Millions of Aussies with mortgages on edge as Reserve Bank prepares to hand down interest rate decision tomorrow

Published: 00:22, 15 June 2026 | Updated: 00:22, 15 June 2026 A majority of economists are tipping interest rates to remain on hold as the Reserve Bank begins deliberations. The bank's board will begin two days of talks on Monday to determine whether the official cash rate will remain steady at 4.35 per cent. Reserve Bank governor Michelle Bullock will announce the board's decision on Tuesday afternoon. Despite persistent economic pressures from the Middle East conflict and inflation levels above the bank's preferred target range, a hold is considered likely. A Reuters survey of 45 economists found 42 expected the bank would leave rates unchanged. If the predictions hold, it will be the first time in 2026 the bank's board has not raised interest rates, following three consecutive increases in the first half of the year. The central bank's next rate change would likely be a reduction, NAB economist Josh Copeland said. 'Inflation risks remain elevated and the RBA is unlikely to guide against further tightening on Tuesday, but we expect with restrictive policy and slow growth momentum, the next move from the RBA is likely to be down,' he said. A majority of economists are tipping interest rates to remain on hold as the Reserve Bank begins deliberations More than half of the economists surveyed by Reuters expected the interest rate to remain at 4.35 per cent by the end of September. It comes as figures reveal more than 200 small businesses have applied for zero-interest loans from the federal government as part of economic measures designed to keep supply chains moving amid the crisis in the Middle East. Almost $195 million in loans had been handed out to businesses involved in fuel supply and freight as of the start of June as part of a $1 billion program. More than 75 per cent of the loans were for less than $1 million. The program was helping businesses weather the economic shocks associated with the US-Israeli war with Iran, Industry Minister Tim Ayres said. 'Firms in crucial sectors like freight and logistics, fuel, plastics and fertiliser are receiving vital support from the National Reconstruction Fund in partnership with Australian banks,' he said. 'This is the Albanese government delivering to keep trucks moving, fuel flowing and supply and logistics firms in business when Australia needs them most.' No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.