Australia's central bank said on Wednesday that monetary policy was restrictive with the current cash rate causing financial pain for many households, but it could not rule out further tightening if necessary to tame inflation.
Australia's central bank said on Wednesday that monetary policy was restrictive with the current cash rate causing financial pain for many households, but it could not rule out further tightening if necessary to tame inflation.
In a speech on the banking industry in Melbourne, Reserve Bank of Australia Assistant Governor Christopher Kent said interest rates of 4.35% were contributing to slower growth of demand and lower inflation.
"We know that many are feeling a painful squeeze on their finances because of higher interest rates," said Kent, noting mortgage payment has already increased to a record 10% of household disposable income.
The RBA has raised interest rates by a whopping 425 basis points since May 2022, but has held steady for five straight meetings with inflation running at 3.6%, well above its target band of 2%-3%.
Persons:
Christopher Kent, Kent
Organizations:
Reserve Bank of Australia
Locations:
Melbourne