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RBA reveals August cash rate

  • August 04 2020
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Invest

RBA reveals August cash rate

By Cameron Micallef
August 04 2020

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has announced the official cash rate for August, with Melbourne’s stage 4 restrictions weighing heavily on the national economy.

RBA reveals August cash rate

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  • August 04 2020
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The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has announced the official cash rate for August, with Melbourne’s stage 4 restrictions weighing heavily on the national economy.

RBA reveals August cash rate

The RBA has held the official cash rate for the fifth straight month at 0.25 per cent, following an out-of-cycle cut in March.

Before the RBA’s announcement, AMP chief economist Shane Oliver noted that the central bank is unlikely to change the official cash rate.

Dr Oliver said, “Having provided massive monetary stimulus back in March, the RBA is still in ‘watch and wait’ mode, with the focus on fiscal policy. 

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“It could still ease monetary policy a bit further later this year, but the bank does not see any value in going negative on rates, cutting to say 0.1 per cent is hardly worth the effort (although it’s possible), which leaves more QE as the main tool for any further easing,” Dr Oliver said.

RBA reveals August cash rate

CreditorWatch CEO Patrick Coghlan believes that while the economy is facing hardships, business confidence is rising, meaning a rate change was not necessary today.

“Last month’s mini budget announcement has shown the extent that our economy has been devastated by the pandemic. With 870,000 jobs lost between March and May, the Treasurer was right in outlining that our nation has a ‘mountain to climb’. 

However, he highlighted that the underlying economy is still being held up by government support, meaning action in future might be needed by the central bank.

“By maintaining interest rates today, this is sympathetic to the balancing act our economy faces. However, there is concern that by extending the likes of the government’s business stimulus packages, we are simply kicking the can down the road,” Mr Coghlan said.

“Once the likes of JobKeeper, JobSeeker, mortgage holidays and safe harbour do eventually come to an end, there will be a seismic shock to the economy as companies will have to either fend for themselves or admit defeat.”

When will the central bank lift rates?

GSFM’s adviser, Stephen Miller, believes rates will remain lower for longer.

“I think the policy rate will be unchanged between now and the end of 2022.”

Dr Shane Oliver reaffirms this by highlighting that he believes the next rate rise will be at least three years away.

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About the author

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Cameron is a journalist for Momentum Media's nestegg and Smart Property Investment. He enjoys giving Aussies practical financial tips and tricks to help grow their wealth and achieve financial independence. As a self-confessed finance nerd, Cameron enjoys chatting with industry experts and commentators to leverage their insights to grow your portfolio.

About the author

author image
Cameron Micallef

Cameron is a journalist for Momentum Media's nestegg and Smart Property Investment. He enjoys giving Aussies practical financial tips and tricks to help grow their wealth and achieve financial independence. As a self-confessed finance nerd, Cameron enjoys chatting with industry experts and commentators to leverage their insights to grow your portfolio.

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