Reserve Bank of Australia expected to raise cash rate to 4.6%

The short version

• The Reserve Bank board is expected to hike Australia's cash rate from 4.35% to 4.6% on Tuesday.[The Guardian]
• The proposed rate hike would mark the fourth increase in 2026 and could push typical home loan interest rates to 6.5%.[The Guardian]
• Borrowers face higher monthly mortgage repayments, while housing demand and borrowing capacity continue to decrease.[The Guardian]
• Financial markets anticipate another potential cash rate increase early next year amid persistent inflation concerns.[The Guardian]

Key facts

• The RBA is poised to raise the cash rate to 4.6%, which would mark the fourth interest rate increase in 2026.[The Guardian]
• Average home loan inquiries dropped from nearly 15,000 per week early in 2026 to just over 12,000 in August and September.[The Guardian]
• Australian home prices have decreased by more than 4% from their peak earlier in the year.[The Guardian]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• RBA expected to hike cash rate to 4.6%, its highest level since 2011The Guardian - World