Reserve Bank raises interest rates to an 18-year high, the fifth time this year Full report: RBA hikes cash rate for fifth time this year in blow to mortgage holders Use our loan calculator to check how the rate rise may affect you Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The Reserve Bank has hiked rates for the fifth time this year, from 4.6% to 4.85%, in a bid to regain control of surging inflation amid the ongoing global oil shock triggered by the war in the Middle East. The RBA’s decision to hit mortgage holders again comes as no surprise after inflation jumped to 4.3% in the year to September, and following tough talk from senior central bank officials over recent days and weeks. Continue reading...