RBA Holds Rates: What It Means for Inflation, Housing, and Your Investment Strategy

In this episode of Wealth Coffee Chats, Alex from the financial planning team breaks down the Reserve Bank of Australia’s latest rate hold announcement and what it means for investors navigating inflation, housing demand, and employment shifts. He walks through key takeaways from the RBA’s November statement, explaining why inflation remains stubbornly high at 3.2%, how the end of state electricity rebates could affect future readings, and why labour market conditions are creating a tug-of-war between inflation control and economic stability. Alex also examines how migration-driven housing shortages are fueling price pressures, what the latest unemployment uptick to 4.5% signals, and how international factors — including the U.S. money-printing cycle — could ripple through the Australian economy. He wraps up with insights on where to position your portfolio, the role of hard assets versus cash, and how to build buffers for potential interest rate shifts ahead.

 

Episode Highlights:

1. RBA announces another hold on the cash rate — what’s behind the decision.
2. Inflation remains elevated at 3.2% and why it may persist into 2025.
3. End of electricity rebates and their impact on the next inflation print.
4. Labour market pressures: unemployment rises to 4.5%.
5. 430,000 new migrants intensify housing demand and price growth.
6. Global influences — how U.S. monetary policy may affect Australia.
7. Why productivity remains a “weak link” in the inflation equation.
8. How to think about cash versus hard assets during high inflation.
9. Building investment buffers for potential future rate moves.
10. Key takeaway: focus on long-term strategy, not short-term rate noise.