Australia holds its interest rate to 3.60% after 10 hikes

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) board announced on Tuesday, April 4, that the official interest rate will remain unchanged at 3.60%. This decision was made following signs of slowing inflation and softer consumer spending. 

According to the RBA Governor, Phillip Lowe, the decision to keep the cash rate at 3.60% was taken in order to provide more time to assess how recent interest rate hikes have affected the economy and the impact that this may have on homeowners. 

He also added in the statement, “The board recognizes that monetary policy operates with a lag and that the full effect of this substantial increase in interest rates is yet to be felt.” (source: apnews)

The increased repayments will be a relief for those with a $500,000 loan over 25 years since they now won't have to worry about a further increase in repayments. Governor Philip noted that this decision was also made with the aim of reassuring homeowners around the country that the RBA is continuously monitoring and assessing economic conditions. 

Consumers are more confident now

The Reserve Bank of Australia’s decision to pause interest rate hikes in April 2022 sent consumer confidence levels soaring. According to Westpac chief economist Bill Evans, the result was a strong recovery in the index with confidence now at its highest level since June 2022. 

While this is an encouraging sign, it still remains 10.4 per cent lower than it was in April 2022, before the RBA’s rate hikes began. Nevertheless, this pause has been a welcome respite for consumers seeking relief from the financial pressure of rising interest rates. (source: financialreview)

It is likely that if the cash rate continues to remain steady or falls further, consumer confidence will strengthen as people take advantage of lowered costs and increased spending power. Ultimately, it is positive news that the RBA’s decision has been met with such enthusiasm by consumers and should provide some economic stability in the coming months.

What to do in case the rates increase again?

It's important to keep in mind that even though the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to pause on interest rates, your mortgage rate could still increase in the future. Factors such as inflation, economic growth, and housing market conditions will all affect any decisions made by the RBA when it comes to changing the official cash rate, which could in turn lead to changes in your mortgage rate. f this happens, there are a few steps you can take to stay on top of your finances and ensure you’re not paying too much:

1. Check your current deal - If a new fixed-term deal is available that offers a lower rate, consider switching to it. It’s important to remember that there are costs associated with refinancing, so do your research and make sure the move will be financially beneficial for you in the long run.
2. Review your budget - If it looks like you won't be able to keep up with payments, take a look at your spending and see what you can cut back on. It’s also worth speaking to your lender about the options available - they may be willing to help by offering a repayment holiday or reducing your monthly repayments.
3. Seek advice - If you are struggling to manage your mortgage repayments, it’s important to get advice from a financial advisor. They will be able to help you find the best solution for your situation and ensure that you are not in any danger of losing your home.

By taking these steps, you can protect yourself against rising interest rates and keep your finances on track. Remember that with the right advice and careful budgeting, you can make sure that your mortgage doesn't become a burden.

How can UFS Mortgage Brokers Help you?

UFS Mortgage Brokers can assist you in making the best financial decisions for your needs since we approach each client individually. We offer tailored support to help our clients find the best loan package for their particular circumstances. So whether it's a refinance or a new loan package, our knowledgeable mortgage brokers will go over all of your options with you and assist you in selecting the offer that best meets your needs.

If you want to learn more about the options available to you, schedule a call with us today because we'll be pleased to address any questions you may have and get you moving toward a new loan!