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 Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to tighten monetary policy by a further 25bps at its February 7 meeting after the Q4 Consumer Price Index printed hotter than expected, prompting traders to nearly fully price in a 25bp hike.
While falling shy of the RBA's forecast for an 8% y/y rise, the 1.9% q/q and 7.8% y/y pace exceeded consensus forecasts for 1.6% q/q and 7.6% y/y. It was the highest annual CPI print since 1990, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The RBA's preferred measure, the trimmed mean, rose 1.7% q/q or 6.9% y/y - above the 6.5% y/y forecast in November's Statement on Monetary Policy. Non-tradables and services inflation point to momentum in domestic sources of price pressures.
Overnight indexed swaps have priced in a rate of 3.30% for the February meeting and a peak cash rate of 3.7%. The prospect of a 25bp hike in February -- and possibly March -- helped the aussie rally from 0.7040 to 0.7100 recently, and the currency is expected climb as the RBA tightens. (See MNI INSIGHT: Australian Macro Chart Pack - RBA To Tighten Further, AUD Still Undervalued)
Policymakers face a jobs market that is no longer tightening and the prospect of slower growth, but the RBA is "resolute" in its determination to return inflation to its 2-3% target. The full impact of higher interest rates is yet to filter through to mortgage payments, and more than AUD400 billion of fixed rate mortgages are set to mature in 2023, but the RBA remains optimistic that a strong jobs market and high savings will make higher rates manageable for most borrowers. (See MNI POLICY: RBA Sees Savings, Jobs Cushioning Mortgage Stress).
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.