The rate that stops the nation: Cash rate remains at 2.50%

By Georgia Kriz · · 2 min read
Fact Checked
Advertiser disclosure

At its monthly meeting today, the board of the Reserve Bank of Australia decided to leave the official cash rate on hold at 2.50%.

In a statement, Governor Glenn Stevens said "there has been an improvement in indicators of household and business sentiment recently, but it is still too soon to judge how persistent this will be."

What exactly does that mean, Mr Stevens?

Unlike the punters at Flemington, the board of the Reserve Bank didn’t want to take a gamble on the recovering Australian economy. Thanks to the flow on effects from the earlier rate cuts in August and May, the economy is starting to show healthy signs of growth. Plus, the Big Banks are reporting improved consumer and business confidence - particularly in the housing market.

Nevertheless, Stevens’ has hinted that the Reserve Bank is open to rate movements in the not-too-distant future with pundits predicting a new round of rate changes early next year - stay tuned folks!

What’s news for borrowers?

Borrowers betting on a rate cut need not be disappointed by today’s RBA decision. Rates continue to be at record lows but if you are thinking of fixing your home loan, now would be a good time to lock in rates as we saw 10 banks move their fixed rates up in October by over 20 basis points. Longer term fixed rates are moving the quickest and there is still time to lock in some good 1 & 2 year fixed options.

  • Greater Building Society: 4.29% p.a. (5.32% p.a. comparison rate)
  • iMortgage: 4.67% p.a. (4.81% p.a. comparison rate)
  • Illawarra Home Loans: 4.71% p.a. (5.14% p.a. comparison rate)

If you’re after a top notch variable home loan, check out the Mozo exclusive rate offer of 4.65% p.a. (4.68% comparison rate) with leading home loan lender Firstmac. Click here to find out more about this red hot home loan deal.

And for savers?

Savers wishing to cash in their Melbourne Cup winnings can find great rates for their stash by looking around. Here are our top picks:

Read last month's Reserve Bank interest rates update.

Mozo may receive payment if you click the products below. We don’t compare the entire market, but you can compare more home loans here.
Last updated 13 September 2024 Important disclosures and comparison rate warning*

Home loan comparisons on Mozo

Promoted

  • Unloan Variable

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR <80%
    Interest rate
    5.99 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.90 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,995
    Go to site

    Built by CommBank, the Unloan is the first home loan with an increasing discount (conditions apply) for borrowers. No application or banking fees. No monthly account keeping or early exit fees. Apply online in minutes.

  • Neat Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <60%
    Interest rate
    6.09 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.11 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,027
    Go to site

    Competitively-priced variable rate loan. Ideal for owner occupiers and investors. No service fees to pay. Make free extra repayments and redraws. Flexible repayment schedule available.

  • Fixed Express Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    5.99 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    6.14 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,995
    Go to site

    Lock in a low 2 year fixed rate with the Mozo award winning Home Lender of the Year. Available for live-in borrowers with just a 10% deposit required. Free extra repayments (up to 20% in fixed period), free redraw and partial offset available. $10 monthly service fee. Aussie support centre. Fast approvals. Up to 6 free offset accounts (T&Cs apply).

  • 3 Year Special Fixed Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    5.69 % p.a.
    Fixed 3 years
    Comparison rate
    6.16 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,899
    Go to site

    This home loan is available for purchase or refinance, complete with 1, 2 or 3 year fixed rate options. Minimum 10% deposit required.

image of houses

Need help with refinancing?

You might have questions that need personal answers. We’ve teamed up with the mortgage brokers at Lendi to get you the answers you need, and a home loan deal you deserve.

Learn more

* WARNING: This comparison rate applies only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. The comparison rate displayed is for a secured loan with monthly principal and interest repayments for $150,000 over 25 years.

** Initial monthly repayment figures are estimates only, based on the advertised rate. You can change the loan amount and term in the input boxes at the top of this table. Rates, fees and charges and therefore the total cost of the loan may vary depending on your loan amount, loan term, and credit history. Actual repayments will depend on your individual circumstances and interest rate changes.

Mozo provides general product information. We don't consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and we aren't recommending any specific product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the PDS or offer documentation, or seeking independent advice.

While we pride ourselves on covering a wide range of products, we don't cover every product in the market. If you decide to apply for a product through our website, you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product and not with Mozo.