RBA holds interest rates steady at 1.75% amidst global uncertainty
With global markets unsettled in the wake of Brexit and the Federal Election shaking up the domestic scene, the Reserve Bank of Australia has opted to keep interest rates on hold for now, at 1.75%.
The decision comes as no surprise, with 25 economists interviewed by Bloomberg unanimously predicting that this month’s RBA announcement would hold rates steady. However, most experts, with the notable exception of NAB, have forecast a rate cut for August.
In a statement, outgoing Governor Glenn Stevens said that, “In Australia, recent data suggest overall growth is continuing, despite a very large decline in business investment. Other areas of domestic demand, as well as exports, have been expanding at a pace at or above trend."
He added that "Financial institutions are in a position to lend and credit growth has been moderate. These factors are all assisting the economy to make the necessary economic adjustments, though an appreciating exchange rate could complicate this."
Whether or not an August interest rate drop actually happens may come down largely to both the new global market conditions as regulators navigate Brexit developments, and the June quarter consumer price inflation (CPI) report which will be released on July 27.
What does it mean for your home loan?
During the month we’ve seen the lingering effect of the last RBA rate cut on home loan interest rates, with further cuts - particularly on fixed rate home loans - trickling through from lenders. So for any home buyers considering locking in a low rate, now may be a good time to make a move - unless you’re betting on another RBA rate cut in August.
Although already low home loan rates are looking even sweeter, and seem unlikely to rise again in the next month or two, it’s not time for borrowers to become complacent. Savvy Aussies should still keep one eye on the market and stay up-to-date on the best home loan deals.
Best fixed rate home loan offers
- 1 year fixed rate: <a href="https://mozo.com.au/home-loans/information/illawarra-credit-union/Fixed-Home-Loan/5169" data-ldtx_html="Illawarra Credit Union " class="ldtx-link-good ldtx-link-good-sameDomain-follow" data-ldtx_powertrust="0" data-ldtx_trust="0" data-ldtx_power="1">Illawarra Credit Union - 3.65% (comparison rate 4.10%)
- 2 year fixed rate: 3.74% - <a href="https://mozo.com.au/home-loans/information/suncorp/Fixed-Home-Loan-Home-Package-Plus/3558" data-ldtx_html="Suncorp " class="ldtx-link-good ldtx-link-good-sameDomain-follow" data-ldtx_powertrust="2" data-ldtx_trust="1" data-ldtx_power="2">Suncorp (comparison rate 4.45%), <a href="https://mozo.com.au/home-loans/information/newcastle-permanent/Fixed-Rate-Home-Loan/3545" data-ldtx_html="Newcastle Permanent " class="ldtx-link-good ldtx-link-good-sameDomain-follow" data-ldtx_powertrust="1" data-ldtx_trust="1" data-ldtx_power="1">Newcastle Permanent (comparison rate 4.84%)
- 3 year fixed rate: loans.com.au - 3.67% (comparison rate 3.88%)
- 4 year fixed rate BCU - 3.80% (comparison rate 4.38%)
- 5 year fixed rate: 3.99% - <a href="https://mozo.com.au/home-loans/information/greater-bank/Ultimate-Home-Loan-Fixed,-Package/3796" data-ldtx_html="Greater Bank " class="ldtx-link-good ldtx-link-good-sameDomain-follow" data-ldtx_powertrust="0" data-ldtx_trust="0" data-ldtx_power="1">Greater Bank (comparison rate 4.48%), Teachers Mutual Bank (comparison rate 4.77%), UniBank (comparison rate 4.77%)
Best variable rate home loan offers
Product | Variable rate |
---|---|
FreedomLend <a href="https://mozo.com.au/home-loans/information/freedomlend/Variable-Home-Loan/5512" data-ldtx_html="Variable Home Loan " class="ldtx-link-good ldtx-link-good-sameDomain-follow" data-ldtx_powertrust="0" data-ldtx_trust="0" data-ldtx_power="1">Variable Home Loan | 3.73% |
Newcastle Permanent <a href="https://mozo.com.au/home-loans/information/newcastle-permanent/Variable-Home-Loan-Premium-Plus-Package/3786" data-ldtx_html="Discounted Variable Home Loan (Premium Plus Package) " class="ldtx-link-good ldtx-link-good-sameDomain-follow" data-ldtx_powertrust="1" data-ldtx_trust="1" data-ldtx_power="1">Discounted Variable Home Loan (Premium Plus Package) | 3.74% |
UBank <a href="https://mozo.com.au/home-loans/information/ubank/UHomeLoan---Offer/3790" data-ldtx_html="UHomeLoan - Value Offer" class="ldtx-link-good ldtx-link-good-sameDomain-follow" data-ldtx_powertrust="0" data-ldtx_trust="0" data-ldtx_power="0">UHomeLoan - Value Offer | 3.74% |
*All home loan rates based on owner occupiers with an LVR of 80% or higher
Check out other great home loan offers on the market over at our <a href="https://mozo.com.au/home-loans" data-ldtx_html="home loan comparison " class="ldtx-link-good ldtx-link-good-sameDomain-follow" data-ldtx_powertrust="12" data-ldtx_trust="3" data-ldtx_power="4">home loan comparison table.
And what about your savings?
Although the RBA has opted to keep interest rates on hold for now, with experts predicting another cut on the horizon savers will need to be on the lookout for all the best deals in order to secure a decent return on their cash stash.
Luckily, Mozo are here to help, and we’ve rounded up some of the best high interest savings accounts to park your rainy day fund in.
