https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/australia-hikes-rates-to-18-year-high-to-fight-inflationContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/australia-hikes-rates-to-18-year-high-to-fight-inflationhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/australia-hikes-rates-to-18-year-high-to-fight-inflation#u183348Sat, 07 Nov 2026 02:31:25 +0000The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has raised interest rates to 4.85%, the highest level in 18 years, in a bid to combat inflation. This marks the fifth consecutive rate hike. The move is expected to put pressure on household budgets, particularly for mortgage holders. The RBA's decision was made in a split vote, suggesting a potential pause in future rate hikes.Why it mattersThe RBA's rate hike is aimed at addressing Australia's persistent inflation issue. The country's inflation rate has been high, and the central bank has been using monetary policy to try to bring it un