Mortgage Sentiment Positive as Interest Rates Stabilize
Mortgage Sentiment Positive as Interest Rates Stabilize
1
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.
Following a decision to hold interest rates steady, mortgage payers have reported an increase in optimism.
Despite a slight dip in overall consumer confidence, which dropped 1.2 points to 82.6 according to the ANZ and Roy Morgan survey, those servicing home loans saw a rise in positive sentiment.
This upturn aligns with the central bank's February decision to maintain the cash rate at 4.35 percent, a move that was generally expected by the market.
Conversely, individuals who own their homes outright experienced a small decrease in confidence during the week. These homeowners often favor higher rates due to the impact on savings interest earnings. Nonetheless, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) maintains a cautious stance, indicating they have not ruled out future monetary policy tightening to quell inflation if necessary.
Speaking at a conference, Dr. Marion Kohler of the RBA's economic analysis department emphasized that while inflation appears to be on a downward trajectory, the journey to controlling it completely is expected to be prolonged. She credits the current inflation drop to a reduction in goods price inflation, with a forecast for continued low goods inflation in several categories.
Dr. Kohler also highlighted the persistent elevation of service-related inflation, encompassing everyday expenses such as haircuts, dental care, and professional services. She projected a slow decline in these costs as equilibrium is sought between supply and demand and domestic cost pressures lessen. This decrease is deemed essential for eventually meeting the RBA's inflation objectives.
The RBA's prognosis suggests that a return of inflation to the favored target zone of two to three percent could be achieved in 2025, with an eventual stabilization at the median target of 2.5 percent anticipated to occur in 2026. Moreover, Dr. Kohler prognosticated a slight uptick in the unemployment rate as the economy cools, leading up to 2026. Despite this, the forecasted unemployment levels are still expected to be comparatively low against historical standards spanning the last two decades.
Published:Tuesday, 13th Feb 2024 Source: Paige Estritori
Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has released its October 2025 Financial Stability Review, providing a comprehensive assessment of the nation's financial system amidst a backdrop of global uncertainties. The report underscores that while Australia's financial institutions remain robust, external factors pose significant risks that warrant vigilant monitoring. - read more
In a significant development within Australia's energy sector, Santos Limited's Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Sherry Duhe, has resigned after a brief tenure of one year. Duhe's departure is attributed to an 'untenable leadership environment' and irreconcilable differences with CEO Kevin Gallagher, raising questions about the company's internal governance and strategic direction. - read more
Australia's labor market demonstrated remarkable resilience in October 2025, with a net gain of 42,200 jobs, significantly surpassing expectations. This robust growth led to a decline in the unemployment rate from 4.5% to 4.3%, marking a reversal from the previous four-year high. The increase was predominantly driven by the addition of 55,300 full-time positions, indicating a strengthening in job quality and stability. - read more
Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the nation's largest bank by market value, has reported a modest increase in its first-quarter cash profit for 2025. This uptick is primarily attributed to robust growth in home loans and household deposits. The unaudited cash profit stands at approximately A$2.6 billion, marking a 1% rise from the previous two-quarter average and a 2% increase compared to the same period last year. - read more
Australia's leading banks-Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), Westpac, National Australia Bank (NAB), and ANZ-are actively reducing their dependence on mortgage brokers. This strategic shift aims to bolster profit margins that have been under pressure due to lower interest rates, rising operational costs, and intense market competition. - read more
In light of the current economic challenges facing many Australians, managing credit card debt has become more crucial than ever. With rising living costs and financial uncertainty, accruing debt on high-interest credit cards can quickly escalate from a manageable inconvenience to a stressful financial burden. - read more
Welcome to our comprehensive guide where we aim to debunk common myths surrounding debt consolidation and debt reduction. This blog post serves as a beacon of clarity for those who find themselves navigating through the choppy waters of financial jargon and conflicting information. - read more
Many Australians today find themselves navigating the choppy waters of financial instability. The burden of debt weighs heavily, affecting everything from daily stress levels to long-term planning. High interest rates, unexpected expenses, and the seductive ease of credit cards contribute to a culture of borrowing that can lead to a precarious financial situation for many. In this introduction, we explore how smart budgeting is not just about scraping by, but laying the foundations for a financially stable future. - read more
When it comes to managing your finances, planning for the unexpected is a crucial part of staying on top of your budget. An emergency fund serves as your financial safety net, poised to offer support when unforeseen expenses arise. These funds are specifically set aside to cover unexpected costs, like medical emergencies, car repairs, or urgent home maintenance issues. - read more
Welcome, readers! We're here to talk about something incredibly important yet often overlooked: improving your credit score. Your credit score is a financial report card used to evaluate your creditworthiness, and it can have a significant impact on your ability to secure loans, mortgages, and even rental agreements. - read more