Wed, 20th Mar 2024

In this week's Financial Services Online podcast, host Paige Estritori covers notable financial news. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has held the cash rate at 4.35% amid signs of easing inflation, influenced by domestic demand and costs. Wage growth is set to normalize, supporting the RBA's inflation targets, but high inflation is affecting household spending and housing investment. While families in New South Wales face increasing mortgage pressure, first-time homebuyer numbers are up nationally. In contrast, Canberra renters' spend less than 20% of their income on housing. Ubank has adjusted its mortgage rates ahead of the RBA meeting, with fixed-rate loans being cut. However, the Commonwealth Bank has reported a 40% increase in home loan costs over the past year, adding pressure on borrowers.