Australia Real Interest Rate
Real interest rate FR.INR.RINR
Australia's real interest rate was 1.57% in 2019, ranked 15th globally. This represents a 53.2% decrease from 2018. Data from World Bank, covering 1961–2019.
Overview
Australia's real interest rate stood at 1.57% in 2019, a decline of +1.78pp from 2018. Australia ranked 15th globally.
Australia’s real interest rate in 2019 stood at 1.57 percent, placing the nation 15th in the world according to the World Bank. Over the 59‑year series beginning in 1961, the rate has fluctuated markedly, reaching an all‑time high of 10.09 percent in 1991 before plunging to a trough of –6.01 percent in 1974. The post‑1991 decline reflects a broader shift toward accommodative monetary policy as inflation pressures eased, while the 1970s dip coincided with global oil shocks and stagflation. Compared with peers of similar ranking, Australia’s rate is marginally above Italy’s 1.54 percent and Israel’s 1.59 percent, suggesting a slightly tighter stance than those economies. The modest rise from the early 2000s low to the 2019 level indicates a gradual normalization, but future movements will hinge on the Reserve Bank of Australia’s response to inflation dynamics, fiscal conditions and external shocks, which could steer the rate either higher or lower.
Data & projection
| Year | Real Interest Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1.57% | −1.78pp | #15 |
| 2018 | 3.35% | +1.81pp | #45 |
| 2017 | 1.54% | −4.59pp | #35 |
| 2016 | 6.14% | −0.11pp | #64 |
| 2015 | 6.24% | +1.77pp | #66 |
| 2014 | 4.47% | −1.85pp | #44 |
| 2013 | 6.32% | +1.23pp | #74 |
| 2012 | 5.09% | +3.64pp | #66 |
| 2011 | 1.45% | −4.59pp | #49 |
| 2010 | 6.04% | +5.06pp | #82 |
| 2009 | 0.98% | −3.17pp | #12 |
| 2008 | 4.15% | +1.09pp | #82 |
| 2007 | 3.06% | +0.68pp | #54 |
| 2006 | 2.38% | −0.93pp | #45 |
| 2005 | 3.31% | −0.39pp | #50 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Australia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw real interest rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Australia's real interest rate was 1.57% in 2019. Ranked 15th globally. This represents a 53.2% decrease from the previous year.
Australia's real interest rate peaked at 10.09% in 1991.
The lowest real interest rate in Australia was -6.01% in 1974.
Australia ranks 15th globally in real interest rate as of 2019.
The World Bank indicator code is FR.INR.RINR. Data sourced from World Bank.
The real interest rate of Australia in 2019 was 1.57%. This ranks 15th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_australia_real-interest-rate,
title = {Australia Real Interest Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/australia/real-interest-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}