11/08/2026
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is keeping the official cash rate on hold at 4.35%! 🏦
While a pause sounds like good news, economists are calling this a "hawkish hold"—meaning the RBA is watching closely and isn't ruling out another rate hike if inflation doesn't behave.
🔍 Why the hold?
RBA Governor Michele Bullock made it clear that current inflation isn't just from everyday Australians overspending at the shops. Instead, external pressures are driving prices up:
⛽ Fuel Price Surge: Global fuel shocks (like the Middle East/Iran supply disruptions) drive up transport costs, filtering into the price of almost everything we buy.
🏗️ Soaring Building Costs: High material costs and low construction productivity are making new homes brutally expensive and out of reach for many.
📊 Waiting for Data: Holding gives the board time to track upcoming inflation, jobs, and wages data before their September meeting.
🏠 What it means for you
If you have a mortgage:
🛑 Your repayments won't go up for now, but don't count on rate cuts anytime soon. Rates are staying "higher for longer."
If you’re looking to buy:
💳 Borrowing power remains tight as banks continue assessing loans with strict serviceability buffers.
🛠️ Building new might face material cost overruns, driving many buyers toward existing established homes instead.
👇 Are you feeling the pinch from interest rates or fuel costs? Want a finance review comment yes below or DM us .