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Monday, 2 November 2026AboutAdvertiseContact

Australia faces sharper economic slowdown as central bank prepares fifth rate hike

The Reserve Bank is expected to raise interest rates again on Tuesday as economists warn of prolonged economic weakness.

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Illustrative image. Photo: Paul .T on Unsplash

At a glance

  • Reserve Bank expected to raise rates on Tuesday, the fifth increase
  • Cash rate would reach highest level since 2008
  • Economists warn of prolonged economic slowdown and recession risks
  • Central bank maintaining higher rates to control inflation

Australia's central bank is widely expected to raise interest rates for a fifth time on Tuesday, pushing the cash rate to its highest level since 2008. Major bank economists predict the economy will face a "sharper, longer slowdown" as the Reserve Bank maintains higher rates to combat persistent inflation.

The rate increase comes amid concerns about potential recession and follows broader economic pressures including international developments and domestic property market challenges.

Why it matters

Interest rate decisions directly affect mortgage holders and broader economic conditions. Persistent rate hikes signal central bank concerns about inflation control despite recession risks.

Original reporting

This brief was written with AI assistance from the reports listed above and checked against our editorial policy. Spotted an error? Request a correction.