RBA lifts official interest rate

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.

The RBA board decided to increase the rate from a record low of 0.1%, to 0.35% and the interest rate on exchange settlement balances was lifted 25 percent to 0.25%.

The board judged that now was the right time to begin withdrawing some of the extraordinary monetary support provided to help the Australian economy through the pandemic.

The resilience of the Australian economy is particularly evident in the labour market, with unemployment declining over recent months to 4%, according to RBA Governor Philip Lowe.

“Both job vacancies and job ads are also at high levels,” he said.

“The central forecast is for the unemployment rate to decline to around 3.5% by early 2023.”

Lowe went on to say that inflation was significantly higher than expected a year ago, although it remained lower than in most other advanced economies.

Published:Tuesday, 3rd May 2022
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

APRA's New Cap on High Debt-to-Income Home Loans: What Borrowers Need to Know

18 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at mitigating emerging risks in the housing market. Effective February 2026, APRA will impose a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, limiting banks to issuing no more than 20% of new home loans with DTI ratios of six times or higher. This measure applies to both owner-occupier and investor loans, excluding new housing developments. - read more

Commonwealth Bank Raises Alarm on Unsustainable Home Loan Demand

18 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the nation's largest lender, has recently voiced concerns regarding the escalating demand for home loans, suggesting that this surge may be contributing to unsustainable property price increases. CEO Matt Comyn highlighted that while the bank benefits from the current housing credit boom, a more moderate growth rate would better support long-term financial stability and housing affordability. - read more

Australian Home Prices Reach New Heights: Navigating the Affordability Challenge

18 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

In November 2025, Australia's housing market experienced a 1% month-on-month increase in home prices, bringing the national median value to A$888,941. This follows a 1.1% rise in October, indicating a persistent upward trend in property values. The growth was particularly pronounced in mid-sized state capitals, with Perth leading at a 2.4% increase. Sydney and Melbourne saw more modest gains of 0.5% and 0.3%, respectively. - read more

Click for more Finance News

Time to Refinance?

If you are seeking lower rates, lower fees and more flexibility in your home loan. you are in luck! Our national panel of mortgage brokers is looking forward to an opportunity to assist you. Apply online for a free eligibility assessment and one of our broker network refinance specialists will get on the case to track down the best deal for your individual circumstances. Without any obligation and at no charge to you!

... start here ...