RBA to hike interest rates again before end of 2026, Citi analyst says
Citi analyst Faraz Syed has forecasted two additional interest rate hikes by the Reserve Bank of Australia before the end of 2026. The prediction is based on persistent inflation, a tight labor market, and capacity constraints driven by AI-related investments.
Why it matters
The forecast suggests continued financial pressure for Australian mortgage holders and highlights the complex economic trade-offs between inflation control and technological investment.
shares Share article A major bank has forecast two more interest rate hikes yet to come in 2026, a prediction of more pain for mortgage holders .
In its latest board meetings, the Reserve Bank of Australia has held rates steady at 4.35 per cent, after three consecutive increases earlier this year.
There are rising fears of another interest rate hike before the end of the year. Peter Braig/AFR
Now, Citi senior economist and analyst Faraz Syed has predicted two more rate rises before 2027 rolls around.
“This view is driven by a two-speed economy, where a deepening housing correction is offset by an AI-related investment boom that is adding to capacity constraints,” Syed said in a note released today.
“Anemic productivity, a tight labour market, and elevated oil prices likely mean inflation will remain stubbornly high, with our Q3 trimmed-mean CPI forecast at 1 per cent.
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