Australia CPI rose 0.4% qoq, 1.9% yoy in Q3, versus expectation of 0.5% qoq, 1.9% yoy. The annual rate slowed quite notably from 2.1% yoy. Trimmed mean CPI was unchanged at 1.8% yoy. Weighted median CPI was also unchanged at 1.7% yoy.
Chief Economist for the ABS, Bruce Hockman said: “Annual growth in the CPI fell back below 2 per cent in the September quarter 2018. Modest rises in housing costs, including rents, utilities and property rates, and a fall in child care out-of-pocket expenses, saw a subdued rise in the CPI this quarter.”
AUD/USD dips after the release but quickly recovered.