RBA's September decision: rates on hold at 3.50%

By Mozo · · 2 min read
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Spring has sprung, bringing with it a welcome change in the weather, a not so welcome change in pollen levels (sniffle sniffle), and, for the third month in a row, no change in Reserve Bank interest rates.

Yes, Governor Glenn Stevens has today yet again announced that the official cash rate will be held at 3.50%, in reaction to an entirely mixed bag of national and international fiscal signs.

In a statement, Stevens declared that the current monetary policy "remained appropriate", due to a "subdued international outlook" and local growth "close to trend".

No change again, RBA? This is really starting to get dull.

Not so! Ostensibly dull it may be, but there’s more to this month's decision than meets the eye.

Locally, August saw better than expected national employment rates, coupled with lacklustre retail figures and markedly fewer numbers of building approvals.

Internationally, the EuroZone has been relatively stable, while further afield, economists have revised growth figures for China, predicting the next quarter will produce negative results for the market superpower.

Such contrary and confusing monetary signs have informed this month's Reserve Bank rate decision. The RBA is playing it cool, still closely monitoring the effects of its cumulative 0.75% cut over the May/June period, and waiting to see what the next few months bring internationally.

And never fear the decision doldrums aren't expected to last for too much longer: economists are expecting another rate cut in November, so stay tuned.

Get specific. What does this all mean for borrowers?

The RBA certainly ain’t shaking things up this month, but that doesn’t mean you can't! Now is as good a time as any to shop around, find a better deal and refinance.

Unfortunately, it's pretty unlikely this month that any of the banks will cut their rates on variable home loans. There continues to be, however, a nice downward trend in fixed rate home loans.

As per usual, the eagle-eyed team of Mozo Rate Chasers will be keeping a close eye on things, ensuring no sneaky rate changes go unnoticed.

And for savers?

Although rates in this area are static, and have been for a few months now, there are still a few banks out there who are competing fiercely for your money. Take the time to scout around and check out some of the great deals on offer.

UBank's 404 1 year term deposit is looking mighty fine at 5.35%, while the RAMS Saver account leads the way on at call rates, sitting pretty on 5.75%.

Read last month's Reserve Bank interest rates update.

Home loan comparisons on Mozo

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Last updated 27 July 2024 Important disclosures and comparison rate warning*

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  • Unloan Variable

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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

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    $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.

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    $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

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    6.09 % p.a.
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    6.13 % p.a.
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    $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
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    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
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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.

  • OMG Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
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    • <60% LVR
    Interest rate
    5.99 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    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
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    • 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

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    6.01 % p.a.
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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.

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    • Owner Occupier
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    • LVR <60%
    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
    • 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
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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.

  • Flex Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
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    • LVR <60%
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    6.14 % p.a.
    Variable
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    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

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    6.14 % p.a.
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    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
    • Owner Occupier
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    • LVR<70%
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    6.25 % p.a.
    Fixed 3 years
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    6.20 % p.a.
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    $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.

  • Offset Home Loan

    • Fixed
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    6.25 % p.a.
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    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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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.