أستراليا مؤشر المؤشرات القيادية

The Westpac–Melbourne Institute Leading Economic Index for Australia edged up 0.1% month-over-month in October 2025 after a flat reading in the previous month. The six-month annualized growth rate also improved, rising to 0.35% from 0.1%. After hovering around zero for much of the past six months, the index has begun to show modest momentum heading into year-end, with the October update indicating slightly above-trend growth in early 2026. Although the signal is mild, it aligns with expectations that activity will continue to strengthen through the rest of 2025 and into next year. Westpac economist Ryan Wells forecasts GDP growth to pick up from 1.8% currently to 2.4% in 2026. On interest rates, Westpac expects the RBA to keep the cash rate on hold until mid-2026, by which time easing inflation should be more evident. This would allow for potential rate cuts in May and August, returning policy to broadly neutral settings.