Australia job market grew 44k in August, well pass expectation of 18.4k. Full time employment grew strongly by 33.7k. Part time jobs added 10.2k. Unemployment was unchanged at 5.3%, matched expectation. Labor force participation rate rose to 65.7%, up from 65.6%.
Overall, the set of data affirmed RBA’s view that spare capacity is gradually being taken out, which is a prelude to meaningful wage growth. However, wages have actually need to show the increase before RBA is convinced that eventually there is enough upward pressure on inflation. Talk of rate hike is premature based on just today’s data.
