A comparison of the Australian target cash rate and the overnight interbank lending rate shows that, after around a decade of being identical, the economic impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic led to the actual overnight lending rate being lower than the Reserve Bank of Australia's target rate. This means that banks are lending to each other at lower rates than the "official" interest rate. One reason for this is the that the Reserve bank has made money available to banks in several new ways over this period (such as repo agreements where banks can pledge assets for short term funds), increasing liquidity in the banking system. As of June 2025, the overnight interbank cash rate and the target cash rate stood at **** and **** percent, respectively.

The Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) cash rate target in-part determines interest rates on financial products.

On November 8, 2023, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) increased the interest rate by **** percentage points, bringing the interest rate to **** percent. This was the thirteenth interest rate increase by the RBA since November 4, 2020, which saw the interest rate drop to a record *** percent.

The benchmark interest rate in Australia was last recorded at 3.60 percent. This dataset provides - Australia Interest Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Key information about Australia Long Term Interest Rate

• Australia Government Bond Yield: Australian Government: 10 Years was reported at 4.42 % pa in Feb 2025, compared with 4.48 % pa in the previous month.
• Australia Long Term Interest Rate data is updated monthly, available from Jul 1969 to Feb 2025.
• The data reached an all-time high of 16.50 % pa in Aug 1982 and a record low of 0.80 % pa in Oct 2020.
• Long Term Interest Rate is reported by reported by Reserve Bank of Australia.

• In the latest reports, Australia Short Term Interest Rate: Month End: Bank Acceptance Bills Rates: 90 days was reported at 4.12 % pa in Feb 2025.
• The cash rate (Policy Rate: Month End: Cash Target Rate) was set at 4.10 % pa in Feb 2025.
• Australia Exchange Rate against USD averaged 1.49 (USD/AUD) in Jun 2023.

Overview with Chart & Report: Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Interest Rate Decision is one of the key instruments of the national monetary and credit policy. RBA board members hold regular meetings after which the bank publishes

Key information about Australia Policy Rate

• Australia cash rate (Policy Rate: Month End: Cash Target Rate) was set at 4.10 % pa in Feb 2025, compared with 4.35 % pa in the previous Jan 2025.
• Australia Policy Rate averaged 4.75 % pa and is updated monthly, available from Aug 1990 to Feb 2025.
• The data reached an all-time high of 14.00 % pa in Sep 1990 and a record low of 0.10 % pa in Apr 2022.

• In the latest reports, Australia Short Term Interest Rate: Month End: Bank Acceptance Bills Rates: 90 days was reported at 4.25 % pa in Jan 2025.
• Its Long Term Interest Rate (Government Bond Yield: Australian Government: 10 Years) was reported at 4.48 % pa in Jan 2025.
• Australia Exchange Rate against USD averaged 1.49 (USD/AUD) in Jun 2023.
• Its Real Effective Exchange Rate was 100.34 in Jan 2025.

Interbank Rate in Australia decreased to 3.69 percent in August from 3.84 percent in July of 2025. This dataset provides - Australia Three Month Interbank Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Exchange Rate: RBA: Euro to Australian Dollar data was reported at 0.564 AUD/EUR in Apr 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 0.580 AUD/EUR for Mar 2025. Exchange Rate: RBA: Euro to Australian Dollar data is updated monthly, averaging 0.621 AUD/EUR from Jan 1999 (Median) to Apr 2025, with 316 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.858 AUD/EUR in Jul 2012 and a record low of 0.492 AUD/EUR in Dec 2008. Exchange Rate: RBA: Euro to Australian Dollar data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Reserve Bank of Australia. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.M009: Exchange Rate.

Real-time economic indicators for Australia including inflation, unemployment, GDP growth, and housing prices from official ABS sources.

Exchange Rate: RBA: New Zealand Dollar to Australian Dollar data was reported at 1.079 AUD/NZD in Apr 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 1.100 AUD/NZD for Mar 2025. Exchange Rate: RBA: New Zealand Dollar to Australian Dollar data is updated monthly, averaging 1.147 AUD/NZD from Jul 1969 (Median) to Apr 2025, with 670 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 1.763 AUD/NZD in Nov 1984 and a record low of 0.997 AUD/NZD in Nov 1972. Exchange Rate: RBA: New Zealand Dollar to Australian Dollar data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Reserve Bank of Australia. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.M009: Exchange Rate.

The interest rate of bank accepted bills/negotiable certificates of deposit for Australian banks has fallen slightly over the last decade. From a peak of around **** percent from late 2010 to late 2011, interest rates on three and six month bills/certificates had fallen to **** and **** percent respectively as of September 2021 . Notably, these rates were below the the official Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) target cash rate of *** percent. Primarily, the reason for this is that the RBA was more concerned with ensuring banks have liquidity than intervening so that the cash rate is consistent with its target rate, and to this end RBA used new methods to inject funds into banks since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As of May 2024, the interest rates on three and six month bills/certificates increased to **** and **** percent, respectively.

