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29 September 2026

What happened, followed by the questions it leaves behind

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RBA raises cash rate to 4.6%, highest since 2011

The Reserve Bank of Australia lifted its key interest rate to 4.6% from 4.35%, making it the highest level since 2011. The widely expected move was the fourth increase to the cash rate this year and is expected to raise repayment costs for millions of mortgage holders across Australia.

Illustrative photo · Photo by Josh Withers · Pexels

The Reserve Bank of Australia has raised its key interest rate to 4.6%, up from 4.35% and the highest level since 2011.

The widely expected decision was the fourth increase to the cash rate this year. It will add to repayment costs for millions of mortgage holders across Australia.

THE QUESTIONS THIS EVENT LEAVES BEHIND

What conditions would lead the Reserve Bank to stop raising the cash rate?

How evenly will the higher repayment costs be distributed among mortgage holders?

Which households are most exposed to further increases in borrowing costs?

What alternatives could mortgage holders consider if repayments become unaffordable?

How might higher interest rates affect spending beyond the housing market?

YOUR QUESTION

Does this story leave you with another question?

Send us the question the report did not answer. It may become the next question IAQ investigates.

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29 September 2026 · 06:05 · 1 sources

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World — RBA interest rates: Reserve Bank hikes cash rate to 4.6%, the highest level since 2011

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