Cash rate remains unchanged at 1.5% for the 28th consecutive time
The RBA has decided to leave the official cash rate unchanged at 1.5% for the 28th consecutive time and we’d like to share some thoughts on why the Reserve Bank of Australia has made this decision. Following its February meeting, the RBA said the case for the next rate move to be a decrease was […]
National property pulse check – What’s happening in your area?
If Dorothea Mackellar was here today she might replace her famous poetry line about “ragged mountain ranges” with one about the country’s home price ranges. Just like our natural geography, the nation’s property landscape is one of contrasts. Predicting which markets are on the up and which are heading south is never an exact science […]
Cash rate unchanged at 1.5% for the 27th consecutive time
As financial markets digest the findings of the Banking Royal Commission, the Reserve Bank of Australia has made its first rate announcement for 2019. The RBA has decided to leave the official cash rate unchanged at 1.5% for the 27th consecutive time. The RBA continues to balance the worrying parts of the economy – inflation […]
AFG warns homebuyers will pay more if competition in home loan market is eroded
Australian Finance Group Ltd (AFG) said the Federal Government’s public acknowledgement of the importance of competition in the home loan sector directly recognises the benefits mortgage brokers bring to consumers. AFG welcomes the Government’s support for the industry and the need to protect competition in Australia’s home lending market. In its response to the final […]
More competition than ever in Australia’s home loan market thanks to mortgage brokers
Australia’s home loan market is enjoying record levels of competition driven by mortgage brokers, with new lending data released today revealing the market share of non-bank lenders is higher than ever. And latest industry figures reveal consumers are increasingly relying on mortgage brokers for help, with three out of every five mortgages in Australia now […]
ACCC warning echoes AFG’s call for competitive market
AFG today said the ACCC’s Residential Mortgage Price Inquiry report has provided damning evidence of the major banks “synchronising” interest rate increases, underlining the importance of ensuring a competitive home loan market. AFG chief executive officer David Bailey applauded the ACCC’s conclusion that consumer choice and lower interest rates on offer from smaller lenders competing […]
Final RBA announcement for 2018 leaves cash rate Unchanged at 1.5%
As widely anticipated, in the final rate announcement for 2018, the Reserve Bank of Australia has left the official cash rate unchanged at 1.5% for the 27th consecutive time. The RBA continues to balance the positive parts of the economy including strong infrastructure spending, increased export earnings and 5% unemployment with some of the negative […]
Don’t let the spirit of Christmas drive you to the brink
Christmas is a magical time of year but it’s all too easy to get caught up in the holiday hysteria and end up spending much more than you intended on family, friends and even yourself. We’ve put together a set of tips to help you avoid breaking the bank and falling into debt, making your […]
Keep Competition Alive
AFG has launched a campaign designed to highlight to Australians and our key policy makers the important role mortgage brokers play in providing competition to the big four lenders. This campaign focuses on the many benefits competition brings in providing choice to borrowers and keeping downward pressure on interest rates. The competitive tension delivered by […]
Deflection reeks of self-interest
AFG has today called for the customer to be first and foremost in the debate on mortgage brokers and the big banks. AFG Chief Executive Officer David Bailey has urged a careful and considered approach to policy settings preserving the best possible competitive arrangements as big banks seek to consolidate lending back to their branches. […]