RBA hikes rate by 50bp and turns hawkish amid soaring inflation

RBA has announced the biggest single hike in the cash rate since 2000. Inflation in Australia has increased significantly and is expected to increase further. RBA wants to combat inflation before it gets out of control.
RBA expects to take further steps in the process of normalizing monetary policies over the months ahead.
ASX fell sharply, more than 1.5% decline, after the unexpected news as only 3 out of 29 economists predicted 50bp rise. Economists now expect today’s hike is a start of a series of aggressive rate hikes over the rest of this year, which will push borrowing costs higher across the economy.