March RBA decision: interest rates remain at 1.50%

The Reserve Bank board has kept rates steady for a 19th straight month with the official cash rate remaining at 1.50% following today’s meeting in Sydney.

The decision to keep interest rates on hold will come as little surprise to many experts, especially given that a number of key players have publicly checked their expectations of a potential rate change in the last few weeks.

In his statement today, Reserve Bank Governor Philip Lowe indicated that while there has been encouraging growth in the Australian economy, inflation still remained below target and wage growth continued to be low.   

"Notwithstanding the improving labour market, wage growth remains low. This is likely to continue for a while yet, although the stronger economy should see some lift in wage growth over time," he said. 

"The low level of interest rates is continuing to support the Australian economy. Further progress in reducing unemployment and having inflation return to target is expected, although this progress is likely to be gradual."

With many experts now predicting that a rate change is unlikely to come until the end of 2018 or the beginning of 2019, Mozo Product Data Manager Peter Marshall stated that a number of softer than expected key indicators were responsible for the dampened outlook.

“Both employment and wages have experienced slower than expected growth which, as a result, is keeping pressure on many household budgets across the country,” he said.  

“Given the current state of these indicators it’s difficult to see a situation, at least in the short term, where the RBA is comfortable with raising the cash rate. That’s why we’ve seen a shift in sentiment in the last few weeks towards a potential rate change happening at the end of the year instead.”

Variable rates sharpen as lenders compete for customers

With the official cash rate once again staying steady, the outlook for borrowers remains positive - especially given the continued competition among lenders in the last month which has seen a number of variable rates, particularly for those making principal and interest repayments, sharpen.  

In fact, there have been two changes in the Mozo database to market-leading variable loans for owner-occupiers making principal and interest repayments in the last month alone.

Have a look at some of the lowest home loan rates currently* in the Mozo database below:

Best variable rate home loan offers

Best fixed rate home loan offers (3 year term)

  • SCU My Life Home Loan " class="ldtx-link-good ldtx-link-good-sameDomain-follow atom_link atom_valid" data-ldtx_powertrust="0" data-ldtx_trust="0" data-ldtx_power="0">My Life Home Loan - 3.69% (comparison rate: 4.00%)
  • Move Lockit 3Y Special Offer- 3.69% (comparison rate: 3.96%)    
  • Greater Bank Discount Ultimate Home Loan - 3.74% (comparison rate: 4.45%)  
  • Newcastle Permanent Fixed Rate Home Loan - 3.74% (comparison rate: 4.59%)
  • Queenslanders Credit Union Fixed Rate Home Loan Special - 3.78% (comparison rate: 4.36%)

Still no relief in sight for savers

While lenders are competing for business from borrowers, Australians trying to get the best return on their savings are going to need to remain patient for a future rate rise and potential boost to account interest rates.

While a number of savings account and term deposit rates have continued to trend downwards in the past month, there are still plenty of rewarding offers available for those who are willing to shop around.

To help you on your way, here are some of the best ongoing savings account and term deposit rates currently* in the Mozo database:

Best ongoing savings account offers

  • AMP Bett3r Save Account - 3.00% (if you make a minimum deposit of $2,000 into your linked Bett3r Pay Account every month)
  • UBank USaver with Ultra Transaction Account - 2.87% (if you deposit at least $200 into the account or a linked Ultra Transaction Account every month)
  • ME Online Savings Account - 2.85% (if you make a weekly Tap & Go purchase with your ME Everyday Transaction Account Debit MasterCard)
  • Australian Unity Active Saver - 2.80% (if you make a minimum deposit of $250 and no withdrawals in the month)
  • ING Savings Maximiser - 2.80% (if you make a minimum deposit of at least $1,000 a month from a linked Orange Everyday account as well as five purchases on your credit or debit card)
  • RAMS Saver Account " class="ldtx-link-good ldtx-link-good-sameDomain-follow atom_link atom_valid" data-ldtx_powertrust="0" data-ldtx_trust="0" data-ldtx_power="3">Saver Account - 2.80% (if you make a minimum deposit of $200 and no withdrawals in the month)

Best term deposit offers (based on a balance of $25,000)

Interested in checking out even more offers? Start comparing today at the Mozo savings account and term deposit comparison hubs, and don’t miss out on all the recently-released Mozo Experts Choice Deposit Account winners!

