What next for interest rates

This is The Nine News Podcast.

Coming up what next for interest rates, Queensland on Cyclone Watch and the Tilly's a step closer

to glory on home soil.

I'm Josh Bryant with this morning's Nine News Podcast.

The head of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center has resigned, saying he cannot support

America's conflict with Iran.

Joe Kent, the Trump administration's pick for the role, has published a statement on social

media claiming that Iran posed no imminent threat to America.

The White House is criticizing the resignation and the statement claiming there is strong

and compelling evidence about the threat to the U.S.

The U.S. President meantime says America doesn't need help escorting ships through the

strait of Hamus but has criticized allies who don't want to get involved.

Donald Trump again taking aim at NATO for the response to the conflict.

NATO is making a very foolish mistake and I've long said that I wonder whether or not

NATO would ever be there for us.

So this was a great test because we don't need them but they should have been there.

The United Arab Emirates says it's still intercepting Iranian missile attacks and drones after

the conflict forced the temporary closure of the country's airspace on two days in a row.

The big four banks have passed on the latest interest rate rise as mortgage holders wait

to see what their next move will be.

The official cash rates claimed 25 basis points to 4.1%, the RBA board split 5-4 in favor

of increasing now rather than waiting until May.

Judo-bank economic adviser Warren Hogan expects at least one more rate rise but the conflict

in Iran will play a major factor.

Let's assume that the US objectives are met and things calm down and all prices get

back to under $100 in the next month or so.

I think the natural rhythm of the economy, the recovery we were seeing, the inflation

that's coming through means we're going to get at least one more rate high.

A long awaited trade deal between Australia and Europe could be settled early next week.

The European Commission President Ursula Von Delaian is expected to travel the camera

to finalise the $110 billion deal, tensions over beef exports have seen past negotiations

fall over.

A severe tropical cyclone is making its way west in the Coral Sea heading towards the

North Queensland coast.

Tropical cyclone Narell is forecast to make landfall north of Port Douglas on Friday.

The system is expected to intensify into at least a category 3, possibly reaching category 4.

Regional airports are posting an average loss of almost $200,000 a year in Australia.

Nearly 60% are operating in deficit 23 airports have been forced to defer capital upgrades due

to budget issues.

The Australian Airport Association Chief Executive Simon Westaway says many of the smaller

airports rely on local councils to keep them going.

Great payers and regional communities that are subsidising these airports and yet they are

actually quite critical to the future infrastructure needs.

Australia is a huge continent.

We do rely on aviation being sustainable right around our great country, not simply just

flying between Sydney and Melbourne.

And scientists have found a link between the frequency of nightmares and dementia risk.

The University of New South Wales team found a correlation was most prevalent for men in their 60s.

Dr. Darren Lipnicki says the link indicates disturbing dreams may be an early warning sign.

If it's something that sits there alone and maybe it's nearly developed,

then it might be something to think about and track over time for a bit.

In finance, $1.00 a dollar buying 71 U.S. sense sport.

The Matilda's are into the Asian Cup final Australia beating defending champions

China in the semi-finals in Perth 2-1.

Caitlin Ford opening the scoring in the 17th minute before Sam Kerr scored what proved to be

the match winner in the second half.

The Matilda's will play the winner of tonight's match between South Korea and Japan.

The final to be held in Sydney on Saturday night.

Scott Pendlebury has avoided suspension at the AFL Tribunal.

Thanks to his good record, the calling would veteran has had his one match been

downgraded to a $3,000 fine.

Michael McGuire has swung the axe at the Broncos in the NRL,

dropping center Gemshipa Saki to the bench for Friday's clash with the storm.

And the Kings will take on the 36s in the NBL's championship series,

Adelaide beating Southeast Melbourne Phoenix 108-96 in game three of their playoff.

I'm Josh Bryant. That's the 9 News Podcast for the latest in news.

Tune in to 9 News at 6pm.