Westpac Expects RBA to Pause in June, With Two More Hikes Seen in August and September

Westpac said it expects the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to pause rate hikes in June, then raise rates twice more in August and September because inflation pressures remain elevated. According to Jin10, Macquarie Group also expects the RBA to keep rates unchanged in June while delivering a hawkish signal that would reinforce market expectations for an August hike. ANZ said it expects the RBA to leave rates unchanged in June and make no further hikes this year, but added that an August hike remains possible if inflation comes in above expectations. Commonwealth Bank of Australia said it expects the RBA to keep rates unchanged in June and remain on hold for the rest of this year, with rate cuts beginning in 2027. National Australia Bank said it expects the RBA to keep rates unchanged in June and stay on hold for the remainder of this year, adding that the next move could be a rate cut.