RBA
QR codes could unlock lower-cost payments, says RBA
The Reserve Bank has flagged QR code-enabled transactions and other innovative payment technologies to trim the cost of paying for things. A senior RBA official wants to unleash a wave of innovation in the retail payments sector to drive down fees for small businesses...[Read More]
Reserve Bank leaves rates pause in play for April
Reserve Bank board members have left a pause in rates on the table at the next meeting in April, but more rises could be necessary to tackle inflation. The minutes from the Reserve Bank board’s meeting were broadly consistent with recent softening in language in...[Read More]
Inflation, slowing demand increase risks for business
Business-to-business trade payment defaults have surged as firms struggle with cash flow under challenging conditions. CreditorWatch’s monthly business risk report shows payment defaults lifted 30 per cent in the 12 months to February and credit enquiries soared by...[Read More]
Reserve Bank getting closer to pause, says Philip Lowe
The head of the Reserve Bank says interest rates are now in restrictive territory and the bank has an open mind about pausing interest rates at the next meeting. But he says “further tightening of monetary policy” is still likely to ensure high inflation is only...[Read More]
Reserve Bank eyed jumbo hike to interest rates
Stubbornly high inflation is weighing heavily on the minds of Australia’s central bank board and reducing the chance of a pause on interest rates any time soon. The minutes from the February cash rate decision revealed a pause was not formally discussed despite...[Read More]
RBA boss says it’s unlikely interest rates have peaked
The Reserve Bank governor expects to deliver more interest rate hikes this policy cycle, inflicting further pain on mortgage holders. Philip Lowe said the 3.35 per cent cash rate was unlikely at its peak and further increases would be needed to cool inflation. “I...[Read More]
Record ninth consecutive increase to official cash rate: RBA lifting it 25 basis points to 3.35 per cent
Australian borrowers have been hit with a ninth cash rate rise in a row, with the Reserve Bank lifting it 25 basis points to 3.35 per cent. The RBA board said it expected further increases in interest rates would be needed in the months ahead to return inflation to its...[Read More]
Inflation probably past its peak, says Reserve Bank
The Reserve Bank has stuck with its peak inflation prediction of eight per cent towards the end of last year and expects inflation to simmer down during 2023. Speaking at a parliamentary committee on cost of living pressures, RBA head of economic analysis Marion Kohler...[Read More]
Women gradually cracking the glass ceiling
Women are still woefully under-represented in top jobs but female leaders are becoming more common in Australia’s economic and financial institutions. Within Treasury, the government department responsible for economic policy, the federal budget and market...[Read More]
New building activity slows as rates bite
New home building starts have plummeted by more than 20 per cent in 12 months as labour and material shortages continue to weigh on the construction industry. New building activity fell further in the September quarter after softening moderately in the three months to...[Read More]
ACCC probe to ensure savers get fair deal
The consumer watchdog has been asked to look into interest rates for savers amid concern banks aren’t offering their customers a fair deal. Treasurer Jim Chalmers urged the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to investigate the matter, noting savers should...[Read More]
Earnings, yield to drive returns in 2023
It’s been a tough year for most equities and investors will likely have to accept lower returns in 2023 – but Australia will still likely outperform its global peers, according to a boutique fund manager. SG Hiscock portfolio manager Hamish Tadgell says shares are...[Read More]