*Rates accurate as of March 6, 2018.

Read last month's Reserve Bank interest rates update.

Mozo may receive payment if you click products on our site. We don’t compare the entire market, but you can compare more home loans here.
Last updated 14 December 2024 Important disclosures and comparison rate warning*
What are your home loan needs?

Your loan-to-value ratio (LVR): 50%

Loan amount and LVR will affect interest rates.

  • 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.

  • Promoted

    Variable Home Loan 90

    • Principal and Interest
    • LVR <90%
    Interest rate
    6.04 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.06 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,011
    Go to site

    Affordable home loan rate for buyers or refinancers. No monthly or ongoing fees. Option to add an offset for 0.10%. Access to savings with unlimited redraws available. Minimum 10% deposit required.

  • Promoted

    Budget Home Loan

    • LVR <80%
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    6.04 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.07 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,011
    Go to site

    Enjoy a discounted variable home loan from IMB. Get up to $4,000 cashback (T&Cs apply). Life-of-loan discount off IMB’s standard variable interest rate. Unrestricted additional repayments. Free Internet and Mobile Banking redraws (T&Cs apply). No monthly fees to pay. Up to a 30 year loan term. Split loan available. No offset account.

  • Promoted

    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.

  • Promoted

    Optimum Fixed Rate Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <80%
    Interest rate
    5.89 % p.a.
    Fixed 1 year
    Comparison rate
    6.30 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,867
    Go to site

    Lock in a competitive fixed interest rate and enjoy peace of mind for the fixed period with SWS Bank’s Optimum Fixed Rate Home Loan.There are no application, ongoing or banking fees to pay and first home buyers and refinancers can apply with a speedy online application. Get the flexibility of loan split options and redraw facility. No offset account available for fixed rate proportion of loan. Other fees may be applicable. T&Cs apply.

  • Optimum Fixed Rate Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <80%
    Interest rate
    5.89 % p.a.
    Fixed 1 year
    Comparison rate
    6.30 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,867
    Go to site

    Lock in a competitive fixed interest rate and enjoy peace of mind for the fixed period with SWS Bank’s Optimum Fixed Rate Home Loan.There are no application, ongoing or banking fees to pay and first home buyers and refinancers can apply with a speedy online application. Get the flexibility of loan split options and redraw facility. No offset account available for fixed rate proportion of loan. Other fees may be applicable. T&Cs apply.

  • Fixed Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <95%
    Interest rate
    5.69 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    6.34 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,899
    Go to site

    Get the security of a competitive fixed rate home loan for 2 years with IMB. Get up to $4,000 cashback (T&Cs apply). Up to 12 months repayments in advance without penalties. Free Internet and Mobile Banking redraws (T&Cs apply). Up to a 30 year loan term. Split loan available. No offset account.

  • Flex Home Loan

    • Fixed
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <60%
    Interest rate
    5.79 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    6.27 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,931
    Go to site

    Competitive Fixed rate. Multiple offset accounts available. Borrowers can also make extra repayments. Redraw facility available. Simple online application process. 40% deposit required.

  • 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.

  • Variable Home Loan 90

    • Principal and Interest
    • LVR <90%
    Interest rate
    6.04 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.06 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,011
    Go to site

    Affordable home loan rate for buyers or refinancers. No monthly or ongoing fees. Option to add an offset for 0.10%. Access to savings with unlimited redraws available. Minimum 10% deposit required.

  • Budget Home Loan

    • LVR <80%
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    6.04 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.07 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,011
    Go to site

    Enjoy a discounted variable home loan from IMB. Get up to $4,000 cashback (T&Cs apply). Life-of-loan discount off IMB’s standard variable interest rate. Unrestricted additional repayments. Free Internet and Mobile Banking redraws (T&Cs apply). No monthly fees to pay. Up to a 30 year loan term. Split loan available. No offset account.

  • 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.

  • Flex Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <60%
    Interest rate
    6.09 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.33 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,027
    Go to site

    Competitive variable rate. Multiple offset accounts available. Borrowers can also make extra repayments. Redraw facility available. Simple online application process. 40% deposit required.

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* 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.