by historical standards, “particularly given the further declines in key commodity prices in recent months”.

Mr Stevens says monetary policy remains accommodative. “Interest rates are very low and have cont ...

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As expected, the Reserve Bank of Australia left the official cash rate unchanged at 2.5 per cent at its September board meeting. Most economists predicted the decision, citing the continuing strong performance of the Australian economy as the main reason.

According to RBA governor Glenn Stevens, recent survey data, which indicates gradually improving business conditions and some recovery in household sentiment after a weaker period mid-year, suggests moderate growth in the economy is occurring.

“Resources sector investment spending is starting to decline s ...

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For the 10^th consecutive month, the Reserve Bank of Australia has left rates on hold at 2.5 per cent, a decision that was widely expected by economists.

At its July board meeting, the RBA stated that while the economy was improving, and there had been moderate growth, it would be some time before unemployment falls considerably.

However, there has been improvement in indicators for the labour market and a noticeable decline in wages growth. The RBA states if these and other domestic costs remain contained, then inflation should remain consistent with ...

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