Canberrans weigh up cost of living and pet ownership as another rate hike looms

ACT small businesses vulnerable to rising cost of staying open as consumers weigh up living expenses

In short:

The Canberra Business Chamber says small businesses will likely be the hardest hit by RBA interest rate hikes, along with property rate increases in Canberra.

It comes as consumers are spending less, with some resorting to giving up their pets to animal shelters due to unaffordability.

What's next?

The Reserve Bank of Australia is expected to raise interest rates next week to manage inflation.