Thu, 25th Dec 2025

On this episode, Paige Estritori overviews notable financial news. Australian shoppers are becoming more cautious due to inflation concerns, leading to a 9% decrease in the Westpac-Melbourne Institute index. Economists suggest businesses and consumers reassess budgets amidst these uncertainties. Changes in the housing sector have been announced by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, restricting banks to issuing a maximum of 20% new high-risk home loans from February 2026, urging borrowers to manage debt-to-income ratios. The Reserve Bank of Australia keeps a cautious approach, retaining the cash rate at 3.6% despite inflation reaching 3.2%. Lastly, the Australian caravan industry faces challenges due to rising manufacturing costs and supply chain issues, exemplified by Zone RV's entrance into voluntary administration. Buyers are urged to research manufacturers carefully. Stay updated on financialservicesonline.com.au for impacts on superannuation, insurance, finance, and money management decisions.n