Inflation in Australia remained in retreat in the last quarter of 2024, stoking the case for the central bank to join the global easing cycle by cutting rates at its coming meeting in February.

Australian consumer prices rose at the slowest pace in almost four years in the December quarter, while a pullback in housing costs helped cool core inflation and open the door to a cut in interest rates as early as next month.

Australia’s quarterly inflation data this week may be key to whether the central bank finally embarks on a monetary easing cycle soon, and in turn, help decide the timing of an election due by May 17.

Financial markets are betting the Reserve Bank will preview a rates reprieve in February, with official figures showing the RBA's preferred measure of inflation fell to 3.2 per cent over the year to December.

A larger than expected drop in inflation data has boosted the chances of an interest rate cut as soon as February.

Good morning. It’s Angus in Sydney with the key morning news items.Today’s must-reads:• Australia’s inflation cools• US Fed in no rush to cut rates further• New Zealand’s largest solar farm

Australia’s underlying inflation rate has fallen to 3.2%, its lowest level in three years, fueling expectations that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) may reduce interest rates in the coming months.

News Corp Senior Writer Patrick Carlyon breaks down the latest data concerning Australia’s inflation numbers. “This is great news for Australians,” Mr Carlyon told Sky News host Danica De Giorgio. “These numbers do give the Reserve Bank ground to actually drop interest rates later this month.

Australias consumer price index (CPI) inflation grew less than expected in the fourth quarter, signaling a slowdown but still remaining above the Reserve Bank of Australias (RBA) target range. Data from the