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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Business
Peter Hannam

Has Jim Chalmers’ budget really poured fuel on the inflation fire? Don’t believe the hype

Jim Chalmers Inflation RBA Westpac Australia
man walks past ASX stock ticker screen
‘Markets don’t always get it right, but their verdict on the budget is clear for anyone bothering to look.’ Photograph: Tim Wimborne/Reuters

If you read or listen to much of the post-budget commentary you will be led to believe treasurer Jim Chalmers has just fanned the flames of inflation, making another interest rate hike more likely.

“Stimulatory budget could trigger another RBA rate rise,” ran the headline of one prominent article in the Australian Financial Review on Thursday. “Rates reality bites Jim’s spin,” was the front-page headline in the Australian.

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