Australia keeps rates on hold, sounds dollar warning

AFP, SYDNEY: Australia’s central bank left interest rates at a record low yesterday with the board upbeat about the economy, while sounding a warning about the strength of the local dollar.

The Reserve Bank has slashed rates by 300 basis points since November 2011 to 1.50 per cent as the country wrestles with its transition away from an unprecedented boom in mining investment.

But it has left rates on hold since August last year and is yet to show its hand regarding its next move.

RBA governor Philip Lowe acknowledged that the Australian economy had shrugged off the sluggish start to the year, boosted by government and consumer spending, with growth of 0.8 per cent in the June quarter.

“This outcome and other recent data are consistent with the Bank’s expectation that growth in the Australian economy will gradually pick up over the coming year,” he said after a monthly board meeting.

“Over recent months there have been more consistent signs that non-mining business investment is picking up. A consolidation of this trend would be a welcome development.”

But the bank remained concerned about high levels of housing debt in cities where property prices have soared, at a time when wages growth remains low.

It also noted the ongoing strength of the Australian dollar, which was keeping inflation below its target band.

Australia keeps rates on hold, sounds dollar warning

AFP, SYDNEY: Australias central bank left interest rates at a record low yesterday with the board upbeat about the economy, while sounding a warning about the strength of the local dollar. The Reserve Bank has slashed rates by 300 basis points since November 2011 to 1.50 per cent as the country wrestles with its transition away from an unprecedented boom in mining investment. But it has left rates on hold since August last year and is yet to show its hand regarding its next move. RBA governor Philip Lowe acknowledged that the Australian economy had shrugged off the sluggish start to the year, boosted by government and consumer spending, with growth of 0.8 per cent in the June quarter. This outcome and other recent data are consistent with the Banks expectation that growth in the Australian economy will gradually pick up over the coming year, he said after a monthly board meeting. Over recent months there have been more consistent signs that non-mining business investment is picking up. A consolidation of this trend would be a welcome development. But the bank remained concerned about high levels of housing debt in cities where property prices have soared, at a time when wages growth remains low. It also noted the ongoing strength of the Australian dollar, which was keeping inflation below its target band.