Personal Loans Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Interest rates up another 50 basis points with more hikes to come

Interest rates up another 50 basis points with more hikes to come

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
Source:

Share this news item:

Finance News

Avoid Hefty Fines: Key ATO Dates to Remember Avoid Hefty Fines: Key ATO Dates to Remember
23 Apr 2024: .Paige Estritori

Australians are being cautioned about the possibility of incurring a $313 penalty if they fail to observe two critical Australian Taxation Office (ATO) deadlines looming ahead. As tax season approaches, individuals must take note of these important dates to avoid fines. - read more
Inflation Outlook Brightens as Australia Braces for Key CPI Update Inflation Outlook Brightens as Australia Braces for Key CPI Update
22 Apr 2024: .Paige Estritori

A crucial announcement regarding consumer prices is forthcoming as the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) anxiously waits to steer its future monetary policy decisions. Analysts and economy watchers alike have their eyes locked onto the publication of first-quarter consumer price index (CPI) data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, set to impact the nation's economic direction. - read more
Alarming Rise in Australian Student Loans Calls for Immediate Action Alarming Rise in Australian Student Loans Calls for Immediate Action
19 Apr 2024: .Paige Estritori

A fresh analysis has sparked concern over the surging levels of student debt in Australia, invigorating discussions for policy revisions in the impending national budget. Projections denote that during the initial tenure of the incumbent Labor administration, the cumulative student debt may swell by an extraordinary $12.3 billion, marking a 16% escalation. This upward trend raises alarms for prospective and current students grappling with the financial barriers of higher education, and ignites a dialogue on the urgency of governmental intervention. - read more
Time to Refinance?
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!


Personal Loans Articles

Your Financial Comeback: Rebuilding Credit Scores for Future Opportunities Your Financial Comeback: Rebuilding Credit Scores for Future Opportunities
In the dynamic landscape of Australian finance, the emphasis on a robust credit score cannot be overstated. A favourable credit score serves as a gatekeeper to a world of financial opportunities, determining the ease with which individuals can access loans, the interest rates they will be eligible for, and even the prospects of securing a home in an ever-competitive market. As the average mortgage sizes surge to unparalleled heights, the significance of maintaining an advantageous credit profile escalates in tandem. - read more
Proven Strategies to Boost Your Personal Loan Approval Odds Proven Strategies to Boost Your Personal Loan Approval Odds
Embarking on the journey to secure a personal loan can often seem like navigating through a complex financial landscape. Particularly for Australians, where the market is bustling with a multitude of lenders each with their respective criteria and rates, increasing the chances of loan approval is a pursuit that requires insight and preparation. - read more
Personal Loan Pitfalls: How to Avoid Common Mistakes in Loan Comparisons Personal Loan Pitfalls: How to Avoid Common Mistakes in Loan Comparisons
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!
Loan Amount:
Postcode:
All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation. We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Balloon Payment.:
A large loan repayment made in order to clear a debt. Usually applied to a short-term fixed-rate loan, which involves small payments for a certain period of time with one large payment for the remaining amount of the principal at a time specified in the future