The RBA holds the cash rate at 4.35% until its September 29 decision, with economists divided on whether the hiking cycle has ended or one more increase is coming before cuts begin.
The Australian corporate bond market is tightening as credit spreads compress following the RBA's rate pause, with investment-grade issuance resuming and refinancing risk easing for highly leveraged companies.
Australian startup funding has contracted in the first half of 2026 as venture capital firms tighten due diligence requirements and shift focus from growth to profitability.
Commonwealth Bank delivered a $10.98 billion cash profit for the 2026 financial year, but its valuation at 24 times forward earnings is raising concerns among analysts about downside risk.
The Australian dollar has weakened to 70 US cents as the Reserve Bank of Australia's pause narrows the interest rate differential with the Federal Reserve, creating headwinds for export-reliant sectors.
The Reserve Bank of Australia has held the cash rate at 4.35 percent for a second consecutive meeting but warned that further tightening remains on the table if inflation proves sticky.
