Inflation rises to 5.2% as expected in year to August

The news: Australia's monthly consumer price index grew 5.2% in the 12 months to August, in-line with analyst predictions and up from 4.9% in July, as fuel prices hit pocketbooks around the country.

The numbers: Automotive fuel prices jumped 13.9% in the 12 months to August. The biggest price increases in non-volatile sectors were in housing (+6.6%), transport (+7.4%), food and non-alcoholic beverages (+4.4%) and insurance and financial services (+8.8%).

The context: Oil prices and planned supply disruptions have reignited inflation fears and heightened concerns of further interest rate hikes, after three months of pauses from the RBA. Australia's central bank — and its overseas counterparts -—will be watching inflation data closely in the coming months.