The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has poked its formidable nose into the Aussie interest rate debate… It says it should go up to assist with getting a handle on inflation. The IMF’s call comes as the Reserve Bank mulls whether to hike the 4.1% cash rate at its meeting next Tuesday. The major banks reckon it will – especially after inflation for July-September came in higher than expected at 5.4%. The IMF is worried that stubborn inflation + low unemployment + high house prices are signs the economy is running a bit too hot. And new data from CoreLogic backs that up – home values across the country are on track to hit a record high with a 7.6% rise in prices since January. Sydney, Perth and Brissie are all especially tough spots to grab a bargain – prices in those cities are up more than 10% this year.