Falling core inflation raises odds of RBA trimming interest rates in February
ABCA fall in the Reserve Bank's preferred measure of consumer price rises has increased the odds of an interest rate cut in February, despite an increase in headline inflation. AMP's deputy chief economist Diana Mousina believes the RBA will probably cut interest rates if the annual core inflation rate in the December quarter numbers, due towards the end of this month, remains around 3.2 or 3.3 per cent. "As a result, electricity prices fell 21.5 per cent in the 12 months to November, compared to a fall of 35.6 per cent to October." Falling fuel prices have also been a major contributor to declining headline inflation over the past year, down 10.2 per cent, although they also ticked higher in the month of November. Government says 'very substantial progress' made in inflation fight Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor said prices have increased by more than 10 per cent since Labor took office.