Graph and download economic data for Interest Rates: 3-Month or 90-Day Rates and Yields: Interbank Rates: Total for Australia (IR3TIB01AUM156N) from Jan 1968 to Aug 2025 about interbank, Australia, 3-month, yield, interest rate, interest, and rate.

Graph and download economic data for Real Broad Effective Exchange Rate for Australia (RBAUBIS) from Jan 1994 to Aug 2025 about broad, Australia, exchange rate, currency, real, and rate.

The Finance sector's operating environment was previously characterised by record-low interest rates. Nonetheless, high inflation prompted the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to hike the cash rate from May 2022 onwards. This shift allowed financial institutions to impose higher loan charges, propelling their revenue. Banks raised interest rates quicker than funding costs in the first half of 2022-23, boosting net interest margins. However, sophisticated competition and digital disruption have reshaped the sector and nibbled at the Big Four's dominance, weighing on ADIs' performance. In the first half of 2025, the fierce competition has forced ADIs to trim lending rates even ahead of RBA moves to protect their slice of the mortgage market. Higher cash rates initially widened net interest margins, but the expiry of cheap TFF funding and a fierce mortgage war are now compressing spreads, weighing on ADIs' profitability. Although ANZ's 2024 Suncorp Bank takeover highlights some consolidation, the real contest is unfolding in tech. Larger financial institutions are combatting intensified competition from neobanks and fintechs by upscaling their technology investments, strengthening their strategic partnerships with cloud providers and technology consulting firms and augmenting their digital offerings. Notable examples include the launch of ANZ Plus by ANZ and Commonwealth Bank's Unloan. Meanwhile, investor demand for rental properties, elevated residential housing prices and sizable state-infrastructure pipelines have continued to underpin loan growth, offsetting the drag from weaker mortgage affordability and volatile business sentiment. Overall, subdivision revenue is expected to rise at an annualised 8.3% over the five years through 2024-25, to $524.6 billion. This growth trajectory includes an estimated 4.8% decline in 2024-25 driven by rate cuts in 2025, which will weigh on income from interest-bearing assets. The Big Four banks will double down on technology investments and partnerships to counter threats from fintech startups and neobanks. As cybersecurity risks and APRA regulations evolve, financial institutions will gear up to strengthen their focus on shielding sensitive customer data and preserving trust, lifting compliance and operational costs. In the face of fierce competition, evolving regulations and shifting customer preferences, consolidation through M&As is poised to be a viable trend for survival and growth, especially among smaller financial institutions like credit unions. While rate cuts will challenge profitability within the sector, expansionary economic policies are poised to stimulate business and mortgage lending activity, presenting opportunities for strategic growth in a dynamic market. These trends are why Finance subdivision revenue is forecast to rise by an annualised 1.1% over the five years through the end of 2029-30, to $554.9 billion

In July 2025, global inflation rates and central bank interest rates showed significant variation across major economies. Most economies initiated interest rate cuts from mid-2024 due to declining inflationary pressures. The U.S., UK, and EU central banks followed a consistent pattern of regular rate reductions throughout late 2024. In the first half of 2025, Russia maintained the highest interest rate at 18 percent, while Japan retained the lowest at 0.5 percent. Varied inflation rates across major economies The inflation landscape varies considerably among major economies. China had the lowest inflation rate at 0 percent in July 2025. In contrast, Russia maintained a high inflation rate of 8.8 percent. These figures align with broader trends observed in early 2025, where China had the lowest inflation rate among major developed and emerging economies, while Russia's rate remained the highest. Central bank responses and economic indicators Central banks globally implemented aggressive rate hikes throughout 2022-23 to combat inflation. The European Central Bank exemplified this trend, raising rates from 0 percent in January 2022 to 4.5 percent by September 2023. A coordinated shift among major central banks began in mid-2024, with the ECB, Bank of England, and Federal Reserve initiating rate cuts, with forecasts suggesting further cuts through 2025 and 2026.

Exchange Rate: RBA: Indonesian Rupiah to Australian Dollar data was reported at 10,686.000 AUD/IDR in Apr 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 10,400.000 AUD/IDR for Mar 2025. Exchange Rate: RBA: Indonesian Rupiah to Australian Dollar data is updated monthly, averaging 6,709.000 AUD/IDR from Nov 1983 (Median) to Apr 2025, with 498 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 11,240.000 AUD/IDR in Apr 2021 and a record low of 676.000 AUD/IDR in Jul 1986. Exchange Rate: RBA: Indonesian Rupiah to Australian Dollar data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Reserve Bank of Australia. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.M009: Exchange Rate.

