The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has kept interest rates on hold, releasing a carefully worded statement that avoided giving struggling buyers hope of a looming cut.
Meeting for the second time this year under its new two-day meeting schedule, the RBA board decided to keep the official cash rate target stable at 4.35 per cent.
Borrowers hoping for an interest rate cut – or a timeline of when variable rates may come down – were given little by a central bank that said it was not “ruling anything in or out”.
In her monetary statement, RBA Governor Michele Bullock said inflation was still high, but gave no information away as to when – or if – the bank would cut rates.
“While recent data indicates that inflation is easing, it remains high. The Board expects that it will be some time yet before inflation is sustainably in the target range,” Bullock said.
“The path of interest rates that will best ensure that inflation returns to target in a reasonable timeframe remains uncertain and the Board is not ruling anything in or out.
“The Board will rely upon the data and the evolving assessment of risks. The Board will continue to pay close attention to developments in the global economy, trends in domestic demand, and the outlook for inflation and the labour market.
“The Board remains resolute in its determination to return inflation to target.”
CreditorWatch’s chief economist Anneke Thompson said the decision did not come as a shock to the markets.
“Today’s decision by the RBA to leave the cash rate on hold comes as no surprise, given the lack of any meaningful data pointing to the economy continuing to overheat and further threaten inflation rises,” Thompson said.
“In fact, National Accounts data released earlier in the month provided solid evidence that monetary policy tightening is having its intended impact on domestic demand. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) only grew by 0.2 per cent over the December quarter, and by 1.5 per cent through the year.
“On a per capita basis, GDP has been negative now for three straight quarters, indicating that we are in a ‘per capita’ recession.”
Graham Cooke, head of consumer research at Finder, said many borrowers were eagerly awaiting any form of financial relief.
“This welcome news comes after a prolonged period of financial strain, but many homeowners are hoping for a lower cash rate,” he said.
“The next few months will be crucial in determining the trajectory of future interest rates.”
Steve Mickenbecker, finance expert at Canstar, said mortgagees will still have to wait “months” for home loan relief.
“Borrowers have borne the brunt of the Reserve Bank’s fight against inflation, coping with not just the higher cost of living but also loan repayments that have increased through the roof,” he said.
“At last, they can feel that the countdown to lower interest rates has started.”
Mickenbecker said borrowers awaiting a cut should not wait for the RBA before looking at their options to refinance.
“In the last cash rate cutting cycle the big banks held back part of the Reserve Bank cuts when they eventually came,” he said.
“This time around borrowers should not allow their relief at receiving a repayment reduction to persuade them to accept anything less than the full RBA rate cut.
“Even the most optimistic forecast from the big banks puts the first Reserve Bank cut six months away.
“Bringing a rate cut forward by refinancing into a lower rate loan now will have borrowers double-dipping on savings and bringing them forward.
“It’s time to look for a better rate now and not wait for the Reserve Bank.”
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