SMH.com.au·3 min read·hard
ASX slips in early trade on rate hike calls; Qantas gains, Sigma slumps
S
Staff writers
✦AI Summary
The Australian sharemarket experienced a significant decline as investors reacted to higher-than-expected inflation data. Economists are now predicting that the Reserve Bank of Australia may raise interest rates as early as next month.
Why it matters
Rising interest rates impact borrowing costs for consumers and businesses, potentially slowing economic growth and affecting market valuations.
— 5:18pm , first published August 27, 2026 — 5:26am
economybusiness
Political Bias
Center
LeftLean LCenterLean RRight
Confidence: 85%
The article provides a factual summary of market movements and expert economic analysis without taking a political stance.
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