Australian businesses are having a tough time. According to the latest reports, due to the dual blow of rising inflation and uncertain economic outlook, many companies are tightening their belts. The survey data is quite straightforward—about 65% of companies have already hit the brakes on investment, and 3/4 of bosses cite rising costs as the biggest obstacle to growth. More painfully, nearly half of the companies say they have no hiring plans for the next 12 months. Behind this series of cold statistics, there is a growing concern in the market about the economic outlook. Along with this, investors and analysts are pondering a question: will the central bank once again resort to raising interest rates?