The decision comes as Governor Philip Lowe’s moment of truth looms, with the central bank’s highly accommodative monetary policy coming under increasing scrutiny.
The decision to freeze interest rates was approved by the members, with most economists predicting that the RBA would maintain its current stance until at least 2024.
The RBA has been using a combination of low-interest rates, quantitative easing, and other unconventional monetary policies to boost the economy and support employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Governor Lowe firmly believed in supporting the recovery and achieving the central bank’s inflation and employment goals. However, expert economists have expressed concerns that prolonged periods of low-interest rates could lead to financial instability.
The Australian economy experiencing a surge in commodity prices and supply chain disruptions has forced the RBA to take decisions on interest rates. However, Governor Lowe has downplayed these concerns, stating that he expects inflation to remain within the central bank’s target range over the medium term.
Some analysts have suggested that the central bank may need to start tapering its stimulus measures in the coming months, while others argue that the RBA should maintain its current stance until the economy is on a more sustainable footing.
Whatever the outcome, the RBA’s decision to leave interest rates on hold is likely to have significant implications for the Australian economy and financial markets. As the country continues to navigate the post-pandemic landscape, policymakers will need to strike a delicate balance between supporting the recovery and safeguarding against potential risks to financial stability.
- Published By Team Australia News
