‘All bets are off’: Kochie warns of make or break detail for next RBA rates decision

RBA Governor Michele Bullock has announced four cash rate hikes this year. Picture: Nikki Short Homeowners’ hopes of avoiding another devastating interest rate hike this year are now hinging squarely on a make-or-break event next week as the RBA this week hinted further rate increases remain firmly on the table. Speaking on Wednesday, deputy RBA governor Andrew Hauser said high oil prices, the AI boom feeding inflation and global demand shocks meant the central bank was yet to move its finger fully off the rate hike trigger. And now experts are pointing to a make or break event next week that could hold the key to whether mortgage-holders endure Christmas with higher repayments or get some temporary reprieve. Inflation data to be released next week would be decisive, according to David “Kochie” Koch, economic director at Compare the Market. MORE: AI fraud targets loans after RBA rates blitz A higher than expected rise in the number of jobless Australians will have given the RBA pause for thought, but Mr Koch said inflation data would be just as vital. “The RBA has two key objectives: keeping inflation under control and supporting employment,” Mr Koch said. “Markets are saying the R...