Best savings accounts
Product | Interest rate | Special conditions |
---|---|---|
ME <a href="https://mozo.com.au/savings-accounts/information/me/Online-Savings-Account/3925" data-ldtx_html="Online Savings Account" class="ldtx-link-good ldtx-link-good-sameDomain-follow" data-ldtx_powertrust="2" data-ldtx_trust="1" data-ldtx_power="2">Online Savings Account | 3.35% | Make a weekly Tap & Go purchase with the debit card attached to your ME Everyday Transaction Account |
CUA eSaver Reward | 3.15% | Deposit $1,000 into a CUA transaction account in the month. |
RAMS <a href="https://mozo.com.au/savings-accounts/information/rams/Saver-Account/4073" data-ldtx_html="Saver Account " class="ldtx-link-good ldtx-link-good-sameDomain-follow" data-ldtx_powertrust="0" data-ldtx_trust="0" data-ldtx_power="3">Saver Account | 3.15% | Minimum deposit of $200 and no withdrawals in the month. |
UBank <a href="https://mozo.com.au/savings-accounts/information/ubank/USaver-with-Ultra-Transaction-Account/4908" data-ldtx_html="USaver with Ultra Transaction Account " class="ldtx-link-good ldtx-link-good-sameDomain-follow" data-ldtx_powertrust="2" data-ldtx_trust="1" data-ldtx_power="2">USaver with Ultra Transaction Account | 3.12% | Minimum deposit of $200 into either account in the month. |
Bank Australia <a href="https://mozo.com.au/savings-accounts/information/bank-australia/Bonus-Saver/3957" data-ldtx_html="Bonus Saver " class="ldtx-link-good ldtx-link-good-sameDomain-follow" data-ldtx_powertrust="0" data-ldtx_trust="0" data-ldtx_power="0">Bonus Saver | 3.00% | Minimum deposit of $100 and no withdrawals in the month. |
For more great savings options, visit our <a href="https://mozo.com.au/savings-accounts" data-ldtx_html="saving accounts comparison " class="ldtx-link-good ldtx-link-good-sameDomain-follow" data-ldtx_powertrust="12" data-ldtx_trust="3" data-ldtx_power="4">saving accounts comparison table.
Read last month's Reserve Bank interest rates update.
Top home loans - last updated 18 April 2024
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Featured Product
Mozo experts choice awards won:
- Low Cost Home Loan - 2024
Unloan Variable
Owner Occupier, LVR <80%
interest rate
comparison rate
Initial monthly repayment5.99% p.a. variable5.90% 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.
CompareCompareUnloan Variable
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.
- interest rate
- 5.99% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 5.90% p.a.
- interest rate
- 5.99% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 5.90% p.a.
- Upfront fees
- $0
- Ongoing fees
- $0.00
- Discharge Fee
- $0.00
- Extra repayments
- yes - free
- Redraw facility
- yes - free
- Offset account
- no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- minimum borrowing amount
- $10,000
- maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special Offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Unloan Variable
-
Mozo experts choice awards won:
- Exceptional Value Home Lender - 2024
Express Home Loan
Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, LVR <90%
interest rate
comparison rate
Initial monthly repayment6.01% p.a. variable6.14% 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.
CompareCompareExpress Home Loan
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.
- interest rate
- 6.01% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.14% p.a.
- interest rate
- 6.01% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.14% p.a.
- Upfront fees
- $134
- Ongoing fees
- $10.00 monthly
- Discharge Fee
- $350.00
- Extra repayments
- yes - free
- Redraw facility
- yes - free
- Offset account
- yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 90.00%
- minimum borrowing amount
- $5,000
- maximum borrowing amount
- $3,000,000
- type of mortgage
- Variable
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- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special Offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Express Home Loan
-
Flex Home Loan
Fixed, Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, LVR <60%
interest rate
comparison rate
Initial monthly repayment5.99% p.a.
fixed 3 years6.37% 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.
CompareCompareFlex Home Loan
Competitive Fixed rate. Multiple offset accounts available. Borrowers can also make extra repayments. Redraw facility available. Simple online application process. 40% deposit required.
- interest rate
- 5.99% p.a.
fixed 3 years
- comparison rate
- 6.37% p.a.
- interest rate
- 5.99% p.a.
fixed 3 years
- comparison rate
- 6.37% p.a.
- Upfront fees
- $250
- Ongoing fees
- $250.00 yearly
- Discharge Fee
- $300.00
- Extra repayments
- yes - free
- Redraw facility
- yes - free
- Offset account
- yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- minimum borrowing amount
- -
- maximum borrowing amount
- -
- type of mortgage
- Fixed
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special Offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Flex Home Loan
-
Discounted Home Value Loan
Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, LVR 70-80%
interest rate
comparison rate
Initial monthly repayment6.09% p.a. variable6.09% 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).
CompareCompareDiscounted Home Value Loan
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).
- interest rate
- 6.09% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.09% p.a.
- interest rate
- 6.09% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.09% p.a.
- Upfront fees
- $0
- Ongoing fees
- $0.00
- Discharge Fee
- $300.00
- Extra repayments
- yes - free
- Redraw facility
- yes - free
- Offset account
- no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- minimum borrowing amount
- $50,000
- maximum borrowing amount
- $15,000,000
- type of mortgage
- Variable
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- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special Offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Discounted Home Value Loan
-
Neat Home Loan
Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, LVR <60%
interest rate
comparison rate
Initial monthly repayment6.14% p.a. variable6.16% 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.
CompareCompareNeat Home Loan
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.
- interest rate
- 6.14% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.16% p.a.
- interest rate
- 6.14% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.16% p.a.
- Upfront fees
- $250
- Ongoing fees
- $0.00
- Discharge Fee
- $300.00
- Extra repayments
- yes - free
- Redraw facility
- yes - free
- Offset account
- no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- minimum borrowing amount
- $80,000
- maximum borrowing amount
- $5,000,000
- type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special Offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Neat Home Loan
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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
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