Mitchy Koper

Rate Hike Statement Even with the March quarter inflation data coming in slightly better than market expectations last week, and the trend of core inflation running just above the target band, the RBA today hiked the cash rate by another 0.25% to get ahead of any further increases. Before the decision, markets had priced in ~70% chance of the hike, with all big four banks forecasting the increase. We’re now exactly where we were before the three rate cutting cycle began in February 2025, with...

Following today's release of the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer Index, the following statement can be attributed to Oliver Hume Property Group Chief Economist, Matt Bell. Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Property sub-index results have come out as the only potential positives of a very weak April result. House Price Expectations Index down -10.2% Time to Buy a Dwelling Index up 3.5% Interest Rate Expectations Index up 3.9% ‍ House price expectations index fell more than 10...

Following today's release of the monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) by the ABS, the following statement can be attributed to Oliver Hume Chief Economist, Matt Bell. Today’s February CPI results were a touch weaker than the market expected, but in line with the RBA’s forecasts. Underlying inflation was steady at 3.3% and headline inflation moved down from 3.8% to 3.7%. But it’s not today’s result that is of concern for the RBA or consumers, it’s the coming spike in March and beyond. The driver...