Rising Australian core inflation increases pressure for further interest rate hikes
Consumer prices rose faster than expected in January as core inflation hit a 16-month high. The data increases the likelihood of another interest rate hike.
Insights:
Australia 
AU consumer prices rose more than expected in January, with the trimmed-mean measure of core inflation reaching a 16-month high. Data released today, February 25, 2026, by the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed that core inflation has remained above the Reserve Bank of Australia target band of 2% to 3% for the seventh consecutive month. The figures topped the median forecast, increasing the likelihood of further interest-rate tightening by the central bank.
AU consumer prices rose more than expected in January, with the trimmed-mean measure of core inflation reaching a 16-month high. Data released today, February 25, 2026, by the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed that core inflation has remained above the Reserve Bank of Australia target band of 2% to 3% for the seventh consecutive month. The figures topped the median forecast, increasing the likelihood of further interest-rate tightening by the central bank.
