In the first announcement of the year, the Reserve Bank of Australia have decided to leave the cash rate unchanged at 1.50%

• The global economy grew above trend in 2018, although it slowed in the second half of the year.
• The central scenario is for the Australian economy to grow by around 3 per cent this year and by a little less in 2020 due to slower growth in exports of resources. The growth outlook is being supported by rising business investment and higher levels of spending on public infrastructure. 
• The housing markets in Sydney and Melbourne are going through a period of adjustment, after an earlier large run-up in prices. Conditions have weakened further in both markets and rent inflation remains low. Credit conditions for some borrowers are tighter than they have been. At the same time, the demand for credit by investors in the housing market has slowed noticeably as the dynamics of the housing market have changed.
• Inflation remains low and stable. Over 2018, CPI inflation was 1.8 per cent and in underlying terms inflation was 1¾ per cent. Underlying inflation is expected to pick up over the next couple of years, with the pick-up likely to be gradual and to take a little longer than earlier expected.
• The low level of interest rates is continuing to support the Australian economy. Further progress in reducing unemployment and having inflation return to target is expected, although this progress is likely to be gradual. 

Taking account of the available information, the Board judged that holding the stance of monetary policy unchanged

To view the full statement of Phillip Lowe, Governor of the Reserve Bank, please click here.

Published : 05 Feb 2019