By Peter Smith, Sydney correspondent

Australia’s central bank underlined its determination to reduce monetary stimulus on Tuesday when it lifted its benchmark interest rate from 4 to 4.25 per cent, its fifth such rise since October. Read more

The central bank of Australia has raised the cash rate from 3.75 to 4 per cent, as expected. A rate rise had been expected last month, but concerns for the global recovery and domestic credit caused a surprise stay of execution.

The increase is effective tomorrow. Normalisation is how the bank sees it. “The Board judges that with growth likely to be close to trend and inflation close to target over the coming year, it is appropriate for interest rates to be closer to average. Today’s decision is a further step in that process.” Read more

The Australian central bank has kept its cash rate at 3.75 per cent, after three consecutive monthly rises, signalling concerns about the strength of the recovery. The Aussie dollar slid 1.4 per cent against both the dollar and the yen on the news.

The move was unexpected, though markets beat economists in being less surprised. Read more

An imminent rise in the interest rate is unlikely. The Reserve Bank of Australia said it was in a suitably “flexible” position following three consecutive rate increases. Indeed, it transpires there was some debate over the last increase of 25bp. Minutes of the RBA meeting on December 2 noted: “The question … was whether it was more appropriate to take a further step at this meeting or to hold the cash rate steady pending a further evaluation of developments.” Read more

Glenn Stevens said on Tuesday that the central bank will take rising Australian mortgage rates into account when it sets monetary policy. The governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia also said a “neutral” level for Australian interest rates may be lower than previously forecast with widening margins between benchmark and mortgage rates. Read more