The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to raise interest rates by 0.25% at its first meeting of the year, with markets pricing in a 70% chance of a hike following recent inflation data. Average mortgage holders with a $695,000 loan could face an additional $110 per month or approximately $1,300 annually in repayments. Core trimmed mean inflation, driven by housing, rents and electricity prices, remains stubbornly high and may continue to challenge Australian households through 2026.