SYDNEY, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Australia's central bank kept its main cash rate steady at a record-matching low of 3.0 percent on Tuesday, a widely expected decision given how the global background had brightened since its last easing in December.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) made the announcement following its monthly policy meeting. The vast majority of analysts had felt the RBA would hold rates at 3.0 percent this month. For text of the statement see:

(Reporting by Wayne Cole) Keywords: AUSTRALIA ECONOMY/RATES

(Wayne.Cole@thomsonreuters.com)(612 9373 1813)(Reuters Messaging: wayne.cole.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net)

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