The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has announced that it will leave the cash rate on hold at 1.50% for another month. Governor Philip Lowe had this to say in his official statement:
“Growth in housing debt has been outpacing the slow growth in household incomes for some time. To address the medium-term risks associated with high and rising household indebtedness, APRA has introduced a number of supervisory measures. Following some tightening in credit conditions, growth in borrowing by investors has slowed a little recently. In the housing market, conditions continue to vary considerably around the country. Housing prices have been rising briskly in some markets, while in others they have been declining. In Sydney, where prices have increased significantly, there have been further signs that conditions are easing. In the eastern capital cities, a considerable additional supply of apartments is scheduled to come on stream over the next couple of years. Rent increases remain low in most cities.”
“The low level of interest rates is continuing to support the Australian economy. Taking account of the available information, the Board judged that holding the stance of monetary policy unchanged at this meeting would be consistent with sustainable growth in the economy and achieving the inflation target over time.”
So, what does all this mean for you? Despite the recent cash rate hold there have been a number of lenders, including the Big 4, who have recently changed their interest rates at their own discretion. Keep a close eye on any rate movement, and consider whether your current loan is the right one for you, right now.