Speculation abounds as to what the Reserve Bank will do when they convene next week to make a decision on interest rates. Up, down or nowhere for the fifteenth consecutive month in a row?
Most are favouring the latter option right now, suggesting continued low inflationary figures will see them maintain the current status quo.
However, some analysts suggest that a one-dimensional assessment of inflation is missing the mark, and that the RBA’s monthly interest rate deliberations are becoming increasingly complex as our domestic fortunes become more intricately enmeshed with the global economy.
Inflationary issues
Inflation forecasting requires an intimate understanding of tradable and non-tradable goods. What’s the difference? Well, essentially:
- The value and movement of tradable goods is largely influenced by international competition. Tradable goods are the things we buy that originate in overseas factories, or services supplied by global companies. Think TV’s and computers, or overseas travel.
- Non-tradable items are more domestic based goods and services – things that by and large can only be provided locally, such as hairdressing, residential home construction and utilities. These are less directly exposed to global economic ups and downs, and more reliant on local fundamentals like wages, return on capital and net taxes.
The issue the RBA increasingly faces is a divergence between the inflationary rate of tradable versus non-tradable goods. This is particularly evident over the past two decades, with Australia’s labour force and domestic service provision becoming more diverse at the same time as overseas markets have become more accessible.
The above graph demonstrates that inflation has been notably more stable and higher on non-tradables than tradables over the last twenty years, although the cyclical variations of both are relatively comparable.
While the official inflation target for the RBA is between 2 and 3%, inflation on non-tradable items has increased at a rate of 3.7% per annum over the past decade.
Australia has been enjoying the positive effects of an unprecedented, once in a lifetime terms of trade boom, which put upward pressure on the exchange rate, and in turn lowered the price of imported, manufactured goods.
This enhanced the spending power of Australian households and motivated consumers to pay more for domestic goods and services.
Experts suggest that as the terms of trade boom begins to unwind, which our stabilizing exchange rate would suggest is now occurring, inflation on tradable goods may moderate in the short-term, before increasing significantly over the next couple of years, particularly if the Aussie dollar drops to around US80c.
In turn, these lower terms of trade would weigh on domestic wages and stifle the buying power of Aussie households, a process potentially spurred on by rising unemployment.
Analysts suggest this could all represent a conundrum for the RBA, with the distinct possibility that inflation may surge in the short-term due to the exchange rate, while growth remains below trend.
The big question then is, will the RBA step in and attempt to correct things with an interest rate rise? Will they risk stalling domestic growth in a bid to curb imported inflation?
Watch this space for a special Trilogy Report next Tuesday, when we share the RBA’s October interest rate decision and explore how the central bank is working with APRA (Australian Prudential Regulation Authority) to help put the brakes on Australia’s property sector.
About the Author
Since 2008, David Thomas has built a business aimed at servicing the needs of property investors, owner occupiers and small business owners. David is recognised as one of the top 10 independent mortgage brokerages in the country, David and his team have settled almost billions of dollars worth of residential and investment loans over the last decade.
Known for his straightforward, relatable style, David believes by educating people about property funding; they fare better in the market. By sharing his expertise openly, some of the people he educates will likely become his clients. It's a win-win approach.
David Thomas is a credit representative (Representative Number 506153) of BLSSA Pty Ltd, ACN 117 651 760 (Australian Credit Licence 391237).