Dr Shane Oliver
Head of Investment Strategy and Economics and Chief Economist
(AMP Capital)

As was widely predicted, the Reserve Bank left interest rates on hold today, for the second consecutive month.

This tallied with the expectations of most economists (the market had attached an implied probability of only 8% to the prospect of change), as well as the signals that were given out by the RBA in the lead-up to the announcement which indicated a desire to wait and assess before cutting rates further.

We do expect the RBA to cut rates in February and again in March next year, bringing the cash rate to a record low of 0.25%. After that, they might consider a program of quantitative easing.

The rationale for rate cuts early in 2020 appears clear at this point. Growth remains very weak, and were it not for government spending, trade and inventory it’s likely that the economy would be stalling or even going backwards.

We’ve witnessed some very weak numbers recently for indicators such as retail sales, housing-related activity and business investment. Inflation is running well below target and wages growth is very weak.

All of those factors point to further easing ahead, notwithstanding the decision today to leave interest rates on hold.

We see cuts in February and March taking the cash rate down to 0.25% after which quantitative easing will be considered.

Important notes

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