RBA announces official cash rate will remain at 2%. Again.

By Kelly Emmerton · · 4 min read
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Experts had been predicting that the cash rate would remain on hold at 2% after the RBA’s April announcement and those predictions have proved true, with the record low rate locked in for the eleventh month in a row.

Despite a rise in the Aussie dollar, domestic growth and commodity prices are solid, and  experts said the economy is stable enough that they wouldn’t expect the RBA to upset the optimistic outlook with a cut just yet.

In a statement, Governor Glenn Stevens said that, “Under present circumstances, an appreciating exchange rate could complicate the adjustment under way in the economy.”

He added that, “Low interest rates are supporting demand, while supervisory measures are working to emphasise prudent lending standards and so to contain risks in the housing market. Credit growth to households continues at a moderate pace, albeit with a changed composition between investors and owner-occupiers.”

With next month’s RBA announcement falling on the same day as the budget announcement - which Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull brought forward a week - and the potential for a double dissolution election in July, experts are predicting further stability for the official cash rate. Some have suggested that the 2% rate will hold steady throughout June and July as the benefits of a cut diminish amidst political and economic factors.

However, the strengthened Aussie dollar and its potential effect on growth and inflation mean many are still expecting cuts later in the year.

What does this mean for your home loan?

Although this month has seen little change in home loan offers, it’s no time for Aussie borrowers to start slacking off on their mortgage situation. Regular reviews of home loan rates can help ensure borrowers are getting the best deal possible at any given time, as an outdated home loan deal could be costing thousands of dollars each year.

For example, on a $700,000 home loan, the average rate of 4.71% would cost the borrower $492,420 in interest over a 25 year loan period. The same loan, with one of the lowest variable rate home loan offers in Mozo’s database of just 3.94% would cost the borrower just $401,512 in interest over the life of the loan. That’s a saving of $90,908 all up, or just over $300 each month.

To help you snag a great home loan deal, Mozo’s experts have rounded up the best home loan offers on the market at the moment.

Best variable rate home loans:

(For owner occupiers with LVR 80% or below)

Plus a bunch of providers offering home loans at a 3.99% rate. Find them here.

Best fixed rate home loans:

You can find all the best home loan deals in our home loan comparison table.

What about your savings?

While low interest rates are good news for borrowers, savers have had it a lot tougher. Although there weren’t many changes in savings accounts, most of those that did happen were cuts, with the average interest rate now sitting at just 2.31%.

On a savings stash of $10,000, this rate would mean $1,223 extra in interest payments over a five year period. But to help savers grow their pile even quicker, Mozo has taken a few of the top results from our savings account comparison and crunched the numbers on what difference the higher rates could make to your savings.

Here are the results:

Account Interest rate and conditions
 Interest on $10,000 over 5 years*
ME Online Savings Account 3.60% - as long as you make a weekly purchase using PayPass Tap & Go on a linked ME EveryDay Transaction Account $1,969
ING Direct Savings Maximiser 3.50% - as long as you deposit at least $1,000 a month and have a linked Orange Everyday Account $7,376
UBank USaver with Ultra Transaction Account 3.37% - if you make a $200 deposit into either account each month $2,883
RaboDirect Notice Saver 3.20% - for 90 days, but you have to give notice to withdraw funds $1,733
Bankwest Hero Saver 3.15% - with at least $200 a month deposit and no withdrawals $2,682
RAMS Saver 3.15% - as long as you deposit $200 a month and don’t make any withdrawals $2,682

*Includes required monthly deposits if they apply.

To work out what you could save with one of these high interest savings accounts, check out our savings calculator.

*Rates and calculations are accurate at the time of writing, but may change. Please click on highlighted product for today’s rates.

Read last month's Reserve Bank interest rates update.

Top home loans - last updated 20 April 2024

Search promoted home loans below or do a full Mozo database search. Advertiser disclosure
  • Featured Product
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    Unloan Variable

    Owner Occupier, LVR <80%

    interest rate
    comparison rate
    Initial monthly repayment
    5.99% p.a. variable
    5.90% p.a.

    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.

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  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    Express Home Loan

    Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, LVR <90%

    interest rate
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    Initial monthly repayment
    6.01% p.a. variable
    6.14% p.a.

    Get fast 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.

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  • Flex Home Loan

    Fixed, Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, LVR <60%

    interest rate
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    Initial monthly repayment
    5.99% p.a.
    fixed 3 years
    6.37% p.a.

    Competitive Fixed 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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  • Discounted Home Value Loan

    Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, LVR 70-80%

    interest rate
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    Initial monthly repayment
    6.09% p.a. variable
    6.09% p.a.

    Enjoy competitive rates for owner occupiers. Enjoy unlimited free extra repayments. Flexibility to redraw additional payments for free. No ongoing monthly service fee. Settlement fee waived on new borrowings from $50,000 (T&Cs apply).

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  • Neat Home Loan

    Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, LVR <60%

    interest rate
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    6.14% p.a. variable
    6.16% p.a.

    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.

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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.

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Home Loan Awards

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.

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