Sydney Australia skyline

Australia Inflation Q2 2018

Australia: Inflation ticks up in Q2

In the second quarter of 2018, consumer prices rose 0.4% over the previous quarter, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The figure came in below market expectations of a 0.5% increase and matched the previous quarter’s reading. According to the ABS, Q2’s print was underpinned by higher prices automotive fuel, medical and hospital services and tobacco, which were partially offset by lower prices for domestic holiday travel and accommodation, motor vehicles and vegetables.

Inflation ticked up to 2.1% in Q2 from Q1’s 1.9%, again slightly undershooting market expectations and within the Reserve Bank’s 2.0%–3.0% target band. Substantial regional variations persisted: Inflation exceeded 2.0% along most of the East Coast, whereas more subdued readings in Darwin and Perth dragged on the overall figure. Moderate wage growth likely continued to keep inflation in check and will give the RBA room to maintain its loose monetary stance in the months to come.

Australia Inflation Forecast

Free sample report

Access essential information in the shortest time possible. FocusEconomics provide hundreds of consensus forecast reports from the most reputable economic research authorities in the world.
Close Left Media Arrows Left Media Circles Right Media Arrows Right Media Circles Arrow Quote Wave Address Email Telephone Man in front of screen with line chart Document with bar chart and magnifying glass Application window with bar chart Target with arrow Line Chart Stopwatch Globe with arrows Document with bar chart in front of screen Bar chart with magnifying glass and dollar sign Lightbulb Document with bookmark Laptop with download icon Calendar Icon Nav Menu Arrow Arrow Right Long Icon Arrow Right Icon Chevron Right Icon Chevron Left Icon Briefcase Icon Linkedin In Icon Full Linkedin Icon Filter Facebook Linkedin Twitter Pinterest