October 30, 2024 23:54 GMT
AUSTRALIA: Sticky Services Inflation Not Just An Australian Problem
AUSTRALIA
Australian September core and services inflation was lower than the US and the UK for services, yet both those central banks have begun to ease. The RBA pointed out that Australian rates were not as high as much of the OECD, including the US and UK, and that its economy is more sensitive to rates. With core still above target and services inflation rising in September, the RBA remains on hold. But sticky services may mean that easing by the Fed and BoE will also be cautious.
- The RBA is watching sticky services inflation not only in Australia but also elsewhere. This trend has continued with much of the OECD still above 4% and this persistence is likely to continue worrying the RBA.
- It decided to hike rates less than other countries to ensure most of the employment gains were retained. The economy has created more jobs in the year to September in 2024 than in 2023. This and upside inflation risks means the RBA may be one of the last to begin easing.
- Australian rates peaked at only 4.35% compared with the US at 5.5%, UK 5.25%, euro area 4.5% and Canada 5.0%.
OECD policy rates %
Source: MNI - Market News/Refinitiv
- Australian September trimmed mean inflation printed at 3.2% y/y in line with the UK but below the US’ 3.3% and above Canada (2.4%) and the euro area (2.6%).
- Australian services rose 4.4% y/y below the US’ 4.7% and the UK’s 4.9% but above the euro area’s 3.9%. Norway is also yet to ease and services increased 0.2pp to 3.8%.
OECD services CPI y/y%
Source: MNI - Market News/Refinitiv/ABS
- Q3 underlying inflation in NZ was 3.4% just below Australia’s 3.5%, while services were 4.5% compared with 4.6%. The RBNZ has eased 75bp but the OCR is still 40bp above Australia’s.
- The BoE eased 25bp in August to 5% but then paused in September demonstrating caution given that core is 3.2% y/y and services 4.9%. Expectations for the Fed have been reduced.
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