SYDNEY, Jan 24 (Reuters) - Analysts at Westpac Banking Corp (WBC) now expect the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will cut interest rates in April, rather than February, following a second month of surprisingly upbeat jobs data.
In a note to clients, chief economist Bill Evans said the dip in unemployment to a nine-month low of 5.1% in December was probably enough to delay a cut.
"It is sufficiently strong a signal for the Board, which has emphasised the labour market as a key policy driver, to opt for a deferment of the rate cut process pending further information," said Evans.
The RBA holds its next policy meeting on Feb. 4 and the market had already sharply scaled back the chance of an easing following Thursday's employment report.
News: WBC Westpac economists now see RBA delaying rate cut to April
Add to My Watchlist
What is My Watchlist?
 (20min delay)
|
|||||
|
Last
$34.31 |
Change
0.650(1.93%) |
Mkt cap ! $117.3B | |||
| Open | High | Low | Value | Volume |
| $33.89 | $34.31 | $33.71 | $133.4M | 3.905M |
Buyers (Bids)
| No. | Vol. | Price($) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 50 | $34.27 |
Sellers (Offers)
| Price($) | Vol. | No. |
|---|---|---|
| $34.32 | 1160 | 3 |
View Market Depth
| Last trade - 16.11pm 11/08/2025 (20 minute delay) ? |
| WBC (ASX) Chart |