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Inflation figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics suggest interest rates are to remain on hold for some time, according to leading economists.
The Consumer Price Index increased by 0.8 per cent in the December quarter, while underlying inflation, the Reserve Bank’s preferred measure of inflation, was up by 0.9 per cent during the quarter.
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Housing Industry Association senior economist Shane Garrett said he expects the December figures to result in interest rates remaining at all-time lows for a considerable amount of time.
“There is no justification to depart from current settings while inflation is under control and while economic growth continues to be below trend,” he said.
Whilst remaining well within the RBA’s year-on-year target range, inflation for the December quarter was roughly double economists' expectations, added AMP chief economist Shane Oliver.
“The 15 per cent fall in the Australian dollar over the last year appears to be playing a role in driving prices higher, with tradeable inflation up 0.7 per cent in the quarter coming on top of a 1.2 per cent rise in the September quarter,” he said.
The higher than expected rate of inflation substantially reduces the possibility of another rate cut from the RBA, according to Mr Oliver.
“However, while the increase in inflation will concern the RBA it’s not bad enough to bring on an imminent rate hike either since the annual inflation rate of 2.7 per cent at the headline level or 2.6 per cent for underlying inflation is still in line with the RBA’s inflation target,” he added.
“We remain of the view that the RBA will continue to leave interest rates on hold at 2.5 per cent for an extended period, ahead of a modest rate hike later this year around September/October”.
“With economic growth still sub-par, with only early signs of improvement and the Australian dollar arguably still too strong, it’s too early for the RBA to consider raising interest rates,” Mr Oliver concluded.
