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:
Paige Estritori wraps the week for Australian personal loan seekers. Fixed mortgage rates rose, signalling higher funding costs that can flow into personal loans. Markets see increased odds of an RBA cash‑rate hike after recent labour data, with CPI due next week. The cash rate is about 3.6% and the RBA meets on 3–4 February; lenders often reprice around meeting dates. Takeaways: check eligibility now, compare lenders, and use a calculator to test repayment impacts before applying.
EPISODE 1180 | Personal Loans Australia: The Weekly News Wrap | Sat, 24th Jan 2026
28 Jan 2026 | Paige Estritori
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Read Full Transcript:
Hello and welcome to Personal Loans Australia: The Weekly News Wrap with Paige Estritori, for Saturday 24 January 2026.
First up, big-bank moves point to a bumpier rate path. One major bank lifted fixed mortgage rates by as much as about four‑tenths of a percentage point this week, reflecting growing odds the Reserve Bank of Australia, or RBA, could lift the cash rate in early February. When banks funding costs and expectations shift, pricing on other products, including unsecured personal loans, can follow. If youre weighing a purchase or a debt consolidation, nows a good time to check your eligibility and compare options so you dont pay more than you need to.
Meanwhile, markets are bracing for new inflation and jobs signals. A stronger‑than‑expected labour read and the Consumer Price Index, or CPI, due next week have traders leaning toward a possible quarter‑point move from the RBA. For personal loans, that could mean lenders edge up rates or tighten offers at short notice. Use a personal loan repayment calculator and get instant quotes to see how a small rate change would affect your budget before you apply.
Looking ahead, the cash rate sits around three‑point‑six per cent and the RBA meets on 3–4 February. Lenders often adjust pricing around meeting dates even without a cash‑rate move. If you need funds soon, line up your documents — ID, income, and bank statements — and run a quick, no‑obligation eligibility check to see personalised options from multiple lenders with one application.
Thats the wrap for this week. For clear comparisons, fast eligibility checks, and independent quotes on personal loans, head to personal-loans.
et.au.
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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Knowledgebase
Mortgage: A loan in which the borrower (the mortgagor) offers a property and land as security to the lender (the mortgagee) until the loan is repaid. Repayments of the loan are usually made on a monthly basis over a long period of time, typically 25 years.
