We are a proud member of the Financial Services Online network!
Connect with us on your favourite social media platform for the latest financial news, views, tips, tricks, resources and information.
The RBA's central forecast suggests that CPI inflation will continue to decrease, although at a slower pace than previously expected. By the end of 2024, CPI inflation is projected to be around 3½ per cent, reaching the top range of the target at 2 to 3 per cent by the end of 2025. To ensure inflation returns to the desired range within a reasonable timeframe, the Board determined that a hike in interest rates was necessary.
The RBA had maintained steady interest rates since June after a series of rate hikes totaling 4 percentage points since May of the previous year. The purpose of these increases was to establish a more sustainable balance between supply and demand in the economy. It was important for the Board to evaluate the effects of these changes before making further adjustments, taking into account developments in the global economy, household spending trends, and the outlook for inflation and the labor market.
The priority for the RBA remains returning inflation to its targeted range within a reasonable timeframe. Persistent high inflation negatively affects everyone and disrupts the functioning of the economy. It erodes the value of savings, puts a strain on household budgets, impedes businesses' ability to plan and invest, and worsens income inequality. In addition, if inflation becomes deeply ingrained in people's expectations, it would be even more difficult and costly to reduce in the future, requiring even higher interest rates and causing greater unemployment.
Fortunately, medium-term inflation expectations have remained aligned with the inflation target thus far, which is crucial for maintaining stable economic conditions.
While the RBA acknowledges some uncertainties and risks in the outlook, it remains committed to closely monitoring various factors that could impact the economy. These include the persistently high services price inflation observed overseas, which may have implications for Australia. Other uncertainties include the lag in the effects of monetary policy, potential responses from businesses regarding pricing decisions and wages in the face of slower economic growth, and the uncertain outlook for household consumption amidst varying financial circumstances.
Additionally, global uncertainties surrounding the Chinese economy and conflicts abroad add to the complexity of the situation.
Whether further tightening of monetary policy will be necessary to ensure inflation returns to the target range within a reasonable timeframe will depend on evolving data and risk assessments. The RBA will steadfastly monitor global economic developments, domestic demand trends, and the outlook for inflation and the labor market. The Board remains committed to its goal of returning inflation to the targeted range and will take the necessary actions to achieve this outcome.
Published:Wednesday, 8th Nov 2023
Source: financialservicesonline.com.au
| New Challenges for Aussie Home Buyers 29 Nov 2023: .financialservicesonline.com.au The latest ANZ CoreLogic Housing Affordability Report for November has revealed a 'triple whammy' effect on prospective home buyers in Australia. Affordability has worsened for not only buyers but also mortgage holders and renters, and unfortunately, the situation is predicted to deteriorate further by 2024. - read more |
| Baby Boomers' Spending Habits: A Challenge for RBA 28 Nov 2023: .financialservicesonline.com.au Last week's release of spending data by Commbank IQ has shed light on a concerning trend that is most likely causing headaches within the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). - read more |
| Rise in Small Businesses Complaints to AFCA Indicates Growing Concerns 24 Nov 2023: .financialservicesonline.com.au In the 2022-23 financial year, small businesses lodged a total of 3,807 complaints with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), indicating a significant increase of 9% compared to the previous year. As a result of these complaints, small businesses received $23.4 million in compensation and refunds, marking a 16% increase from the previous financial year. - read more |
| Why Embracing AI Can Enhance Your Financial Advice Business 23 Nov 2023: .financialservicesonline.com.au Sue Viskovic, the founder of consulting firm Elixir Consulting, highlights the importance of incorporating AI into financial advice businesses in an upcoming episode of the IFA podcast. While there may be apprehension regarding the role of digital tools in providing advice, Viskovic emphasizes the continued need for human interaction and trust. - read more |
| New Insights on Inflation and the Australian Economy 22 Nov 2023: .financialservicesonline.com.au Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock has issued a warning, stating that inflation will continue to be a 'crucial challenge' for the Australian economy in the next one or two years. While many attribute the current inflationary pressures to supply-side constraints, Bullock emphasizes the underlying demand component that central banks are trying to address. - read more |
| Gen Zs Financial Concerns Outweigh Other Generations 18 Nov 2023: .financialservicesonline.com.au Financial matters are causing significant worry among Gen Z individuals, with a staggering 68% feeling the pressure according to the recent research findings by ASIC's Moneysmart program, surpassing the concerns of any other age group. This release coincides with the introduction of a fresh consumer awareness campaign by Moneysmart, aimed at empowering Gen Z individuals to quickly acquire fundamental financial knowledge and develop positive fiscal habits. - read more |
