{
  "id": 10622911,
  "title": "Australia's central bank lifts rates to 15-year high, signals risk of further hikes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/australias-central-bank-lifts-rates-to-15-year-high-signals-risk-of-10622911",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-29T06:08:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Recorder",
    "slug": "business-recorder",
    "url": "https://www.brecorder.com/news/40441757/australias-central-bank-lifts-rates-to-15-year-high-signals-risk-of-further-hikes"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) increased its cash rate to 4.60%, the highest level in 15 years, on Tuesday, signaling the potential for further hikes. This move comes as inflation remains high, and the bank is prepared to take additional measures if necessary. The decision was anticipated, with the Australian dollar remaining stable at $0.7014 following a brief initial rise. Markets now estimate a 43% chance of another rate increase in November after this latest decision. RBA Governor Philip Lowe explained that the bank's recent confidence was undermined by stronger-than-expected inflation and economic activity data. He added that balancing growth and inflation will become increasingly difficult. Since its September policy meeting, the RBA has raised rates by 25 basis points, completing a full percentage point tightening this year. The board stated that they will continue taking necessary actions to bring inflation back to target, including further rate increases if required. Inflation data for August exceeded expectations, with headline inflation reaching 4.1%, significantly higher than the RBA's target range of 2% to 3%. Underlying inflation is also expected to remain elevated at 3.6% in September. Factors contributing to the inflation surge include a surge in oil prices, increased domestic demand due to data center investments, and the impact of the US Federal Reserve raising interest rates. Despite these challenges, Australia's economy still grew at 2.1% in the second quarter, above the central bank's desired 2% growth rate.",
  "summary": "SYDNEY: The Reserve Bank of Australia raised its cash rate to a 15-year high of 4.60% on Tuesday in its fourth hike of the year, saying inflation was too high and that it was prepared to hike further if needed. The move was widely expected, with the Aussie dollar little changed at $0.7014 after a short-lived knee-jerk rise. Markets are now pricing in a 43% probability for another rate rise in…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 7,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Business Times - Companies & Markets",
        "title": "Australia’s central bank raises cash rate to 15-year peak",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/australias-central-bank-raises-cash-rate-to-15-year-peak",
        "published": "2026-09-29T04:59:19.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "RTHK News - Finance",
        "title": "Australia raises key interest rate to 15-year high",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/australia-raises-key-interest-rate-to-15-year-high",
        "published": "2026-09-29T05:07:37.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Investing.com",
        "title": "Australia’s central bank raises cash rate to 15-year peak",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/australias-central-bank-raises-cash-rate-to-15-year-peak-10616557",
        "published": "2026-09-29T05:18:48.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Straits Times Business",
        "title": "Australia’s central bank lifts rates to 15-year high, signals risk of further hikes",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/australias-central-bank-lifts-rates-to-15-year-high-signals-risk-of-10621461",
        "published": "2026-09-29T05:36:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Al Jazeera",
        "title": "Australia raises interest rates to 15-year high",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/australia-raises-interest-rates-to-15-year-high",
        "published": "2026-09-29T06:29:01.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Gulf Times Business",
        "title": "Australia's central bank raises cash rate to 15-year high",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/australias-central-bank-raises-cash-rate-to-15-year-high",
        "published": "2026-09-29T06:30:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}