The Reserve Bank of Australia held its official cash rate at 4.35%, according to the Guardian. The RBA had implemented three consecutive cash rate hikes this year, according to the Guardian. Thirty-two economists and economic experts canvassed by nine.com.au unanimously predicted the RBA would keep the cash rate at 3.6 per cent at its next meeting. The RBA faces a tricky balancing act due to mixed economic signals, according to nine.com.au. Consumer spending is strong, and inflation has risen, according to nine.com.au. Unemployment in Australia hit a four-year high, according to the Guardian. Economic activity in Australia has slowed, according to the Guardian. A ceasefire in the Middle East is not sufficient to prompt the RBA to lower interest rates. Mortgage holders are not expected to see a rate cut next week.