It noted “large and volatile moves” in financial markets globally caused by the banking turmoil but said its Financial Policy Committee judged thatAustralia’s central bank raised its key rate by a quarter point to 3.6% in March, the highest since May 2012, but hinted rate hikes may be over for now.
Governor Philip Lowe has said monetary policy was “in restrictive territory” and said the bank’s board was ready to react if data supported a pause.The Norges Bank upped its rates forecasts and said it would likely hike rates again in May and also after that to hit 3.5% by the summer, given signs that economic slowdown will be less pronounced than previously expected.