RBA Minutes: The bank did not consider the case for an interest rate rise


The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) published the Minutes of its March monetary policy meeting on Tuesday, highlighting that the Board members did not consider the option for an interest rate rise. Additional details of the RBA Minutes suggest that it was difficult to either rule in or out future changes in the cash rate. 

Key takeaways

“No mention in minutes that board considered option to raise rates.”

“Board agreed it was difficult to either rule in or out future changes in cash rate.”

“Economic outlook uncertain but risks seemed broadly balanced.”

“Would take "some time" before board could be confident inflation returning to target.”

“Upside risks to inflation had not yet materialised, while consumption was very weak.”

“Inflation high but gradually returning toward target, labour market easing.”

“Gap between demand and supply in economy "closing relatively quickly”.”

“Board judged demand would continue to exceed supply for a time

Labour market a little tighter than consistent with inflation at target.”

“Wage growth may have peaked, but not expected to decline quickly.”

“Recovery in productivity needed to balance high unit labour “costs.”

Overall financial conditions remained restrictive, particularly for households.”

Market reaction

At the time of writing, the AUD/USD pair is trading near 0.6488, holding lower while losing 0.01% on the day.

 

Australian Dollar FAQs

One of the most significant factors for the Australian Dollar (AUD) is the level of interest rates set by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). Because Australia is a resource-rich country another key driver is the price of its biggest export, Iron Ore. The health of the Chinese economy, its largest trading partner, is a factor, as well as inflation in Australia, its growth rate and Trade Balance. Market sentiment – whether investors are taking on more risky assets (risk-on) or seeking safe-havens (risk-off) – is also a factor, with risk-on positive for AUD.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) influences the Australian Dollar (AUD) by setting the level of interest rates that Australian banks can lend to each other. This influences the level of interest rates in the economy as a whole. The main goal of the RBA is to maintain a stable inflation rate of 2-3% by adjusting interest rates up or down. Relatively high interest rates compared to other major central banks support the AUD, and the opposite for relatively low. The RBA can also use quantitative easing and tightening to influence credit conditions, with the former AUD-negative and the latter AUD-positive.

China is Australia’s largest trading partner so the health of the Chinese economy is a major influence on the value of the Australian Dollar (AUD). When the Chinese economy is doing well it purchases more raw materials, goods and services from Australia, lifting demand for the AUD, and pushing up its value. The opposite is the case when the Chinese economy is not growing as fast as expected. Positive or negative surprises in Chinese growth data, therefore, often have a direct impact on the Australian Dollar and its pairs.

Iron Ore is Australia’s largest export, accounting for $118 billion a year according to data from 2021, with China as its primary destination. The price of Iron Ore, therefore, can be a driver of the Australian Dollar. Generally, if the price of Iron Ore rises, AUD also goes up, as aggregate demand for the currency increases. The opposite is the case if the price of Iron Ore falls. Higher Iron Ore prices also tend to result in a greater likelihood of a positive Trade Balance for Australia, which is also positive of the AUD.

The Trade Balance, which is the difference between what a country earns from its exports versus what it pays for its imports, is another factor that can influence the value of the Australian Dollar. If Australia produces highly sought after exports, then its currency will gain in value purely from the surplus demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase its exports versus what it spends to purchase imports. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens the AUD, with the opposite effect if the Trade Balance is negative.

 

Share: Feed news

Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.

If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.

FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.

The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.

Recommended content


Recommended content

Editors’ Picks

EUR/USD hovers around 1.0530 after mixed US data

EUR/USD hovers around 1.0530 after mixed US data

EUR/USD bounced from a fresh 2024 low at 1.0495, but gains were modest ahead of US data releases. Initial Jobless Claims beat expectations, but wholesale-level inflation was hotter than anticipated. Demand for the US Dollar prevails despite overbought conditions. 

EUR/USD News
GBP/USD depressed around 1.2650 on relentless US Dollar buying

GBP/USD depressed around 1.2650 on relentless US Dollar buying

GBP/USD is holding losses while flirting with multi-month lows near 1.2650 in the early American session. The pair remains vulnerable amid a broadly firmer US Dollar and softer risk tone even as BoE policymakers stick to a cautious stance on policy. Speeches from Powell and Bailey are eyed. 

GBP/USD News
Gold depressed around $2,550 and at risk of falling further

Gold depressed around $2,550 and at risk of falling further

Gold consolidates at two-month lows as the prevalent demand for the US dollar overshadows that for the safe-haven metal in a risk-averse environment. Central bank leaders' speeches stand out in the American session. 

 

Gold News
XRP struggles near $0.7440, could still sustain rally after Robinhood listing

XRP struggles near $0.7440, could still sustain rally after Robinhood listing

Ripple's XRP is trading near $0.6900, down nearly 3% on Wednesday, as declining open interest could extend its price correction. However, other on-chain metrics point to a long-term bullish setup.

Read more
Trump vs CPI

Trump vs CPI

US CPI for October was exactly in line with expectations. The headline rate of CPI rose to 2.6% YoY from 2.4% YoY in September. The core rate remained steady at 3.3%. The detail of the report shows that the shelter index rose by 0.4% on the month, which accounted for 50% of the increase in all items on a monthly basis. 

Read more
Best Forex Brokers with Low Spreads

Best Forex Brokers with Low Spreads

VERIFIED Low spreads are crucial for reducing trading costs. Explore top Forex brokers offering competitive spreads and high leverage. Compare options for EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and Gold.

Read More

Forex MAJORS

Cryptocurrencies

Signatures