Tue, 2nd Sep 2025

In this episode of the Weekly Finance News Wrap, Paige Estritori highlights the Australian Labor government's changes to the low deposit homebuyer scheme, which could increase house prices by up to $90,000. However, the scheme may also return $1.5 billion in Lenders Mortgage Insurance savings to first-time homeowners. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has updated its productivity growth forecasts, while still maintaining its inflation expectations and plans for monetary policy tightening. Tax reform discussions hint at potential changes following 2028's election. The struggling AUD/USD exchange rate, wage stagnation, and the recent rise in the annual CPI inflation rate due to higher electricity and travel costs are also discussed. Keep in mind that these financial challenges are accompanied by a cautiously optimistic outlook.