Economists divided on RBA budget pressure

Veteran economists are divided on whether the federal budget has ramped up pressure on the Reserve Bank of Australia to change its rhetoric that it will take a patient approach to monetary policy.

The Australian Financial Review’s survey of 36 economists suggested the RBA would increase rates three times before the end of 2022 to head off inflation without stalling the Australian economy. But some economists say those rate rises may need to come earlier than expected following last week’s cash splash budget.