Interest rates might seem mysterious, but a simple formula known as Taylor’s Rule has long helped central banks—including the Reserve Bank of Australia—set the pace for the entire economy. In 2025, with inflation and growth in flux, understanding this rule is more relevant than ever for Aussie borrowers and investors.
First introduced by Stanford economist John B. Taylor in 1993, Taylor’s Rule offers a mathematical guideline for setting short-term interest rates based on two key economic variables: inflation and output (economic growth). It’s not an ironclad law, but it’s influential. Here’s the classic version of the formula:
In plain English, if inflation rises above the central bank’s target, or if the economy grows faster than expected, the rule suggests lifting rates. If inflation is below target or the economy lags, it points to rate cuts. The formula’s ‘neutral rate’ is the theoretical interest rate that neither stimulates nor slows the economy.
Australia’s Reserve Bank doesn’t mechanically follow Taylor’s Rule, but it regularly references it as a “cross-check” in its statements and research. In 2025, several trends put Taylor’s Rule back in the spotlight:
Recent RBA speeches have cited Taylor’s Rule to justify holding the cash rate steady at 4.35% in Q1 2025, even as headline inflation sits just above 3%. The formula’s guidance helps the RBA weigh the risk of overtightening against the need to keep inflation expectations anchored.
Even if you’ve never heard of Taylor’s Rule, its influence reaches your mortgage, savings, and investment choices. Here’s how:
For example, in February 2025, several major banks cited Taylor’s Rule when forecasting the RBA would hold rates until late in the year, based on core inflation tracking close to target and a modest output gap.
While Taylor’s Rule is a powerful tool, it has its critics—especially in today’s complex, shock-prone world. Some challenges include:
Nevertheless, Taylor’s Rule remains a valuable framework for understanding central bank thinking—even if policymakers use it as a guide, not a GPS.
If you’re a borrower, investor, or business owner, tracking the Taylor’s Rule “prescription” for rates can help you anticipate changes and make smarter financial decisions. Here’s how: