{
  "id": 9040193,
  "title": "RBA’s Hunter warns another rate hike may be needed to tame inflation",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/rbas-hunter-warns-another-rate-hike-may-be-needed-to-tame-inflation",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-21T23:56:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Investing.com",
    "slug": "investing-com",
    "url": "https://www.investing.com/news/economy-news/rbas-hunter-warns-another-rate-hike-may-be-needed-to-tame-inflation-4909758"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Reserve Bank of Australia Assistant Governor Sarah Hunter has warned that another interest rate hike could be necessary to curb inflation, stating that risks to inflation are still biased towards the upside. Hunter explained that the RBA's decision to maintain the cash rate amidst August's meeting was a result of balancing slowing economic growth with persistent inflationary pressures. These pressures encompass higher oil prices and capacity constraints throughout the economy. Hunter noted that the central bank would seriously consider a rate increase if inflationary risks materialize. This warning comes a week before the RBA's upcoming policy meeting, reaffirming the possibility of further rate hikes. In August, the RBA has already raised its cash rate three times and is anticipating tighter monetary policy to help drive inflation back towards its target. However, Hunter emphasized that the economy continues to face several sources of price pressure, including high energy costs, strong demand relative to supply, and sector-specific constraints like construction. While growth decelerated in the first half of the year, the housing market experienced a cyclical downturn, which has helped ease demand. Nonetheless, Hunter expressed uncertainty about inflation, cautioning that various factors could result in inflation surpassing the RBA's current forecasts. The central bank is also closely observing household financial stress. Hunter affirmed that there are no indications of systemic financial distress, with over 40% of mortgage holders ahead of their repayment schedules by at least two years. The RBA's goal is to restore inflation to target while sidestepping an excessive slowdown in economic activity, according to Hunter.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "FXStreet",
        "title": "RBA’s Hunter backs more hikes as inflation risks entrench",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/rbas-hunter-backs-more-hikes-as-inflation-risks-entrench",
        "published": "2026-09-21T23:57:53.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}