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Australia's central bank keeps rates at 3.85%, stuns markets

BY Reuters | ECONOMIC | 07/08/25 12:35 AM EDT

SYDNEY, July 8 (Reuters) - Australia's central bank on Tuesday left its cash rate steady at 3.85%, a shock for markets that had confidently wagered on a cut, saying the majority of the board wanted to wait for more information to confirm inflation was slowing.

Wrapping up a two-day policy meeting, the Reserve Bank of Australia said six members had voted to hold rates steady while three voted against, a rare split decision for the board.

Markets had been almost fully priced for an easing to 3.60% this week given core inflation had slowed to the mid-point of the RBA's 2% to 3% target range and consumer spending was proving weaker than expected. Uncertainty caused by U.S. tariffs also argued for a cut as insurance against a global slowdown. (Reporting by Wayne Cole; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman)

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In general the bond market is volatile, and fixed income securities carry interest rate risk. (As interest rates rise, bond prices usually fall, and vice versa. This effect is usually more pronounced for longer-term securities.) Fixed income securities also carry inflation risk and credit and default risks for both issuers and counterparties. Unlike individual bonds, most bond funds do not have a maturity date, so avoiding losses caused by price volatility by holding them until maturity is not possible.

Lower-quality debt securities generally offer higher yields, but also involve greater risk of default or price changes due to potential changes in the credit quality of the issuer. Any fixed income security sold or redeemed prior to maturity may be subject to loss.

Before investing, consider the funds' investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. Contact Fidelity for a prospectus or, if available, a summary prospectus containing this information. Read it carefully.

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