The Australian retail sector outperformed expectations in September, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reporting a robust 0.9% month-on-month increase in sales. This surge exceeded the predictions of analysts, who had anticipated a more modest 0.3% gain following a similar increase in August.
The unexpected strength in retail sales data has ignited speculation in financial markets. It led to a rebound in the yield on 3-year Australian government bonds as investors and experts anticipate that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) may implement a 0.25% interest rate hike at its upcoming meeting on November 7.
George Tharenu, an analyst at UBS Bank, commented on the situation, noting, “Australia’s September retail sales have surpassed the forecasts, signaling an uptick in the country’s economic momentum. This has spurred market expectations that the Reserve Bank of Australia will opt for an interest rate increase at its November meeting.”
Lucy Ellis, Chief Economist at Westpac Bank, concurred with this sentiment, suggesting that the RBA could indeed decide to raise interest rates during the November meeting. She pointed to Australia’s recently revealed third-quarter inflation figures as an additional factor influencing this potential decision.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics disclosed that the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which gauges inflation in consumer spending, posted a notable 1.2% increase in the third quarter. This figure exceeded the 1.1% projection by analysts and marked a significant rise from the 0.8% gain observed in the previous quarter (Q2/2023).
The confluence of stronger-than-expected retail sales and an uptick in inflation has put the Reserve Bank of Australia in a position to consider adjustments to its monetary policy. All eyes are now on the upcoming RBA meeting in November, as market participants await a decision that could signal a shift in the country’s interest rate landscape.