ANZ and Westpac Forecast Two RBA Rate Hikes in March and May 2026

Mar 12, 2026 01:59 am UTC| Business Central Banks Economy

ANZ has joined Westpac in predicting that the Reserve Bank of Australia will raise interest rates at both its March and May 2026 meetings. Analysts cite persistent inflation and a resilient labor market as the primary...

RBA Set for Back-to-Back Rate Hikes, Westpac Forecasts

Mar 11, 2026 04:47 am UTC| Central Banks Economy

Westpac economists have revised their outlook for Australian monetary policy, now predicting the Reserve Bank of Australia will raise interest rates by 25 basis points at both its March and May meetings. If realized, the...

Bank of Japan Expected to Hold Rates at 0.75% Before June Hike Amid Middle East War Uncertainty

Mar 11, 2026 04:42 am UTC| Central Banks Economy

A recent Reuters poll of 64 economists confirmed that the Bank of Japan will hold its benchmark interest rate steady at 0.75% during its March 19 meeting, with a likely increase to 1.00% by the end of June. These...

RBA Rate Decision: Deputy Governor Signals Genuine Debate Ahead of March Meeting

Mar 10, 2026 07:41 am UTC| Central Banks Economy

The Reserve Bank of Australia is heading into its March 17 board meeting with no clear consensus on interest rates, according to Deputy Governor Andrew Hauser. Speaking to The Conversation on Tuesday, Hauser acknowledged...

Japan's BOJ Independence Under Fire as PM Takaichi's Rate Stance Draws Political Heat

Mar 10, 2026 05:33 am UTC| Politics Economy Central Banks

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is facing mounting scrutiny over her influence on the Bank of Japans monetary policy direction, after reports emerged that she privately expressed concerns about further interest rate...

Fed May Tighten Policy if Inflation Stalls Despite Weak Labor Market

Mar 07, 2026 04:37 am UTC| Central Banks Economy

Cleveland Federal Reserve President Beth Hammack signaled that the U.S. central bank may consider tighter monetary policy later in 2026 if progress on inflation slows, even as signs of a cooling labor market complicate the...

RBA Signals Possible March Rate Hike as Energy Risks Threaten Inflation Outlook

Mar 03, 2026 02:08 am UTC| Economy Central Banks

Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Governor Michele Bullock has signaled that the central bank could raise interest rates again as soon as its March 1718 meeting, even without waiting for first-quarter inflation data....