Why MNI
MNI is the leading provider
of intelligence and analysis on the Global Fixed Income, Foreign Exchange and Energy markets. We use an innovative combination of real-time analysis, deep fundamental research and journalism to provide unique and actionable insights for traders and investors. Our "All signal, no noise" approach drives an intelligence service that is succinct and timely, which is highly regarded by our time constrained client base.Our Head Office is in London with offices in Chicago, Washington and Beijing, as well as an on the ground presence in other major financial centres across the world.
The first decline in Australian retail sales this year has provided a hint that the Reserve Bank of Australia's aggressive rate hiking campaign and higher inflation may finally be hitting consumers. Retail sales fell 0.2% m/m in October, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, down from 0.6% m/m in September and falling shy of market expectations for a 0.5% increase, the first monthly decline since last December.
RBA governor Philip Lowe has cited household spending as one factor the Bank was watching closely. Given elevated inflation, a tight jobs market and rising wages, the data by itself is unlikely to shift expectations for another 25bp hike at the RBA's final meeting of the year on December 6. (See MNI BRIEF: RBA Set To Hike Again After Strong Jobs Data)
Bank officials have telegraphed more rate hikes are needed to bring inflation back to its 2-3% target, with inflation expected to peak at 8% before the end of the year. Further insight into inflation pressures will come via Wednesday's release of the October Consumer Price Index. (See MNI: RBA's Bullock Says Inflation Peak Near; More Hikes Coming)
Why MNI
MNI is the leading provider
of intelligence and analysis on the Global Fixed Income, Foreign Exchange and Energy markets. We use an innovative combination of real-time analysis, deep fundamental research and journalism to provide unique and actionable insights for traders and investors. Our "All signal, no noise" approach drives an intelligence service that is succinct and timely, which is highly regarded by our time constrained client base.Our Head Office is in London with offices in Chicago, Washington and Beijing, as well as an on the ground presence in other major financial centres across the world.