Mixed rates message in Australia

Economists are split on whether the Reserve Bank of Australia will announce a rate rise today as recent data indicates the economy is showing no signs of slowing.

Of 19 economists surveyed by AAP nine now say the RBA will announce it is raising the official cash rate to 6.5 per cent, up from seven economists as recently as Monday. One economist expects an increase by December. Seven expect no increase between now and December, and two expect a rate decrease by the end of the year.