AUS 10Y Yield Hits 4-Week High After RBA Hold

Australia’s 10-year government bond yield fell below 5%, easing from multi-decade highs to a two-week low as investors grew increasingly concerned about the Middle East war’s impact on the global economy. Now in its fifth week, the conflict has rattled global markets and raised fears of a simultaneous spike in inflation and slowdown in growth. While hopes of a possible de-escalation emerged after President Trump said US forces could end operations in Iran within two to three weeks, oil prices remained supported on concerns that a US withdrawal could leave the Strait of Hormuz unsecured, raising risks to one of the world’s key oil shipping routes. For Australia, this raises the risk of further policy tightening, with inflation already above target before the war began. Markets currently imply around a 65% chance the central bank could hike again at its next meeting on May 5, but have lowered the expected peak to 4.66% from 4.75% early in the week.

Australia’s 10-year government bond yield fell to below 5% on Tuesday, but remained near its highest since July 2011 as markets weighed the Reserve Bank’s latest minutes. The central bank signaled uncertainty on the future path for interest rates after two rate hikes this year, due to concerns over the Middle East war. The board acknowledged the need to balance the material bearing of a longer conflict on both inflation and economic activity. Markets currently price in a 60% chance of another rate hike in May, with around 65 bps of additional tightening expected this year. First-quarter inflation data, labour market figures, and monthly consumer spending indicators due in April will be key inputs ahead of the next policy meeting. Meanwhile, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the economy is unlikely to contract in the second quarter even as activity slows, contrasting with some economists’ forecasts of a contraction driven by higher rates, rising fuel costs, and weaker consumer confidence.

Australia’s 10-year government bond yield held above 5%, moving near its highest level since July 2011 as a global oil shock tied to the prolonged Middle East conflict intensified inflation risks and clouded the economic outlook. Oil prices continued to climb as the conflict in Iran entered its fifth week, with renewed attacks in the region increasing risks to global energy supply. In response, Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a temporary cut to fuel taxes to help ease cost pressures, underscoring the broader impact on the economy. Focus now turns to the release of the Reserve Bank’s March meeting minutes after a narrow vote to raise rates to 4.1%, with investors watching how policymakers balance persistent inflation against slowing growth, especially as fuel shortages have emerged in parts of the country. Economists are increasingly cautious, with some warning of a potential second-quarter contraction as higher rates and energy costs weigh on consumption.