| The Importance of Teaching Financial Literacy to Youth 17 Nov 2023: .financialservicesonline.com.au During a recent outreach program at Penrhos College, Wealth Designers senior financial adviser Dawn Thomas asked a group of Year 9 students about the cohort with the least amount of superannuation. To their surprise, the answer was not what they expected. - read more |
| AMP's New Business-Focused Digital Bank 17 Nov 2023: .financialservicesonline.com.au AMP Group has announced its plans to launch a digital bank designed for sole traders and small businesses, expected to be operational by early 2025. This venture, aimed at disrupting a ready market, will see AMP partner with Engine by Starling, a UK-based neobank subsidiary, to leverage its modular platform for a scalable and robust infrastructure. - read more |
| Study Finds 1 in 10 Aussies Unprepared for Financial Challenges 11 Nov 2023: .financialservicesonline.com.au A recent study conducted by MLC reveals that while most Australians recognize the importance of superannuation in achieving financial independence, a significant portion of the population feels ill-prepared to overcome unexpected financial hurdles. The study, called the Financial Freedom study, shows that although many Aussies are actively working towards improving their financial wellbeing, additional assistance is needed to achieve financial objectives and adequately plan for retirement. - read more |
| Understanding the Recent RBA Interest Rate Hike 08 Nov 2023: .financialservicesonline.com.au Yesterday, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) made the decision to increase interest rates once again. This move comes as inflation in Australia remains stubbornly high and more persistent than anticipated. While there has been some improvement in goods price inflation, the prices of various services continue to rise rapidly. - read more |
| Credit Card Secret Guarantee Most people use credit cards in some form or another but few truly appreciate one of the special features of credit cards that make using their credit card to insure their purchases. - read more
|
| Simple Tips On Getting Your Loan So, you want to get a loan? Here are some simple tips that might help you make more informed decisions about the type of loan you buy, and from whom. - read more
|
| Where To Get A Debt Consolidation Loan When You Have Bad Credit If you find yourself struggling under the weight of multiple loans, credit cards and other personal debts it can be hard to know where to turn for help. Your lenders may simply be unwilling or unable to give you any wriggle-room. If you find yourself in this situation, then it might be worth exploring the option of online debt consolidation loans - read more
|
| Choosing the Right Bank Financial institutions are located all around the world. If you are looking to open a bank account, whether that bank account is a transactional account or a savings account, you have a number of banking options. - read more
|
| Handling Financial Situations As a Married, Unmarried Or Divorced Woman Whether you are in a committed relationship or are a happy single person, you should make it a top priority to understand your finances. This article will highlight some of the key points that you need to understand to take control of your finances and your financial goals. - read more
|
| Maximizing Your Money: Top Financial Tips for Young Adults Financial literacy is a critical skill for young adults, as it provides a strong foundation for achieving financial stability and independence. Unfortunately, personal finance education is not always a part of the high school curriculum, leaving many young people lacking the essential knowledge needed to manage their finances. Although some states have made progress by requiring personal finance or economics courses for high school graduation, there is still a significant gap in financial literacy among this age group. - read more
|
| Default and Reposession Most people would assume that a default under a loan contract means that payments haven't been made but, as you are about to learn, there are other reasons why a lender may have the right to repossession. - read more
|
| Co-Signing Loans - Risky Business There may come a time in your life when you are asked to co-sign for a loan or credit card. If this is the case, there are several things to consider before making a final decision. Technically, you are putting yourself at risk of damaging your own credit in the event that the loan goes unpaid. - read more
|
| 3 Simple, Effective Tips For DIY Debt Settlement Here we share 3 simple tips to eliminate your debt problems... so you can move on with life without the constant financial stress of dealing with creditors and collection agencies. To get out of debt, though, you do need to put in a little effort, and that's where understanding the process comes in. - read more
|
| Understanding and Improving Your Credit Score: A Guide for Australian Consumers Your credit score is a crucial factor that lenders use to determine your creditworthiness and your ability to repay loans and credit card debts. It is a numerical representation of your credit history, and it ranges from 0 to 1,000. The higher your credit score, the more likely you are to be approved for a loan or credit card, and to be offered lower interest rates. - read more
|