03/11/2026
RBA Lifts Cash Rate to 4.85% — Highest in 18 Years
The Reserve Bank of Australia has raised the official cash rate by 0.25 percentage points to 4.85%, its highest level since November 2008, marking the fifth, rate hike of 2026
Why now?
The RBA cited persistent, broadly based inflation — September CPI at 3.7% annually — and expects inflation to remain above 3% through much of 2027, with the 2–3% target range not reached until late 2027, three quarters later than previously forecast.
Key drivers include:
* Higher fuel and commodity prices
* Stronger domestic capacity pressures
* AI-related investment boom boosting tech goods prices
The RBA’s forecast now sees trimmed-mean inflation peaking at 4.5% by Christmas before easing, with the target mid‑point not achieved until June 2028.
If you'd like to understand how the latest increase affects your repayments or explore your options, I'm here to help.