Loan Market Corporate Spokesman Paul Smith said most consumers had
been expecting the RBA to reduce the cash rate again after 25 basis
point cuts in both November and December last year.

“The RBA has decided to leave rates on hold at 4.25 per cent which is
a blow to borrowers hoping for some further relief,” Mr Smith said.

Mr Smith said a recent Loan Market consumer survey found the majority
of respondents had been anticipating more reductions to the cash rate.

He said lingering concerns about the debt situation in Europe and the
unstable global financial markets as well as continued softness in
domestic economic sectors such as retail would be triggers for further
action from the central bank.

Mr Smith said the RBA likely held off reducing rates due to
considerable mixed economic signals in the market such as a mid-range
target inflation rate of 2.4 per cent.

“We thought the RBA could have applied a 50 basis points cut this
month but they have taken a more cautious approach and still have plenty
of room to move,” he said.

“While the fundamentals of the Australian economy remain quite strong
and consumer sentiment has been improving, sections of the economy can
only benefit from the stimulus provided by lower interest rates.”