Should the Reserve Bank Cut Interest Rates?

Abstract

Nine leading economists acknowledge that the state of the labour market is currently the critical factor determining price inflation and, consequently, the decision to adjust the cash rate. The main point of contention is how high unemployment, and other measures of labour surplus, need to be, to ensure wages do not fuel further inflation. Five economists agree that current conditions (January 2025) are not stimulating inflation and delaying a rate cut could risk a low growth, low productivity outcome; two have a conditional view, and two would like to see rates maintained.