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.
Critical insights from the Reserve Bank of Australia propose shifting dynamics in the realm of monetary policymaking, as the institution exhibits a pause in interest rate hikes for the first time after a persistent surge over the previous year.
It has shared crucial deliberations suggesting a potential alteration in trajectory.
Recently disclosed minutes from the RBA's March 18-19 assembly indicate an essential deviation, with the current cash rate maintaining its position at 4.35%. The RBA's series of 13 consecutive increases that commenced in May 2022 took a break as further escalations were not tabled during the March congregation.
Conversations among the board members brought to light an equilibrium in economic forecasts and the challenges encompassed in the directional rainmaking for interest rates. Phrases of "difficult to either rule in or out future changes in the cash rate target" underscored board communication, keeping economists and market players vigilant about incoming decisions.
Amid this cautious attitude, the presumption of future policy action tends towards a diminution in rates. Forecasts are being cast, pricing a 25 basis point reduction at the central bank's September session.
Notably, the monitored indicators, such as inflation levels moderating closer to anticipated figures, remain a focal point. While inflation may have slowed, persistent elevation in service costs raises pertinent concerns. Nevertheless, the percentages are foreseen to hit the 2 to 3 percent target zone by the close of 2025.
The RBA disclosed that scrutinizing other nations' paths to inflation alleviation could impart critical strategic lessons. Members pledged to preserve workforce gains and emphasized a "gradual return of inflation to target and the labour market to full employment" as their priority.
Expert analysis from Commonwealth Bank reports a doveish sentiment resonating from the board, with potential rate deductions anticipated in the ultimate quarter of 2024. Contrastingly, outlooks from Capital Economics suggest an air of patience, expecting tailbacks on interest rate reductions until later within the year, emphasizing historical patterns observed in the RBA's modus operandi.
Furthermore, the detailed minutes delved into the consumer landscape under stern fiscal conditions. As scheduled debt repayments swell amidst tight monetary constraints, households, particularly those in the lower income bracket, confront potent challenges. Yet, the RBA observes baseline resilience as historical lows in defaults are recorded amid rising arrears rates.
Emerging from this fiscal examination, the RBA comments on trends of growing deposits outpacing property valuations and newcomers to borrowing securing loans with modest debt-to-income thresholds. So, while some households face struggle aligning debt obligations with essential spending, stability within the banking sector holds steadfastly.
Treasury representatives welcomed this release, recognizing the interim relief it offers borrowers - a transitional period for adjustment as the nation anticipates policy directions in the RBA's subsequent May gathering where rates are surmised to remain immobilized.
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
The Federal Court of Australia has issued permanent injunctions against Cigno Australia Pty Ltd and BSF Solutions Pty Ltd, preventing them from engaging in unlicensed credit activities and charging prohibited fees. This ruling follows findings that, between July 2022 and October 2023, the companies provided loans totaling $34 million to over 100,000 consumers, while charging fees exceeding $70 million, all without holding an Australian Credit Licence. - read more
Australia is experiencing a surge in investments in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) as the nation aggressively pursues its goal of achieving 82% renewable energy by 2030. This transition, driven by rapid expansion of solar and wind infrastructure and the closure of coal plants, has created a growing demand for flexible energy storage solutions. - 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
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
Loan approval can often be a crucial milestone in achieving your financial goals. Whether you're looking to buy a home, pay for education, or consolidate debt, securing a loan can provide the financial boost you need to move forward. - 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
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 debt effectively is crucial for young adults, especially as they start building their financial independence. Understanding how to manage debt properly can help you avoid financial pitfalls and set you up for a stable future. - 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
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
Your credit score is a crucial part of your financial health. Essentially, it’s a numerical representation of your creditworthiness, calculated based on your credit history. In Australia, credit scores range from 0 to 1200, with a higher score indicating better creditworthiness. - 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
Asset-Backed Security (ABS): A financial security backed by a pool of assets, such as loans, leases, credit card debt, royalties, or receivables.