RBA rate relief may be brief as Aussies brace for higher costs

After stronger-than-expected inflation data, economists expect the RBA to hold rates this week, but a housing market downturn could create near-term turbulence—the so‑called "air pocket"—with a minority forecasting a rate increase; most predictions are for a hold, but about half of experts foresee at least one more hike this year, potentially lifting the cash rate to around 4.6%, while NAB warns of a roughly 10% housing downturn.