Reserve Bank could hike cash rate twice in 2026 as Australia’s inflation stays stubbornly high

End of government subsidies drives electricity costs up by 19% in the month and leaves power bills nearly a third higher than they were a year earlierFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe Reserve Bank is more likely to hike rates again, and potentially twice before the end of the year, after new figures revealed inflationary pressures showed no signs of slackening in 2026.Annual inflation stayed at a high 3.8% in January, as the end of government subsidies drove electricity costs up by 19% in the month and left power bills nearly a third higher than they were a year earlier. Continue reading...