Australia's Inflation and Employment Trends Indicate Economic Challenges

According to Odaily, HSBC economists have noted that Australia's latest CPI data suggests a continued gradual decline in inflation, although core inflation remains above the Reserve Bank of Australia's target range. The strong growth in job vacancies further indicates a tightening labor market, which complicates the effort to bring core inflation back to target levels. The economists highlight that the Reserve Bank of Australia is unlikely to cut interest rates before the second quarter, with a 25% chance that rates will not be reduced at all this year. Upcoming retail data on Thursday and labor data next week are key indicators to watch.