RBA Governer Prepares for Policy Evaluation Amidst Inflation Challenges
RBA Governer Prepares for Policy Evaluation Amidst Inflation Challenges
1
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 Michele Bullock prepares for her premier appearance before parliament, she faces intense scrutiny regarding her strategies for inflation control.
This critical session will put the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) policies, economic foresight, and recent strategic modifications into the spotlight.
Bullock, who has recently assumed her role as the governor, will convene with legislators in Canberra on Friday for an in-depth discussion.
The hearing represents a pivotal moment for Bullock, following her initial public engagement earlier this week. Post the RBA's board assembly, she addressed the media in Sydney, detailing the bank's monetary stance. During the inaugural discussion of the year, the board opted to maintain the cash rate at 4.35 percent, aligning with majority predictions owing to indications of reduced inflationary pressures.
A notable deceleration in the growth of consumer prices has been documented. The end of the previous year marked a descent in the consumer price index to 4.1 percent, compared to the peak level of 5.4 percent experienced in the preceding year-to-September period, signaling the weakest inflationary pulse in a 24-month span.
Nonetheless, the task of reigning in the inflation rate to the ideal RBA bandwidth of two to three percent persists. Projections suggest the slowdown in inflation may not proceed at the anticipated pace, compelling the board to consider persistent-or potentially escalated-interest rate increments to mitigate inflationary tendencies.
Amidst these developments, the Chair of the federal parliamentary standing committee on economics, Daniel Mulino, underlined the critical nature of the impending review. He emphasized the committee's intent to scrupulously assess the RBA's response to still-elevated inflation levels and their methodologies for integrating progressive data and emerging risks in support of stabilizing inflation.
Key focus: Evaluating RBA's route to inflation sustainability
Predicted topic: Examination of potential interest rate adjustments
Target for RBA: Sustaining inflation within the two to three percent spectrum
Published:Saturday, 10th Feb 2024 Source: Paige Estritori
Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at mitigating risks in the housing market. Effective February 2026, APRA will impose a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, limiting such loans to 20% of new home lending portfolios. This measure is designed to address concerns over escalating property prices and the potential for financial instability. - read more
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the nation's largest lender, has voiced concerns over 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
Australia's 'Big Four' banks-Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), National Australia Bank (NAB), Westpac, 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
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
Choosing the right loan can be a pivotal decision in your personal financial journey. In Australia, where a diverse range of loan options is available, selecting the loan that aligns perfectly with your needs is more crucial than ever. A judicious choice can help you fulfill your dreams—be it buying a new home, investing in education, or consolidating debt—while ensuring that the repayments remain manageable and do not lead to financial strain. - read more
Maintaining a healthy credit score is crucial for anyone looking to secure their financial future. A good credit score can open doors to better loan rates, more favourable credit card terms, and even housing opportunities. It's something that impacts many major financial decisions you make in life. Without a solid score, you might end up paying more in interest and find it harder to get approval for the things you really need. - 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
Financial stress can feel like an unstoppable force, a cycle of worry that impacts not only our peace of mind but also our fiscal health. It represents the anxiety and pressure associated with the inability to meet financial obligations, be it due to unforeseen expenses, unemployment, or a plethora of other reasons. - 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
When embarking on the journey to secure financing, particularly for significant purchases such as a car, your credit score takes center stage in the eyes of lenders. A credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness, derived from your financial history and behaviors. It wields substantial influence on your ability to acquire loans with favorable terms. - read more
Financial stress is a common issue that affects a large portion of individuals, often due to unexpected expenses, unemployment, or a high cost of living. It can lead to both mental and emotional strain, influencing one's quality of life and decision-making abilities. Credit scores, a critical measurement of financial health, are used by lenders to evaluate the risk of lending money. - read more
Let's dive into the essential topic of emergency funds. An emergency fund is a stash of money set aside to cover the financial surprises life throws your way. These unexpected events can include sudden unplanned repairs, medical emergencies, or job loss. - 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
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
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
Margin Call: A demand by a broker that an investor deposit additional money or securities into the account to cover possible losses.