Money still on rate cut despite surprise spike in wages
Workers have enjoyed their sixth consecutive quarter of pay packet growth as all eyes turn to the Reserve Bank's upcoming decision on interest rates.
mortgages
Jobs data poised to help pencil in draw down on rates
Economists expect unemployment to remain at 4.1 per cent in soon-to-be-released data, which could give the Reserve Bank a green light to cut rates.
Full steam ahead for cash rate cut as inflation settles
Mortgage-holders are poised to bank an interest rate cut within weeks despite the latest inflation reading coming in slightly higher than expected.
Bank boss alert, not alarmed over Trump tariff fallout
As rate-cut bets see-saw, the Reserve Bank governor says Australia is well placed for overseas shocks in her first speech since Donald Trump's tariff thump.
Treasurer joins chorus in hosing down rate cut hopes
"Almost nobody" is expecting an interest cut, the treasurer says as the Reserve Bank's new rate-setting board meets with an election campaign in full swing.
Sliding inflation builds hopes of interest rate cut
Another interest rate cut is firmly on the table with analysts expecting the Reserve Bank to seriously consider the move on the back of fresh inflation data.
Super housing scheme could shave years off home wait
Australians raiding their super balances for housing could boost home ownership but may result in a jump in prices, economists say.
‘Short window’ as property prices rebound on rate cut
Two capital cities are leading the housing market higher as buyers look to get ahead of a wave of demand as interest rates finally fall.
Dutton prays for rate cut as RBA enters conclave
Economists say a major reduction in mortgage rates this year is unlikely, even though the Reserve Bank board is widely tipped to deliver a cut on Tuesday.
PM denies rate cut will impact election timing
Anthony Albanese remains coy on when Australians will head to the polls, after the Reserve Bank delivered cost-of-living relief for mortgage holders.
‘No-brainer’ home ownership boost for HECS debt Aussies
Australians saddled with student debt who want to enter the housing market will be given a helping hand, under changes to lending requirements.
Big bank clips rates as RBA mulls next move
Strong retail spending figures are not expected to deter the Reserve Bank from cutting rates at its next meeting as one big bank lowers fixed-rate loans.
Experts put money on early rate cut as spending slides
A decline in spending on household goods has bolstered hopes of an RBA rate cut, which would help boost dour consumer sentiment.
Bank of mum and dad could run dry for retirement
Affordability constraints have many turning to the bank of mum and dad but parents have been urged to consider their finances carefully before lending.
The women who could soon influence your mortgage
Two new faces will serve on the Reserve Bank of Australia's rate-setting board, with the government defying calls from the coalition for continuity.
Worst housing affordability in almost three decades
Homeowners and renters face some of the most challenging conditions in years, with both groups spending a growing proportion of income on a place to live.
Rates stay on hold and hope for February cut revived
Long-awaited mortgage relief looks closer as the central bank takes another interest rate hike off the table and lays the groundwork for future cuts.
Banks at odds over easing lending restrictions
Easing lending requirements so more first homebuyers can get a mortgage has received mixed reviews, with warnings more borrowers would face crippling debt.
China stimulus a ‘very good development for Australia’
After iron ore prices plunged by more than a third since the start of the year, Chinese stimulus measures spell good news for the Australian budget.
Gloomy growth, interest rates sore points for Treasurer
The economy is stuck in the slow lane and Treasurer Jim Chalmers says that's by design, with higher interest rates necessary to tame inflation.
Economy ‘nowhere near recessionary’ despite predictions
Australia's economic forecasts might not be as positive as hoped but there are still signs of strength in the economy, an expert says.
‘Painful squeeze’: inflation spike renews heat on rates
Surprisingly strong inflation has resurrected the possibility of another interest rate hike in an unsettling development for squeezed borrowers.
Households keep falling behind as rate increases bite
Most borrowers are adapting to tough financial conditions but the number of people in hardship or struggling to meet repayments is growing.
RBA gift wraps end-of-year rate relief for borrowers
Borrowers have been spared more cash rate pain at the final Reserve Bank of Australia policy meeting of the year.
Banks pass on rate hikes to thrifty home loan customers
Some mortgage holders are already trimming their spending and working extra hours, with the latest rise to put more pressure on households and the economy.
Rental pain at new highs with vacancies at record lows
There is no relief on the horizon for renters after national vacancy rates dropped to a record low of 1.1 per cent.
‘Intolerable’ housing crisis is costing Sydney billions
Housing unaffordability in Sydney is second only to Hong Kong, says a think tank boss who warns it is costing the city billions of dollars in lost productivity.
Consumers are not buying RBA’s interest rate pause
The threat of more interest rate increases is weighing heavily on the minds of consumers as high inflation proves hard to dislodge.
Rates and inflation keeping clamp on consumer sentiment
The threat of more interest rate increases is weighing heavily on the minds of consumers as high inflation proves hard to dislodge.
Reserve Bank’s minutes to put spotlight on rates pause
Minutes from the Reserve Bank of Australia's board meeting will shed light on its reasons for hitting pause on interest rates after a run of successive hikes.
Growth fears, expiring fixed rates fuelled RBA’s pause
The Reserve Bank board had another tough choice between hitting pause on interest rates or delivering another hike at its last meeting.