RBA Increases rates for the fifth consecutive month in September
The RBA increases rates by 50 basis points again. The rate now stands at 2.35% - the highest since December 2014.
The Australian cash rate now sits at the highest level not seen since 2015. Australian financial markets are responding by tipping a potential one or even two rate rises this year as the RBA moves swiftly to curb soaring inflation.
From a low cash rate of 0.10% from November 2020 to May 2022, and now 2.25 percentage points of increases, this represents the fastest tightening cycle in more than 25 years.
This is good news for savers, not so good for those with a home loan or other debt. At the time of writing the most competitive rates were:
- Owner Occupier Variable or Intro-Rate Loan 80% LVR: Unloan, 3.14% p.a. (3.06% p.a. comparison rate*)
- One-Year Term Deposit: Macquarie Bank, 3.65% p.a. (minimum deposit $5k, paid at maturity)
- Savings Account: Virgin Money, up to 3.60% p.a. Deposit and transaction requirements apply.
It’s important to note Unloan’s product is refinance only, and the brand has not yet hiked its rate off the back of the RBA’s August increase.
Expect these rates to increase, particularly to home loans. Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers in the past has expressed disappointment that banks aren’t passing on rate increases to deposit products in-full.
That said, if your owner occupier home loan currently starts with a 4, your one-year term deposit less than 3, and your savings account less than 2.5, you’re probably not getting the best deals.
I stands to reason that savings could be better utilised offsetting higher interest rate mortgages than siting in fixed interest savings accounts with disappointing interest rates from the big banks.
If you are worried about your cashflow, repayments or interested to know if you’re on the best rate with your current lender, it is worth a second opinion by chatting to a mortgage broker who can compare over 35 lenders. Speak with a mortgage broker today >