Weak wage growth keeps Australia rates on hold

SYDNEY, Mar 6 (AFP): Australia's central bank kept interest rates at a record low Tuesday in a widely expected decision with wages growth still weak and inflation below target.
The Reserve Bank of Australia has not adjusted rates since August 2016, following a series of cuts from November 2011 that took it to 1.50 per cent in a bid to boost non-mining sectors of the economy.
Governor Philip Lowe said in a statement that current monetary policy was "consistent with sustainable growth in the economy and achieving the inflation target over time".
The move was widely tipped, with weak wages growth, below target inflation, and a still too high Australian dollar, despite solid business conditions and jobs growth.
"The low level of interest rates is continuing to support the Australian economy," Lowe said.
"Further progress in reducing unemployment and having inflation return to target is expected, although this progress is likely to be gradual."
Underlying or core inflation-which strips out volatile items and is closely watched by the central bank-is at an annual 1.9 per cent, just below the RBA's target band of 2.0-3.0 per cent.
The decision to stay put came ahead of quarterly growth data due Wednesday, which will give the Reserve Bank board a better guide on the economy's well-being.
Analysts expect expansion of around 0.5 per cent in October-December, for an annual rate of 2.5 per cent-in line with the Reserve Bank's most recent forecast.
The Australian dollar dipped from 77.85 US cents before Tuesday's rate announcement to 77.80 US cents shortly after.
Lowe remains concerned about its continued strength, due to weakness in the US dollar.
"An appreciating exchange rate would be expected to result in a slower pick-up in economic activity and inflation than currently forecast," he said.
The bank said business conditions were positive and non-mining business investment was increasing, while higher levels of public infrastructure investment were helping support the economy.
But a continuing source of uncertainty was the outlook for household consumption. While household incomes were slowly growing, debt levels remained high, it said.
And while employment continues to grow, wage growth remains low.
"This is likely to continue for a while yet, although the stronger economy should see some lift in wage growth over time," it said.
"Consistent with this, the rate of wage growth appears to have troughed and there are reports that some employers are finding it more difficult to hire workers with the necessary skills."