Market Economics Managing Director Stephen Koukoulas says Australians can “rule out” rate hikes as inflation remains flat for the third month in a row.

Mr Koukoulas claims there is a “hot debate” going on between economists over the possibility of a rate cut or whether rates will remain flat.

“It’s great when there’s a difference of opinion because it actually means that there’s something going underlying in the economy,” he told Sky News Australia.

“We can rule out rate hikes; I think that’s the easiest thing to say right now.

“It’s all about timing.”