About the Event
The Reserve Bank of Australia Board meets 11 times per year, typically on the first Tuesday of each month (except January), to assess the current economic conditions and make decisions on monetary policy. This tradition has continued since the RBA’s establishment in 1960, making it one of the most significant recurring economic events in Australia.
Market Impact
The RBA’s interest rate decisions have profound effects on financial markets, particularly influencing:
- The Australian dollar (AUD) exchange rates
- Australian government bond yields
- The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX)
- Banking sector performance
- Housing market and mortgage rates
Even subtle changes in the policy statement language can trigger significant market movements as traders analyze the implications for future monetary policy direction.
Participation
While the RBA Board meeting itself is not open to public attendance, market participants and interested observers can follow the announcement in several ways:
- The official policy decision is published on the RBA website at 2:30 PM AEST
- Financial news outlets provide live coverage and analysis
- The RBA Governor occasionally holds press conferences following significant policy changes
- The full minutes of the meeting are published two weeks after the event
Who Should Pay Attention
This event is particularly important for:
- Forex traders: Especially those dealing with AUD currency pairs (AUD/USD, EUR/AUD, AUD/JPY)
- Bond traders: As interest rate decisions directly impact bond prices and yields
- Equity investors: Rate changes affect business borrowing costs and consumer spending
- Property investors: Housing market sentiment is closely tied to interest rate policy
- Australian businesses: Monetary policy influences business conditions and consumer confidence
- Global investors: With exposure to Australian assets or commodities
Trading Considerations
Traders should be prepared for increased volatility in AUD-related markets before and after the announcement. Unexpected policy changes or shifts in forward guidance language can create significant trading opportunities, but also higher risk. Many traders adjust their positions or implement risk management strategies ahead of this high-impact event.
The September 2025 meeting comes at a time when global central banks are navigating complex economic conditions, making the RBA’s outlook on inflation, employment, and growth particularly significant for market direction.