Pressure Mounts for RBA Rate Cuts Amid Election Concerns
Pressure Mounts for RBA Rate Cuts Amid Election Concerns
0
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
As Australia approaches the upcoming federal election, scheduled for May 2025, recent polls suggest the possibility of a hung parliament.
Voters continue to express mounting concerns over the cost of living, as household disposable incomes fall to record lows.
The loudest cries for financial relief come from mortgage holders, who have been particularly affected.
Interestingly, several countries within the Anglosphere, including New Zealand, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, have started easing their interest rates, highlighting Australia's distinct position in maintaining higher rates.
The Albanese government, facing an impending election, is urgently looking towards the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) for a potential interest rate cut that could sway voter sentiment. Treasurer Jim Chalmers highlighted a surprising aspect of the recent economic data, mentioning that inflation was now the lowest in four years and within the RBA's aim of 2% to 3%-a reflection not seen since 2021.
This proclamation seemed to challenge detractors and aimed criticism at the RBA. Yet, the observed drop in inflation was largely propelled by significant price reductions in electricity and petrol prices, with the former dropping by 17.3% and the latter by 6.7% on a quarterly basis.
Though these factors skewed the headline inflation rate, when refined, core inflation remained at 0.8% for the quarter and 3.5% year-on-year. This identified inflation persistence is supported by IFM Investors' Alex Joiner, offering a cautious view that slightly diverges from the surface figures.
Australia's core inflation signifies a broader overhead compared to other advanced economies. Moreover, the RBA insists on considering the core inflation metrics, disregarding headline readings distorted by government subsidies:
"With the trajectory of inflation aligning with the RBA's forecast, there seems minimal impetus to adjust their current stance," Alex Joiner elaborated, predicting stable interest rates through the end of the year.
While there's general anticipation of policy adjustments by February, Joiner remarks this consensus rests on ongoing disinflationary trends or clear signs of market and employment downturns: "February holds the consensus; however, the risk encroached by a potential interest rate cut might defer actions until closer to April or May, coinciding with the federal election."
As the date draws nearer, conjecture abounds about potential disputes between the government and the RBA. On the one hand, Treasurer Chalmers could assert that headline inflation meets the Reserve Bank Act's 2%-3% objective mandates, leveraging the trimmed mean as a differentiated reference.
On the other, the RBA could justify its measured approach by focusing on persistently high core inflation rates, which overshadow the headline numbers. The impending months leading to the election promise to be fraught with political and financial drama, with keen observers ready to analyze the implications of every fiscal statement.
Originally sourced from the background of evolving economic policies and political tensions, this narrative signifies an intriguing lead-up to election day. Hold tight, as the intricate dance between governmental aspirations and monetary policy unfolds before us.
Published:Thursday, 31st Oct 2024 Source: Paige Estritori
Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.
Recent analyses indicate that Australian home prices are set to rise by approximately 7% in 2026, an upward revision from earlier projections of 5.6%. This anticipated growth is primarily attributed to a constrained housing supply coupled with resilient demand, particularly in major urban centres such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. - read more
The Australian stock market has demonstrated remarkable resilience, with the S&P/ASX 200 index recording a 10.2% gain over the 2025 financial year. This performance comes despite a backdrop of global economic uncertainties, including geopolitical tensions and fluctuating commodity prices. - read more
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the nation's largest lender, has expressed concerns about the current surge in home loan demand, suggesting it may be contributing to escalating property prices and potential financial instability. CEO Matt Comyn emphasized that while the bank benefits from increased housing credit, a more moderate growth rate would better support long-term financial stability and housing market accessibility. - read more
RAMS Financial Group, a subsidiary of Westpac Banking Corporation, has been fined A$20 million by Australia's Federal Court for serious misconduct in its home loan practices between June 2019 and April 2023. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) initiated the lawsuit, citing issues such as the use of falsified payslips to approve loans, engagement with unlicensed mortgage referrers, and inadequate oversight mechanisms. - read more
Australia's 'Big Four' banks-Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), Westpac, National Australia Bank (NAB), and ANZ-are strategically reducing their reliance on mortgage brokers in response to squeezed profit margins resulting from lower interest rates, rising operational costs, and intense market competition. Currently, mortgage brokers account for approximately 80% of new home loans in Australia, a significant increase from 50% six years ago. However, banks are now focusing on more profitable, in-house mortgage origination channels. - read more
