Uneasy outlook spurs rate cut call MOMENTUM for further interest rate cuts gained traction yesterday amid renewed signals of weakness in the economy, prompting business leaders to call for the Reserve Bank to consider moving on rates -- if not today, in the immediate months ahead. Westpac chief executive Gail Kelly broke ranks with other banking leaders, saying a softening in rates was needed to boost consumer confidence and assist the handover of economic growth from the mining investment boom to the housing sector.