Reserve Bank of Australia deputy governor Hunt said on a podcast the bank may need to raise rates for a fourth time this year to ensure inflation is contained, highlighting market bets on a rate rise as soon as next week. She said the board is concerned inflation could remain too high and become embedded in pricing, citing higher energy costs from the Middle East conflict and signs that domestic demand is outstripping supply. The board could decide it must lift the cash rate again to slow the ec

Reserve Bank of Australia deputy governor Hunt said on a podcast the bank may need to raise rates for a fourth time this year to ensure inflation is contained, highlighting market bets on a rate rise as soon as next week. She said the board is concerned inflation could remain too high and become embedded in pricing, citing higher energy costs from the Middle East conflict and signs that domestic demand is outstripping supply. The board could decide it must lift the cash rate again to slow the economy slightly and address those pressures.