In July 2025, Japanese banking giants Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) emerged as significant growth drivers in Australia's business lending sector. SMBC recorded a 4.66% increase in their business loan book, adding A$1.19 billion, while MUFG achieved a 3.63% expansion, contributing an additional A$0.62 billion. - read more
The Australian Finance Industry Association (AFIA) has recently introduced its Finance Industry Code of Practice, marking a significant advancement in the non-bank lending and specialist banking sectors. This pioneering initiative aims to establish a new standard for integrity, transparency, and fairness within the industry. - read more
Australia is currently experiencing a housing 'super cycle,' characterised by a substantial increase in demand for new homes. This surge is driven by a chronic undersupply of housing, demographic shifts, and evolving lifestyle preferences. For mortgage brokers, this trend presents a unique opportunity to expand their client base and services. Find out now if you qualify and compare rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check! - read more
Australian non-bank lender Moneytech has announced a strategic integration with Xero, the global small business accounting platform. This partnership aims to provide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with a more efficient and streamlined process for accessing working capital. - read more
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is currently assessing whether further reductions in interest rates are necessary, following recent economic data indicating increased consumer spending and persistent inflation in certain sectors. This evaluation comes after the RBA's decision to hold the cash rate steady at 3.60% in September, subsequent to three cuts earlier in the year. - read more
As we navigate the complexities of today's economy, the significance of credit can scarcely be overstated. Whether we're considering a home mortgage, a new car, or managing our personal finances, our credit health often dictates the terms and accessibility of financial support. A robust credit score can open doors to favorable loan terms and rates, while a poor score can narrow our options and cost us more in the long run. - read more
Your credit score is a critical number that plays a significant role in your financial life. It represents your creditworthiness, or in simpler terms, how reliable you are in repaying borrowed money. - read more
Your credit score is more than just a number; it's a reflection of your financial health. Essentially, it’s a numerical expression that represents your creditworthiness. Lenders use this score to assess the level of risk involved in lending you money. - read more
Soft inquiries are a type of credit check that does not impact your credit score. These checks occur when you or a company reviews your credit report as part of a background check, pre-approval process, or other non-lending purpose. - read more
Managing debt is a cornerstone of financial wellness. Whether it's credit card debt, student loans, or a mortgage, keeping debt in check helps you maintain a healthy financial state. High levels of debt can lead to financial stress, impacting your overall well-being and limiting your ability to save for future goals. - read more
A financial crisis can come in many forms, such as a job loss, unexpected medical bills, or an economic downturn. These events can drastically alter your financial stability and may lead to financial distress. - read more
Managing personal finances judiciously becomes paramount when dealing with loans and their repayments. A potential obstacle many encounter is preserving or enhancing their credit score while simultaneously undertaking the necessary financial commitments of loan repayments. Understanding how to navigate this terrain is vital to financial health. - read more
When it comes to securing a loan, the terms you agree to can have a lasting impact on your financial wellness. It's crucial to strike a balance between finding a loan that fits your needs and maintaining a healthy credit score. This delicate equilibrium is where loan comparison tools come into play, serving as navigational aids in the vast sea of credit options. - read more
Embarking on the journey to secure a loan can feel like navigating a minefield with your credit score as the prize. It's no secret that your credit score is your financial fingerprint, impacting not just your loan prospects but also the terms you're offered. However, the act of loan hunting itself, if not done carefully, can take a toll on this crucial number. - read more
Understanding financial health is paramount when venturing into the realm of loan acquisition. It's the backbone that supports not just your immediate monetary requirements but ensures longevity in your fiscal stability. At the heart of this understanding lies a critical aspect: the credit score. It's a numerical representation of your financial trustworthiness, influenced by past fiscal decisions and behaviors. - read more
Need Help Finding a Loan?
Find out now if you qualify and compare
rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check!
All finance quotes are provided free and without obligation. We respect your
privacy.
Knowledgebase
Fixed Income: A type of investment that pays regular interest or dividends, such as bonds or preferred stocks.