Dissenting economists urge RBA to hold interest rates as slowing economy bites borrowers

Finder expert Richard Whitten said borrowers were feeling the pinch of rate hikes in 2026. ANALYSIS Economists and commentators are falling all over themselves to predict a rate hike from the RBA when it meets this week, with some going as far as to say it’s guaranteed. But not everyone is convinced. Finder’s RBA survey saw 30 out of 40 panellists predict a Melbourne Cup day rate hike, with Finder’s home loan spokesman Richard Whitten, warning of the pressure the move would cause to households. “If the RBA moves on Tuesday, that’s five rate hikes in a single year. Most borrowers are feeling every one of them,” Mr Whitten said. Dr Andrew Wilson is predicting a hold. Picture: Rob Wright “Since January, the cash rate would have climbed 1.25 percentage points. On a $500,000 mortgage, that’s roughly $258 a month ($3,094 per year) more that you’re having to fork out compared to the start of the year – it’s a huge hit to the budget.” But if three quarters of panellists are predicting a hike, that means there are 10 who are calling it as a hold decision. MORE:Bank blow to save Aussies as RBA hike ruled out David Robertson of Bendigo Bank said the RBA “can pause” in November after raising r...