Statement by Philip Lowe:
At its meeting today, the Board decided to increase the cash rate target by 25 basis points to 3.10 per cent. It also increased the interest rate on Exchange Settlement balances by 25 basis points to 3.00 per cent.
Inflation in Australia is too high, at 6.9 per cent over the year to October. Global factors explain much of this high inflation, but strong domestic demand relative to the ability of the economy to meet that demand is also playing a role. Returning inflation to target requires a more sustainable balance between demand and supply.
A further increase in inflation is expected over the months ahead, with inflation forecast to peak at around 8 per cent over the year to the December quarter. Inflation is then expected to decline next year due to the ongoing resolution of global supply-side problems, recent declines in some commodity prices and slower growth in demand. Medium-term inflation expectations remain well anchored, and it is important that this remains the case. The Bank’s central forecast is for CPI inflation to decline over the next couple of years to be a little above 3 per cent over 2024.
https://www.rba.gov.au/media-releases/2022/mr-22-41.html
Expect further interest rates over the period ahead. There is no pre-set course but will be linked to the global economy, household spending and wage and price-setting behaviour.
“The board remains resolute in its determination to return inflation to target and will do what is necessary to achieve that.”
Basically, more interest rate increases to come until inflation is back to it’s target between 2-3 percent.