RBA - The Reserve Bank of Australia

Stronger retail and building data shows rate cuts finally kicking in

4:58PM | Friday, 5 April 2013 |  Rate cuts might finally be having the desired impact on consumer confidence and spending.

RBA governor urges businesses to prioritise productivity

6:24PM | Wednesday, 13 June 2012 |  Australia should stop “pretending” it can compete against the low-wage economies of Asia and instead focus on productivity, Reserve Bank governor Glenn Stevens has told the Prime Minister’s Economic Forum.

Consumer sentiment increases but rate cut still on the cards

6:09PM | Wednesday, 13 June 2012 |  The Westpac Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment increased by 0.3% in June, but Westpac chief economist Bill Evans has dismissed the increase as another “disappointing” result.

Gloomy sales outlook dampening investment plans: Report

6:00AM | Tuesday, 5 June 2012 |  Business angst looks set to continue, with the latest Dun & Bradstreet report showing 27% of local businesses anticipate declined sales in the coming months, while 30% expect lower profits.

RBA scrutinises Australia’s “dated” payments system

5:19PM | Tuesday, 29 May 2012 |  The Reserve Bank says Australia’s electronic payments system is failing to meet customers’ expectations, with RBA governor Glenn Stevens saying parts of the infrastructure are “a bit dated”.

Business groups call for “modest” approach to minimum wage increase

5:20PM | Monday, 14 May 2012 |  Business and industry groups are urging Fair Work Australia to reject a claim for the minimum wage to be lifted by $26 a week, calling for a more “modest” approach to award wages.

Services sector struggles to enter positive territory

1:00PM | Thursday, 5 January 2012 |  The services sector remained in negative territory in December, according to the latest Australian Performance of Services Index, with ongoing weakness across consumer-related sub-sectors.

Consumer sentiment falls 8.3% in December

12:40PM | Wednesday, 14 December 2011 |  Consumer sentiment fell by 8.3% in December, its lowest level since August this year.

Businesses hail interest rate cut as an “early Christmas present”

12:14PM | Tuesday, 6 December 2011 |  Industry groups have applauded the Reserve Bank’s decision to lower the cash rate to 4.25%, as the European debt crisis continues to impact on the Australian economy.