Finance Australia's Weekly Money and Business News
Each week, we round up the biggest money and business stories across Australia — from rate moves and market shifts to policy updates and consumer trends. Expect clear context, concise takeaways, and what it could mean for households and SMEs. No fluff, no hype — just trustworthy headlines, quick explainers, and signals to watch so you can stay informed and make organised decisions.
This Week:
RBA paused rates on 17 June, giving borrowers a breather to reassess loans and compare options. The government unveiled CGT carve‑outs: extending the small‑business concession to about $10m turnover and keeping a 50% discount for founders, early investors and employee share schemes, pending legislation. A court fined a major bank $35m over scam‑protection failures, signalling tougher controls; listeners should tighten payment settings and verification. Regulators also pushed super funds and insurers to manage geopolitical risks, which may influence lenders assessments. Visit finance-australia.net for comparisons and free eligibility checks.
EPISODE 2151 | Finance Australia\'s Weekly Money and Business News | Fri, 19th Jun 2026
19 Jun 2026 | Paige Estritori
00:00:00
00:00:00
1x
Read Full Transcript:
Hello and welcome to Finance Australias Weekly Money and Business News, Im Paige Estritori, and its Friday, 19 June 2026.
First, rates. On Wednesday, 17 June, the Reserve Bank left the cash rate on hold after three hikes earlier this year. Inflation is easing but still sticky, so the outlook is finely balanced. For households and SMEs, treat this pause as breathing space: review repayments, consider whether fixed, variable or split could suit your plans, and use our calculators and free eligibility checks to compare offers before you commit.
Next up, the government has tweaked its capital gains tax plans after heavy pushback. The small business 50% active asset concession would extend to firms with up to about $10 million in turnover, and an “innovative business” concession would keep a 50% discount for founders, early investors and employee share schemes. If youre planning a sale, succession or an employee equity round, model scenarios now and get independent guidance, because these changes still need to be legislated and details may shift.
Meanwhile, a landmark court penalty this afternoon put scams back in the spotlight. A major bank was fined $35 million for widespread failures to protect customers from unauthorised payments. Expect banks to tighten controls, and take a minute to harden your own settings: enable strong authentication, use payee verification where available, set lower payment limits, and make dual authorisation standard for business transfers. If something feels off, stop and verify before you send.
And a quick one for risk watchers. Regulators this week told super funds and insurers to lift their game on geopolitical risk and operational resilience. That can flow through to how lenders and insurers assess your exposure. Keep good records, diversify suppliers where you can, and stay on top of cyber basics to present a stronger case when you compare finance.
Thats the wrap. For clear comparisons, free eligibility checks and access to independent brokers across Australia, head to finance-australia.
et. Im Paige Estritori—see you next week.
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.
Embarking on the journey to homeownership is both exciting and daunting. It's a significant milestone that requires careful planning and disciplined saving. For many Australians, buying a first home represents a dream come true, and it's essential to approach it strategically. - read more
In recent years, refinancing has emerged as a popular financial strategy for many Australian homeowners. With the housing market's dynamic nature and fluctuating interest rates, more people are considering the benefits of refinancing their home loans. This trend is not surprising, as refinancing can potentially reduce monthly payments, secure lower interest rates, and assist with debt consolidation. - read more
A credit rating is essentially a numerical representation of your financial trustworthiness. It's like a report card for your creditworthiness, where higher scores indicate better financial habits. Lenders and financial institutions scrutinize this score when you apply for credit, serving as a primary factor in approving or denying loan applications. - read more
The Reserve Bank of Australia’s June decision to keep the cash rate target unchanged at 4.35 per cent marks an important pause after three consecutive rate increases earlier in 2026. For households, sole traders and small to medium-sized business owners, the hold does not mean borrowing has suddenly become cheaper. It does, however, create a valuable moment to reassess existing debt, planned applications and overall cash flow before the next policy move. - read more
