RBA keeps cash rate unchanged at 3.85%

By Sophia Rodrigues

The Reserve Bank of Australia left the cash rate unchanged at 3.85%, defying market expectations for a 25bps cut. 

The Monetary Policy Board judged it could wait for a little more information to confirm inflation remains on track to reach 2.5% on a sustainable basis.

The RBA move to go against very lofty market pricing (nearly 90%) for a cut is unprecedented, but in doing so, it sent a signal it will not "follow" the market. 

It was the first time the board published unattributed votes, and it was 6-3 in favor of Hold.

CB Intel wrote last week:

"No doubt, such an option will come at a price. A decision against 100% market pricing will cause a big market reaction and make headlines, though CB Intel suspects it will be short-lived as the focus will shift to the August meeting.

But there will be a lasting benefit too. The RBA will send a signal that it will not act simply to meet market expectations if its own forecasts and judgements do not back the decision."