Story perspectives

Australia's Unemployment Hits 4.5%, Rate Cut Expected

10/18/2025

Summary

Story summary

Australia’s unemployment rate rose to 4.5% in September, the highest since late 2021, prompting expectations of a Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) rate cut at its November meeting.
A 15,000-job rise accompanied higher participation, increasing job seekers.
Employment growth slowed this year, with 116,000 jobs added in the first nine months, vs 323,000 last year.
The RBA remains cautious, balancing inflation concerns with evolving labor-market trends.

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Story summary

Australia’s unemployment rate rose to 4.5% in September, the highest since late 2021, prompting expectations of a Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) rate cut at its November meeting.
A 15,000-job rise accompanied higher participation, increasing job seekers.
Employment growth slowed this year, with 116,000 jobs added in the first nine months, vs 323,000 last year.
The RBA remains cautious, balancing inflation concerns with evolving labor-market trends.