Australia Exchange Rate: RBA: Trade Weighted Index data was reported at 59.900 May1970=100 in Apr 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 59.600 May1970=100 for Mar 2025. Australia Exchange Rate: RBA: Trade Weighted Index data is updated monthly, averaging 63.300 May1970=100 from May 1970 (Median) to Apr 2025, with 660 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 121.300 May1970=100 in Jan 1974 and a record low of 47.000 May1970=100 in Sep 2001. Australia Exchange Rate: RBA: Trade Weighted Index data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Reserve Bank of Australia. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Australia – Table AU.M009: Exchange Rate.

In 2019, the real interest rate in Australia amounted to **** percent. Between 1961 and 2019, the figure dropped by **** percentage points, though the decline followed an uneven course rather than a steady trajectory.

‘System cash position’ is an estimate of the change in the aggregate level of Exchange Settlement (ES) balances at the RBA, prior to the RBA’s open market operations on that day. A negative value indicates a projected fall in the level of ES balances, while a positive value indicates a projected rise. The estimate is based on information about settlements arising from transactions by the RBA’s clients, including the Australian Government, as well as the RBA’s own transactions, and is announced at 9:30 am each trading day.

‘Outright transactions’ is the cash value of purchases and sales, conducted as part of the Bank’s open market operations, of securities issued by the Australian Government and State and Territory central borrowing authorities with remaining terms to maturity up to around 18 months. A positive value indicates the RBA has purchased securities while a negative value indicates the RBA has sold securities.

‘Foreign exchange swaps’ is the aggregate value of the first leg of foreign exchange swaps transacted for same-day value specifically for domestic liquidity management purposes. A positive value indicates the RBA has sold Australian dollars for foreign currency while a negative value indicates the RBA has purchased Australian dollars. The value of the second leg of a foreign exchange swap is captured in the ‘System cash position’ on the unwind date.

‘Repurchase agreements (RPs)’ is the amount of the first leg of securities bought/sold by the RBA under repurchase agreement (RP). 'General Collateral' refers to eligible eligible securities issued by the Australian Government, State and Territory governments, supranational institutions, foreign governments and government agencies as well as eligible securities with a sovereign government guarantee. ‘Private securities’ covers all other eligible collateral, including ADI-issued securities (eligible bank-issued discount securities and certificates of deposit with 12 months or less to maturity and bonds issued by ADIs), asset-backed securities (eligible residential mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed commercial paper) and eligible commercial paper. A positive value indicates the RBA has purchased securities under RPs while a negative value indicates the RBA has sold securities under RPs. It does not include RPs which are transacted through the RBA’s overnight RP facility. The value of the second leg of all RPs is captured in the ‘System cash position’ on the respective value dates.

‘Exchange Settlement account balances (end day)’ is the aggregate of all ES balances held at the RBA at the close of business. Unexpected movements in ES balances and overnight RPs transacted through the RBA’s overnight RP facility mean that ‘Exchange Settlement account balances (end day)’ will not necessarily be the sum of the previous day’s ‘Exchange Settlement account balances (end day)’, the ‘System cash position’ and the total of ‘Open market operations’ transacted.

‘Overnight repurchase agreements with RBA’ is the aggregate of the first leg of securities bought by the RBA through the overnight RP facility. These data are updated with a one month lag.

Outright Transaction Details

The 'Outright Transactions Details' sheet provides further information on the outright purchases and sales of Bonds and Discount Securities issued by the Australian Commonwealth, State & Territory Governments, conducted as part of the Bank's open market operations. “Issuer” is the acronym of the issuer of the bond/security. A positive “Face value dealt” indicates a purchase while a negative value indicates a sale. 'Weighted average rate' is the average of the rates dealt for each bond/security, weighted by the amount transacted. 'Cut-off rate' is the lowest yield accepted.

Repo Details

The Repo Details sheets provide a summary of the type of securities delivered to/by the RBA under RP at each term dealt through the open market operations. 'Govt and Quasi-Govt Repo Details' covers repo against General Collateral (eligible securities issued by the Australian Government, State and Territory governments, supranational institutions, foreign governments and government agencies as well as eligible securities with a sovereign government guarantee). ‘Private securities’ covers all other eligible collateral, including ADI-issued securities (eligible bank-issued discount securities and certificates of deposit with 12 months or less to maturity and bonds issued by ADIs), asset-backed securities (eligible residential mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed commercial paper) and eligible commercial paper.

'Term' is the number of days dealt in open market operations.

'Value Dealt' is the amount of the first leg of securities bought/sold by the RBA under RP.

Weighted average rate' is the is the average of the rates on RPs dealt by the RBA through open market operations, weighted by the amount transacted.

'Cut-off rate' is the lowest rate dealt by the RBA through open market operations for each term dealt.

Repo Unwinds

The Repos Unwinds sheet provides a summary of the value of repurchase agreements due to unwind in the future, for both General Collateral and Private Securities. The unwind amount is equal to the sum of the total value dealt to that date plus accrued interest.