Australia: RBA delivers a 25 bps rate hike – UOB

Economist at UOB Group Lee Sue Ann comments on the recent decision by the RBA to lift the OCR by 25 bps to 3.60% at its event on March 7.

Key Takeaways

“The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) decided to increase the cash rate target by 25bps to 3.60%. This is the 10th straight meeting that the RBA has raised rates. Taking into account today’s move, the cash rate has increased by 350bps since May 2022.”

“Once again, it was highlighted in the accompanying statement that ‘the Board’s priority is to return inflation to target’, and that ‘further tightening of monetary policy will be needed to ensure that inflation returns to target and that this period of high inflation is only temporary’.”

“We are keeping our view of one more 25bps hike in Apr, which will take the OCR to 3.85%, as the RBA maintains a cautious approach. Attention will now turn to RBA Governor Philip Lowe’s speech at the AFR Business Summit in Sydney, early Wed (8 Mar) morning at 5.55am SGT.”