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 Australian mortgage market has reached a new milestone, with the total value of residential mortgages climbing to $2.41 trillion in November 2025. This growth is largely attributed to escalating property prices and a surge in lending activity. - read more
As Australians step into 2026, housing costs have emerged as the foremost financial concern, overshadowing other cost-of-living pressures. The latest Canstar Consumer Pulse Report reveals that 22% of respondents identified mortgage and rent expenses as their primary financial stressor, more than doubling the figure from five years ago. - read more
National Australia Bank (NAB) has recently increased its fixed mortgage rates by up to 0.40 percentage points, signaling expectations of forthcoming cash rate hikes in 2026. This move aligns with actions taken by other major lenders, reflecting a broader anticipation of rising interest rates. - read more
In recent years, Australia's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have faced mounting financial pressures, leading to a notable increase in insolvencies. A significant development in this landscape is the escalating involvement of non-bank lenders in court-based enforcement actions against struggling businesses. - read more
The post-holiday season often brings financial challenges for many Australians, with increased expenses leading to heightened stress. Recognizing this, Westpac has introduced a special debt consolidation personal loan at an interest rate of 11.95% per annum, available for a limited time. - read more
Welcome to our guide on how to avoid falling back into debt after consolidating your debts. Debt consolidation can be a fantastic way to manage multiple financial obligations, combining them into a single, more manageable payment plan. But the journey doesn’t end there. - read more
Welcome to a comprehensive guide aimed at dismantling the common myths that cloud the concepts of debt consolidation and debt reduction. Amidst widespread financial stress, debt consolidation emerges as a popular strategy for Australians in search of relief from their monetary burdens. - read more
Managing personal debt effectively is crucial for maintaining financial stability. Debt, when left unchecked, can quickly spiral out of control, leading to financial stress and a host of other problems. - read more
Financial stability is a common aspiration, yet many Australians find themselves weighed down by the burden of debt. Whether it’s due to loans, credit cards, or unexpected financial emergencies, the struggle to stay afloat is a reality for countless individuals striving to achieve their dreams of a secure, debt-free future. - read more
Budgeting is the process of creating a plan to manage your money. Essentially, it allows you to allocate your income towards expenses, savings, and other financial goals. By keeping track of where your money goes, budgeting helps you ensure that you are not overspending and are prepared for future financial needs. - read more