Australia’s 10-year government bond yield edged higher around 4.9%, after falling from a two-week high, as investors weighed policy signals ahead of the RBA meeting next week, while renewed Middle East tensions stoked inflation concerns. The conflict intensified after the US launched fresh strikes on Iran, with President Trump accusing Tehran of downing a helicopter in the Strait of Hormuz, casting doubt on an already fragile ceasefire. The escalation drove energy prices higher, fueling inflation concerns and increasing the risk of further central bank rate hikes. In Australia, attention will be on the Reserve Bank’s upcoming policy decision next week, where rates are widely expected to remain unchanged. Governor Bullock reiterated last week that the RBA remains firmly focused on bringing inflation down, following three rate hikes earlier this year. Meanwhile, economists have scaled back expectations for an August move and now see the cash rate peaking at 4.35% at year-end.

Octalas AI

Profit

Everyone's racing to cut costs. We're racing to create profit.

Start Selling through Service

Start Trial

Free for 14 days · No credit card required