Why The RBA Could Still Raise Interest Rates Next Month – channelnews

Lenders start lifting fixed rates head of Reserve Bank’s first meeting in February

AUSTRALIA’S MAJOR home loan lenders are lifting their fixed rate offerings, in a grim sign for cash-strapped mortgage holders. The Commonwealth Bank has lifted interest rates on its fixed home loans by up to 0.70 per cent, to make its lowest rate 5.79 per cent for two-years. CBA is not alone in lifting interest rates with data from rate tracking site Canstar showing 34 lenders have hiked at least one fixed rate offering in the past month. The li…

Why The RBA Could Still Raise Interest Rates Next Month – channelnews

In what could be a blow for retailers who are faciung a tough first quarter in 2026, Investors continue to price in a low chance of an interest rate increase at the Reserve Bank’s early February meeting, but the economic backdrop is making that confidence look increasingly fragile. A move higher after the February 2-3 policy gathering would still shock markets, yet a string of stronger-than-expected indicators has complicated the outlook and forc