Interest rates up another 50 basis points with more hikes to come
Interest rates up another 50 basis points with more hikes to come
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 was expected, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) raised interest rates by another 50 basis points this month.
The fourth rate hike in as many months, today’s decision takes the cash rate from an emergency low of 0.1% to 1.85%.
Since commencing the tightening cycle back on 5 May 2022, the cash rate has risen by 175 basis points; but despite the rapid hike, the cash rate remains well below the pre-COVID decade average of 2.56%.
The RBA is clearly prioritising fighting inflation over supporting the housing sector and any temporary slowdowns in overall economic activity, as the cash rate approaches a contractionary setting later this year.
If house prices fall and mortgage repayments rise, it might help to limit inflation through wealth effects and may also reduce household spending.
The Reserve Bank of Australia believes that inflation will be back at 2-3% by the end of the year and the cash rate may retreat somewhat through the second half of next year.
The cash rate is forecast to peak at 3.32% in March next year and fall back to 2.99% by the end of 2023.
Today’s rate hike, which is likely to flow through in its entirety to variable mortgage rates within a matter of days, paints a weaker picture for the housing sector.
More rate increases to come
Higher interest rates have already had an immediate downside impact on housing values, with CoreLogic’s combined capital cities index peaking shortly after the first-rate on hike in May.
Since that time, dwelling values across the combined capital cities index are down -2.8% to 1 August, after rising 25.5% through the recent upswing.
According to most bank forecasts, the cash rate could rise at least another 75 basis points before peaking.
With this in mind, the decline in housing values is expected to become steeper and geographically more widespread.
Sydney home values are already falling at the fastest pace since at least the early 1980s, with most of that decline (4.8%) occurring since May’s cash rate increase.
Home prices will be influenced by how quickly interest rates rise and how high they go, as well as the performance of the broader economy, available employment opportunities and demographic trends.
As the cash rate finds a ceiling, housing values should find a floor.
Published:Wednesday, 3rd Aug 2022 Author:
Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.
The Reserve Bank of Australia’s latest retail payments update offers another useful snapshot of how households are managing everyday spending, card use and short-term credit. While payment data is not the same as loan approval data, it can still tell borrowers something important: the way money moves through a household each month can affect how comfortable a lender feels about future repayments. - read more
The Reserve Bank of Australia’s latest lending rate statistics are a useful reminder that personal borrowing costs can vary widely, even when the broader cash rate outlook appears steady. For households considering a car loan, debt consolidation loan or unsecured personal loan, the key issue is not simply whether rates are rising or falling. It is whether the loan being offered is affordable, suitable and competitive for the borrower’s circumstances. - read more
The Reserve Bank of Australia’s latest financial aggregates add another layer to an ongoing story for personal loan borrowers: consumer credit remains an important pressure point for household budgets, even as interest rate settings stay under close watch. - read more
If you are seeking lower rates, lower fees and more flexibility in your home loan. you are in luck! Our national panel of mortgage brokers is looking forward to an opportunity to assist you. Apply online for a free eligibility assessment and one of our broker network refinance specialists will get on the case to track down the best deal for your individual circumstances. Without any obligation and at no charge to you!
A low credit score does not automatically stop you from applying for a personal loan in Australia, but it can affect your eligibility, loan options and total cost. Here is what to consider before you apply. - read more
Applying for a loan can be a daunting process, filled with numerous requirements and potential pitfalls. However, avoiding mistakes is crucial to boost your chances of approval and secure the best possible terms. Making errors during your application can lead to unnecessary delays, higher interest rates, or even denial. - read more
When considering personal finance in Australia, personal loans are a handy resource for achieving various financial goals, from consolidating debt to funding a major purchase. Yet, it's essential to approach this financial tool with caution and understanding. Proper comparison of personal loans can be the difference between a financial stepping stone and a stumbling block. - 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 (via our secure server) and without obligation. We respect
your
privacy.
Knowledgebase
Interest Rate Lock: An agreement between a borrower and a lender that allows the borrower to lock in the interest rate on a mortgage for a specified time period.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.