The survey, conducted as part of the Finder RBA Cash Rate Survey, reveals that 73% of economists and market specialists foresee a 25-basis point rate cut at next week's meeting. This adjustment could lower the policy rate from 4.35% to 4.10%, marking the first decrease in five years, according to findings initially reported by Patrick Buncsi at Financial Services Online.
While most forecast the cut for February, a subset of experts opts for alternative timelines. Five survey participants predict an April reduction, whereas two others anticipate a rate cut happening by May. Divergent opinions highlight the complexity of the economic landscape and the challenges faced by policymakers.
Shane Oliver, chief economist at AMP Capital, is among those expecting the RBA to act decisively. "Underlying inflation is falling faster than the RBA expected and has been running around target over the last six months, economic activity is a bit weaker than expected and Trump’s trade war poses more risks to Australian growth than inflation," Oliver remarked, pointing to international tensions adding weight to the decision.
The prospect of a rate cut is driven not only by global factors but also by domestic concerns, including election year dynamics and noteworthy dips in monthly inflation figures. Critics argue that the combination of weak growth and international trade volatility necessitates a proactive approach from the RBA.
Despite the apparent urgency, some economists urge caution. QUT Adjunct Professor Noel Whittaker is sceptical of a prompt cut, citing persistent inflation within the building sector, severe labour shortages, and robust employment figures. "The problem is inflation in the building industry remains massive, labour shortages are severe, and the job market is still strong – keeping inflationary pressure on the economy," Whittaker notes.
Other analysts mirror Whittaker's concerns, pointing towards stubborn core inflation rates and price pressures within specific sectors. Sean Langcake of Oxford Economics Australia warns that the February decision is closely contested. He elaborates, "The February decision will be a very close run. Inflation in Q4 was a little weaker than the RBA expected."
Langcake expressed the ongoing deliberation, cautioning that despite weaker inflation indicators, "Services inflation is still looking very strong – a byproduct of the labour market still operating beyond its capacity." He suggests the RBA might delay action to observe labour market developments over the coming months.
The cash rate has remained steady since November 2023, maintaining a level of 4.35%. Nevertheless, as economic tides shift, the RBA faces critical decisions that could reshape the financial landscape for Australian consumers and businesses alike.
