The Reserve Bank of Australia has just made its November 2025 cash rate announcement, and the decision lands amid a whirlwind of competing economic signals.

In this latest RBA and Economic Update, Ben and resident economist Evan Lucas break down what’s really going on… from rising inflation and energy costs to shifting unemployment data, sliding consumer sentiment, and a housing market stuck in undersupply.

So… What Happened?

The RBA has once again held the official cash rate at 3.60%.

Following the latest CPI figures, this came as little surprise… but the bigger story lies in what the data says about 2026, and what might influence the RBA’s next move.

What’s Going On?

Despite earlier signs of cooling, the latest inflation data delivered an unwelcome surprise.

Energy prices are playing a big role here — with global oil volatility and domestic constraints putting pressure on household budgets and business margins alike.

Consumers are also feeling a little less confident than they were. Many households were hoping for rate cuts by the end of the year — but sticky inflation and conflicting unemployment data have pushed out expectations. Business confidence is also waning as costs rise and forward planning becomes more cautious.

In short: the mood is changing.

The Housing Market Story

While prices are still climbing in many markets, the bigger issue is persistent undersupply.

New dwelling approvals remain well below the decade average, and rental inflation continues to climb. Listing volumes also remain tight, keeping competition high.

All of this has created a frustrating landscape for both first-time buyers and seasoned investors alike.

Time to Reassess Your Property Strategy?

Economic uncertainty is a given, but how you respond to it is within your control.

Now is a great time to:
✔ Make sure your rate is still competitive
✔ Understand your borrowing power in today’s market
✔ Explore what a tailored investment strategy could look like for your next move

If you’re looking for guidance from someone who’s genuinely in your corner, speak to the award-winning team at our sister company, Empower Wealth. They can help you make sense of the data and stay focused on what matters most.