Australia central bank seen keeping rates steady at August meeting: Reuters poll

Out of 47 economists polled by Reuters, 46 forecast the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) would stand pat at its policy meeting on August 1.

The RBA eased twice last year but has since held steady as it balances the risk of fuelling further borrowing in the country's red-hot property market against tepid inflation.

While the majority predicted the central bank would keep rates steady until the middle of next year, 24 of 37 respondents forecast that it would tighten by December next year, against two who expect an easing.

(Reporting by Tom Westbrook; Editing by Shri Navaratnam)