Each week, we cut through the noise with a concise, trustworthy recap of the biggest Australian headlines, policy moves, and trends that affect everyday life. Expect clear context, plain-English takeaways, and what it means for you—all in minutes. Ideal for busy listeners who want a dependable, industry-focused wrap without the fluff, staying informed and confident about the week ahead, wherever you are.
This Week:
This week: a new appointment to the Monetary Policy Board, a central bank speech signalling the labour market is still a bit tight, two mutual banks lifting variable rates by more than the recent 25 bp move, and first‑home buyer loan sizes topping $600k. Why it matters: lenders are pricing cautiously and not all move the same. Practical tips: stress‑test repayments, compare total costs and use one application to check multiple personal loan options with no obligation.
EPISODE 1276 | Personal Loans Australia: The Weekly News Wrap | Sat, 14th Feb 2026
18 Feb 2026 | Paige Estritori
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Read Full Transcript:
Hello and welcome to Personal Loans Australia: The Weekly News Wrap, Im Paige Estritori, and its Saturday, 14 February 2026.
First up, a change at the top. On 13 February, the Treasurer appointed Professor Bruce Preston to the Monetary Policy Board. Board composition shapes how rate decisions are debated. For anyone comparing personal loans, its a reminder lenders will keep pricing risk carefully, so check your eligibility and compare options before you apply.
Meanwhile, a senior central bank official said on 12 February that the jobs market remains a little tight and that full employment and inflation are intertwined. In plain English, price pressures havent fully faded. That can keep borrowing costs elevated for longer, so use a repayment calculator to stress‑test and compare fixed and variable offers to find a fit that suits your budget.
Next up, lenders arent moving in lockstep. Two mutual banks have flagged variable rate increases larger than the central banks 25‑basis‑point move, with changes kicking in during March. The takeaway for personal loans is simple: different lenders react differently. Cast the net wide — one application can check multiple lenders and return personalised quotes with no obligation.
And new lending data shows the typical first‑home buyer is now borrowing just over six hundred thousand dollars, with loan sizes rising through the December quarter as banks adjust fixed and variable mortgage rates. Bigger mortgages can squeeze monthly cash flow. If youre weighing a personal loan for consolidation or a necessary purchase, look beyond the headline rate — compare total cost, fees and the comparison rate to avoid surprises.
Thats the wrap for this week. For a quick eligibility check and side‑by‑side quotes from participating lenders, head to personal‑loans.
et.au. Im Paige Estritori — talk to you next week.
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.
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