Sale sign in the window of a clothing shop.
Millions of homeowners are firmly at risk of being hit by an interest rate hike next week after new inflation data came in hotter than expected.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the consumer price index (CPI) climbed to 3.8% over the past year as of December, an increase from November’s 3.4%. This figure surpassed the anticipated 3.5% predicted by economists.

The trimmed mean – the Reserve Bank’s preferred measure of underlying inflation – also rose to 3.3 per cent, comfortably above the central bank’s target range.
Sale sign in the window of a clothing shop.
Inflation has picked up once again.(Joe Armao/The Age)

The rise in costs is particularly noticeable in essential goods. Prices for coffee, tea, and cocoa have surged by 15.3%, while the cost of lamb and goat has escalated by 13.4%. Beef and veal have also seen a significant increase, up by 10.8%.

Additionally, should interest rates rise by 0.25%, it could translate to an extra $115 monthly on the average $694,000 mortgage fee.

In total, these hikes could lead the typical Australian household to spend an extra $2,192 throughout the year.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is set to announce its next decision on interest rates this coming Tuesday.

STAY INFORMED: Follow us on all platforms to receive breaking news and exclusive stories directly.

The information provided on this website is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice. The information has been prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any information on this website you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs.

You May Also Like

US Poised to Resume Military Action Against Iran Amid Ceasefire Deal Uncertainty

IN BRIEF The draft agreement will extend the ceasefire and allow shipping…

Pete Hegseth Raises Alarm Over Chinese Military’s Impact on Pacific Power Dynamics

IN BRIEF Hegseth said China’s military build up and expansion could “unravel”…
Rugby legend Howlett – a member of the Munster team that won the 2007/2008 Heineken Cup and the All Blacks’ top try scorer – held the post as the club’s head of commercial and marketing for two years before returning to New Zealand in 2019

Doug Howlett’s Charity Funds Under Scrutiny: Uncovering Connections to His Business and a Limerick Social Media Platform

The Irish Mail on Sunday has exposed that Doug Howlett, a celebrated…

Socceroos Stumble in Pre-World Cup Friendly: Mexico Clinches Narrow 1-0 Victory

Stay informed about global happenings with our reliable updates. Receive complimentary daily…

Melbourne Police Hunt for Suspect in Double Stabbing Incident

A man is currently evading authorities following a dramatic series of events…
It's been almost five years since Brisbane locked in Olympic hosting rights, and after five years of talk but little action but tomorrow, construction on the centrepiece stadium will finally begin.Within hours, Victoria Park, will be closed to the public.

Construction of Brisbane’s Olympic Stadium at Victoria Park Set to Commence Amid Ongoing Protests

It’s been almost five years since Brisbane locked in Olympic hosting rights,…
One Nation Australia's most popular party in new poll

New Poll Reveals One Nation as Australia’s Leading Political Party

In a surprising political shake-up, recent polling data indicates that One Nation…
Angus Taylor has issued a rallying cry at the final day of the federal Liberal Council in Melbourne.

Taylor Ignites Enthusiasm Among Party Loyalists Following Abbott’s Presidential Tenure

Angus Taylor has issued a rallying cry at the final day of…
Hundreds arrested as shops and cars burned in wild football celebrations

Mass Arrests and Destruction Mark Chaotic Football Victory Celebrations

Police have detained 780 people involved in violent clashes in Paris and…

Trump to Take Center Stage at US Celebration After Artists Withdraw

IN BRIEF The concerts were planned as the opening ceremony of the…
The capture of Beaufort castle near the city of Nabatiyeh came after days of intense fighting and airstrikes

Israeli Forces Secure Key Fortress in Lebanon Conflict

Israeli troops have captured a strategic mountain topped with a Crusader-built castle…

Exploring Australia’s Reconciliation Week: Turning Dialogue into Action

Stay informed with the latest happenings from around the globe. Sign up…