Australia and Sri Lanka leave rates on hold

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka today (August 7) revealed policy decisions that saw benchmark interest rates left at previous levels. Both central banks referred to weakening economic performances around the world as having influenced their decisions.

Glenn Stevens, governor of the RBA, said that despite early positivity, growth in the world economy had since "softened". He referred to moderations in the Chinese and US, but said the "most significant area of