The RBA's MonPol statement offered little in....>

RBA: The RBA's MonPol statement offered little in the way of fresh information

for participants to digest, as the Bank left the cash rate unchanged at 1.5%,

with Aussie bonds and AUD largely unchanged following the release of the

statement.

- The RBA reiterated that unchanged policy is consistent with meeting the CPI

target over time.

- Regarding the currency, the RBA noted that the AUD has depreciated a bit, but

remains within the range observed over the last 2 years.

- The Bank also noted that some further tightening of mortgage lending standards

is possible but referred to the continued decline in interest rates paid via

mortgages over "some time".

- The RBA also noted that it remains to be seen how persistent the rise in local

money market rates is.

- The Bank also highlighted the softening of house prices in Sydney & Melbourne.