Sat, 18th Apr 2026

In this week's Finance News Wrap from Financial Services Online, we delve into the impact of the Australian Government's 5% Deposit Scheme. Rolled out last October to aid first home buyers by slashing initial deposits and waiving Mortgage Insurance, has propelled home loans for this segment by 6.8% in Q4 2025 - its highest since 2023. However, analysts caution these initiatives might inadvertently drive up property prices. Meanwhile, Yamaha Motor Australia's 1% finance deal on select 2026 and earlier YZ models kickstarts in April, with savings opportunities bolstered by the ongoing global fuel crisis. The fuel predicament saw new motorcycle sales rise 7.4% in 1Q 2026, with off-road motorcycles leading the surge. As fuel prices continue to rise, more Australians may lean towards motorcycles and scooters for their commuting needs.