March RBA decision: interest rates remain at 1.50%

By Tom Watson · · 5 min read
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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 - 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.

Home loan comparisons on Mozo

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 27 July 2024 Important disclosures and comparison rate warning*

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  • Unloan Variable

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    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.90 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,995
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    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.

  • Basic Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
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    Interest rate
    6.14 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.16 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,043
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    Enjoy a low rate home loan with $0 application fee and $0 ongoing fees. Flexibility to split your loan and set different repayment types. Fee free redraw from your loan using online banking. Flexible ways to repay. 40% Deposit required.

  • Neat Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
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    Interest rate
    6.09 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.11 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,027
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    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.

  • Special Real Deal Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
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    Interest rate
    6.09 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.13 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,027
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    Refinancers or first home buyers pay no monthly or annual fees. Up to $3,000 cashback when you complete your home loan application online. $2,000 cashback on loans ≥$250K; or $3,000 cashback on loans ≥$500K. LVR ≤80%. T&Cs and credit criteria apply.

  • Optimum Fixed Rate Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
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    5.69 % p.a.
    Fixed 3 years
    Comparison rate
    6.34 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,899
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    Lock in a competitive interest rate and enjoy peace of mind for the fixed period. Available for owner occupied new and refinanced home loans with at least 20% deposit. Split option available as well as offset and redraw. Noapplication, ongoing or banking fees. Third Party fees may be applicable - payable within loan repayments. Extra repayments up to $20K per annum permitted. Apply online, 100% member owned credit union.

  • 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.

  • OMG Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • <60% LVR
    Interest rate
    5.99 % p.a.
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    6.02 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,995
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    BCU Bank’s OMG owner occupied home loan offers a variety of great low rates depending on your deposit. Save with no ongoing annual fees. Access your extra payments when you need to through the redraw facility. Pre-approval valid for 3 months.

  • Flex Home Loan

    • Fixed
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <60%
    Interest rate
    5.99 % p.a.
    Fixed 3 years
    Comparison rate
    6.34 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,995
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    Competitive Fixed rate. Multiple offset accounts available. Borrowers can also make extra repayments. Redraw facility available. Simple online application process. 40% deposit required.

  • Express Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
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    Interest rate
    6.01 % p.a.
    Variable
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    6.14 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,001
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    Get online approval from the award-winning Bendigo Bank Express Home Loan. Multiple offset accounts and redraw available. 100% offset on variable rate loans and partial offset on fixed rate. Flexible repayment options. New home loans only.

  • 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.

  • Special Real Deal Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <80%
    Interest rate
    6.09 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.13 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,027
    Go to site

    Refinancers or first home buyers pay no monthly or annual fees. Up to $3,000 cashback when you complete your home loan application online. $2,000 cashback on loans ≥$250K; or $3,000 cashback on loans ≥$500K. LVR ≤80%. T&Cs and credit criteria apply.

  • Basic Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR<60%
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    6.14 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.16 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,043
    Go to site

    Enjoy a low rate home loan with $0 application fee and $0 ongoing fees. Flexibility to split your loan and set different repayment types. Fee free redraw from your loan using online banking. Flexible ways to repay. 40% Deposit required.

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    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <60%
    Interest rate
    6.14 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.38 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,043
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    Competitive variable rate. Multiple offset accounts available. Borrowers can also make extra repayments. Redraw facility available. Simple online application process. 40% deposit required.

  • Offset Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
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    Interest rate
    6.14 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.39 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,043
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    Ability to open up to 10 offset accounts per loan account. Fast online application. Linked Debit Mastercard® with fee-free access at ATMs across Australia. Package a credit card with your home loan and the annual card fee will be waived (T&Cs apply). 40% deposit required.

  • Basic Home Loan

    • Fixed
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    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR<70%
    Interest rate
    6.25 % p.a.
    Fixed 3 years
    Comparison rate
    6.20 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,079
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    No upfront or ongoing fees. Free extra repayments and redraw facility. Option to earn Qantas points. Min 30% deposit required. Borrow up to $10,000,000.

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    • Fixed
    • Owner Occupier
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    • LVR <70%
    Interest rate
    6.25 % p.a.
    Fixed 3 years
    Comparison rate
    6.42 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,079
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  • Fixed Rate

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • <80% LVR
    Interest rate
    6.54 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    7.10 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,174

    Enjoy up to $3000 cashback for eligible first home buyers and $2000 cashback for refinancers on eligible home loans with the ANZ Fixed Rate Home Loan. Get the security of repayment certainty with a competitive locked in rate. No ongoing fees to pay. Offset account on 1-year fixed loans ($10/month fee applies). Interest-only payments allowed.

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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.