RBA holds at 3.60%, upgrades inflation path, sees only one cut in 2026

The RBA kept the cash rate unchanged at 3.60%, a move widely expected by markets and decided unanimously by the Board. In the statement, policymakers said the decision reflected a balance between inflation risks and economic resilience, noting that Q3 CPI was “materially higher” than expected and that there was “recent evidence of more persistent inflation.” Together with signs of recovering private demand and a labor market that remains “a little tight,” the Bank judged that current settings remain appropriate.

The updated economic projections painted a picture of stickier inflation but slightly better near-term growth. Average GDP growth for 2025 was upgraded from 1.6% to 1.8%, while the 2026 projection was trimmed from 2.1% to 1.9%, and 2027 was kept unchanged at 2.0%.

Headline inflation forecasts were lifted across the board — from 3.0% to 3.3% for the end of 2025, 2.9% to 3.2% for 2026, and 2.5% to 2.6% for 2027 — reflecting persistent price pressures in both goods and services.

Underlying inflation was also revised higher. The trimmed mean CPI forecast jumped from 2.6% to 3.2% by the end of 2025, while the 2026 estimate edged up from 2.6% to 2.7%, and 2027 from 2.5% to 2.6%.

These upward revisions highlight the Bank’s view that inflation will take longer to return sustainably to target.

Meanwhile, policy-rate assumptions in the central scenario indicate no further rate cuts in 2025, followed by just over one reduction next year, lowering the cash rate to around 3.3% by the end of 2026, where it is expected to remain through 2027.

Full RBA statement here and SoMP.