Nine policy committee members were split at the August meeting; several said upside inflation risks could make further rate rises necessary. Other members judged the current cash rate of 4.35% is working and preferred to give more time to assess the economy. Minutes said upcoming data must show inflation is likely to return to the 2–3% target band within a reasonable timeframe. The committee flagged the Middle East conflict, a global AI and data‑centre investment boom, and weak productivity as k

Fox Business, citing Wall Street executives, says U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent is prepared to do whatever it takes to deter traders shorting long-dated Treasuries and trying to push the 10‑year yield to 5%. Potential near-term measures include Treasury buybacks, increased short-term issuance and possible cancellation of 20‑year note auctions. Sources describe the steps as temporary, aimed at preventing further yield spikes and averting high rates ahead of the midterms. Wall Street sources caution the moves do not address fundamentals: U.S. debt is about $40 trillion and rising capital competition from AI infrastructure spending. They expect no fiscal tightening in the remainder of the administration; the stated plan is to grow out of the debt via growth and higher tax receipts, while acknowledging that real solutions—tax hikes or fiscal consolidation—would risk tipping the economy into recession.

Taiwan Stock Exchange weighted index opened down 295.47 points, or 0.66%, at 44,466.85 on Tuesday, Aug. 25.