European Stocks Rise as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
BOJ Faces Pressure for Clarity, but Neutral Rate Estimates Likely to Stay Vague 
Asian Currencies Steady as Rupee Hits Record Low Amid Fed Rate Cut Bets 
Europe Confronts Rising Competitive Pressure as China Accelerates Export-Led Growth 
UK Raises Deposit Protection Limit to £120,000 to Strengthen Saver Confidence 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
Brazil Central Bank Plans $2 Billion Dollar Auctions to Support FX Liquidity 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
Japan’s Inflation Edges Higher in October as BOJ Faces Growing Pressure to Hike Rates 
BOK Expected to Hold Rates at 2.50% as Housing and Currency Pressures Persist 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is expected to keep its official cash rate unchanged at 4.10% during its April 1 policy meeting, according to a Reuters poll of 39 economists. As inflation begins to ease but core inflation remains elevated at 3.2%, the central bank is likely to proceed cautiously with any further rate cuts.
Despite delivering its first rate cut in over four years this past February, the RBA, led by Governor Michele Bullock, has signaled a more restrained approach to future monetary easing. Analysts believe the central bank is waiting for clearer signs of sustainable inflation control before moving again, particularly with the general election approaching in May and housing affordability remaining a top issue.
While all major Australian banks — ANZ, CBA, NAB, and Westpac — agree that rates will stay steady next week, forecasts diverge on future cuts. Nearly 75% of surveyed economists anticipate a 25 basis point reduction in May to 3.85%, following the release of key inflation data. Another cut is expected by September, lowering rates to 3.60%, with no further changes projected through mid-2026.
Experts like Abhijit Surya of Capital Economics and Prashant Newnaha of TD Securities suggest the RBA will avoid an aggressive easing cycle, as strong employment figures and economic growth persist. A deeper rate cut could risk fueling inflation and further overheating Australia’s already tight housing market.
With interest rate futures aligned with the poll’s outlook, the RBA appears committed to a gradual, data-driven approach — balancing cost-of-living relief with the risks of re-igniting inflation.
