If interest rates rise again, it may be because inflation fears lost their anchor to reality

The issue of consumer expectations' of inflation is hotly debated by economists, and might be a key factor in the Reserve Bank's decision

• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

If the Reserve Bank lifts interest rates on Tuesday, governor Michele Bullock may well cite the need to keep consumers' expectations of inflation anchored".

But it's not a simple task to determine what those expectations are and whether they are anchored to reality.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup