Monash expert: RBA rates hold in anticipation of 'Liberation Day'

Monash University

A Monash University expert is available to comment on the Reserve Bank of Australia’s decision today to hold interest rates.

Dr Isaac Gross, Department of Economics, Monash Business School

Contact: + 61 490 819 643 or [email protected]

Read more of Dr Gross’ commentary here: Monash Lens

The following can be attributed to Dr Gross:

“The RBA held interest rates steady today as they await for the next set of quarterly inflation figures to see where the Australian economy is heading. January's inflation numbers were very low, and if that were to be repeated in April's numbers interest rate cuts would follow quickly. However the RBA is still concerned that they might have been a one off result and so will wait until their next meeting in May before committing to another cut.

“The big elephant in the room is Trump's tariffs due to be announced this week. Nobody knows how big they will be, who they will target and if other countries will retaliate. But the RBA will be watching carefully to see if this tariff tiff poses a substantial risk to the Australian economy.”

For any other topics on which you may be seeking expert comment, contact the Monash University Media Unit on +61 3 9903 4840 or [email protected]