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 decision week: all big banks tip a 0.25% hike on Tuesday, 29 September. September flash PMI shows manufacturing back in contraction and services slowing, with cost pressures still elevated. From 1 October, card surcharges end and new interchange caps apply; banks are cutting merchant fees ahead of the change. Treasury launches a consultation to improve data visibility in managed investment schemes, affecting parts of private credit. Listeners are encouraged to run scenarios, review payments setups, and compare finance options with independent support.
EPISODE 3077 | Finance Australia\'s Weekly Money and Business News | Sun, 27th Sep 2026
28 Sep 2026 | Paige Estritori
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Hello and welcome to Finance Australia's Weekly Money and Business News, I'm Paige Estritori, and it's Sunday, 27 September 2026.
First, all eyes on the Reserve Bank of Australia this week. The board meets Monday and Tuesday, with the decision due Tuesday, 29 September at 2:30pm AEST. All four major banks now expect a quarter‑point hike. If that happens, home loan and business borrowing costs would edge higher. Sensible next step: run a repayment scenario with a calculator, check your serviceability buffer, and if youre exploring personal or business finance, get a free eligibility check and compare quotes before you lock anything in.
Meanwhile, fresh activity data shows momentum cooling. The September flash PMI — thats the purchasing managers index — points to manufacturing back in contraction and services slowing, with input costs and selling prices ticking up. For households and SMEs, that combination says protect cash flow, watch margins, and time any equipment or working‑capital finance carefully so the terms fit your current revenue path.
Payments are changing this week too. From Tuesday, 1 October, card surcharges end for eftpos, Visa, Mastercard and Amex, and new interchange caps kick in — consumer credit card caps drop to about 0.3 per cent. Were already seeing sharper merchant offers, including lower flat transaction rates, as banks compete for business customers. If you take cards, review your pricing and your payments plan now. Compare providers, look at terminal and online fees together, and make sure your system updates before the rule change lands.
And in regulation, Treasury has opened a consultation to boost data visibility across managed investment schemes, including parts of private credit. The aim is earlier risk detection after recent fund failures, with submissions due 23 October. For investors and SMEs that interact with MIS‑structured products or funding lines, expect tighter scrutiny on disclosures and suitability. Before you commit funds or sign a facility, read the fine print on fees, liquidity and security — and line up independent guidance.
Thats the wrap. For clear explainers, calculators, and free eligibility assessments across personal and business finance, visit finance-australia.
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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.
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