Aus central bank leaves rates unchanged

SYDNEY - Australia's central bank has left its key interest rate unchanged at 3.25 per cent after four consecutive months of cuts to help stimulate the economy.

The board of the Reserve Bank of Australia decided today to end the run of cuts - for now - that have brought the key rate to its lowest level in more than 40 years as policymakers try to stave off recession.

Governor Glenn Stevens said the global downtown has weakened Australia's economy but not as badly as other countries.

Analysts had mixed opinions about whether the bank would cut rates a fifth consecutive time, with some saying it would wait longer to see if the economy would pick up in response to earlier cuts and a $A42 billion dollar government stimulus package.

New Zealand's Reserve Bank is set to announce whether it will keep cutting official rates next Thursday.

-AP