Australian shares slipped on Wednesday even as fresh inflation figures undershot expectations.
At the closing bell, the S&P/ASX200 had shed 0.7 per cent, or 52 points, to 7,468.5, while the All Ordinaries fared slightly better, falling 0.6 per cent to 7.702.7.
The Australian dollar was higher against the greenback, rising 0.3 per cent to 67.04c at the end of the session.
Released on Wednesday, the latest consumer price index figures showed annual inflation slowed to 4.3 per cent in November, below consensus forecasts of a 4.4 per cent increase, easing pressure on RBA to hike rates at its February meeting.
But despite an easing in price pressures, HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham said progress towards the RBA’s 2 to 3 per cent target band would be slow.
“We expect that the RBA will remain concerned that although inflation has ...
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