(LIVE) RBA Feb 2026 | RBA Reverses Course After Inflation Surges

 

The RBA has officially changed direction.

At its first meeting of 2026, the Reserve Bank lifted the cash rate by 0.25%, reversing part of last year’s cuts and signalling that inflation is proving much more stubborn than expected.

In today’s LIVE Economic Update, Moorr co-creator Ben Kingsley and economist Evan Lucas unpacked the decision, the data behind it, and what this sudden shift means for your money, borrowing position, and financial plans heading into the rest of 2026.

What Happened Today?

The RBA has raised the cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.85%.

Their statement was short and direct:

  • Inflation has lifted sharply over two consecutive quarters
  • Services inflation remains elevated and “sticky”
  • Demand in the economy is stronger than they expected
  • Inflation is now projected to stay above target for longer

In simple terms: The RBA is worried, and today’s hike may not be the last.

Why the RBA Made This Move

During the livestream, Ben and Evan explored the major pressures forcing today’s decision:

  • Inflation is re-accelerating, not easing — especially in essential categories
  • Job markets remain tight, with unemployment falling to 4.1% and employment rising strongly
  • Government spending continues to run hot, working against monetary policy
  • Energy costs are surging, adding pressure across the economy
  • Households are still spending, even after the August rate cuts

Together, these factors created conditions where the RBA felt compelled to act quickly.

What This Means for Your Money

With inflation still elevated and further tightening not ruled out, now is a good time to:

  • Review your cash flow
  • Strengthen your buffers
  • Update your loan details inside Moorr
  • Stress-test your borrowing power
  • Revisit your financial goals for 2026

These are exactly the moments Moorr was built for — so you can make informed decisions, not reactive ones.

If it’s been a while since you updated your numbers inside the app, now is the perfect time to log in and check where things sit.

And if you’re in the mortgage belt, make sure you’re not overpaying. You can connect with Empower Wealth’s Mortgage Broking team directly through the Professional Services tab in Moorr.

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