TechnologyWorld NewsNewsSeptember 18, 2026
Australia Warns AI Boom and Middle East Conflict Are Reviving Inflation Risks
Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Michele Bullock says inflation risks are beginning to materialise as Middle East energy disruption and the global AI investment boom push costs higher. Australia's cash rate has already risen to 4.35% following three increases this year, with policymakers assessing whether further tightening is necessary.
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Australia's warning reflects a wider challenge confronting central banks: expensive energy is lifting near-term inflation while enormous AI infrastructure investment is increasing demand for power, equipment and capital.
The Reserve Bank of Australia will monitor energy prices, business costs, wages and inflation before deciding whether another increase is needed to return inflation sustainably to its 2%–3% target.
2026: RBA raises rates three times
Sep: Middle East energy disruption adds inflation pressure
Sep 18: Bullock says inflation risks are materialising
Next: RBA assesses whether additional tightening is required.
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1. reuters.comView Original
