Australian Inflation Eases, Indicating RBA Rate Cuts May Follow
Australian Inflation Eases, Indicating RBA Rate Cuts May Follow
0
The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
Recent data reveals a continued decline in Australian inflation, providing optimism for the financial sector.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and the Melbourne Institute (MI) both reported lower-than-expected inflation rates, with the MI’s trimmed mean inflation reaching its lowest since 2020.
This trend, highlighted by Justin Fabo of Antipodean Macro, indicates a return towards pre-2003 averages.
Declining housing inflation significantly contributes to this disinflationary trend. Lower rents and new home prices have been identified as key factors supporting the fall in the trimmed-mean inflation. The NAB business survey and S&P PMIs further confirm this pattern, showing a consistent disinflation process in February and March.
Additionally, wage data aligns with this downward inflation trend. The Q4 2024 Wage Price Index (WPI) exhibited growth of only 0.65% for the quarter, marking it as the most subdued quarterly increase since the start of 2022. This element of wage data supports the notion that inflationary pressures are easing.
The implications for the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) are significant. With softer-than-expected inflation and wage data, the RBA appears poised to lower interest rates. Economists widely anticipate a rate cut at the RBA’s May board meeting, contingent upon the Q1 CPI findings. The market anticipates further rate reductions throughout the year, suggesting a proactive approach from the RBA to support economic stability.
The combination of easing inflation and moderated wage growth bodes well for consumers and businesses, potentially enhancing purchasing power and stimulating economic activity. As the financial landscape adjusts to these changes, all eyes will be on the RBA’s forthcoming decisions and how these will shape Australia's economic trajectory.
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a significant policy change aimed at mitigating emerging risks in the housing market. Effective February 2026, APRA will impose a cap on high debt-to-income (DTI) home loans, limiting banks to issuing no more than 20% of new home loans with DTI ratios of six times or higher. This measure applies to both owner-occupier and investor loans, excluding new housing developments. - read more
In November 2025, Australia's housing market experienced a 1% month-on-month increase in home prices, bringing the national median value to A$888,941. This follows a 1.1% rise in October, indicating a persistent upward trend in property values. The growth was particularly pronounced in mid-sized state capitals, with Perth leading at a 2.4% increase. Sydney and Melbourne saw more modest gains of 0.5% and 0.3%, respectively. - read more
Recent analyses indicate that Australian home prices are expected to rise by approximately 6.9% in 2026, an upward revision from earlier projections of 5.6%. This forecast follows an anticipated 8% increase in 2025, highlighting a sustained upward trajectory in property values. The primary drivers behind this growth include limited housing supply and resilient demand, particularly in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. - read more
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the nation's largest lender, has recently voiced concerns regarding the escalating demand for home loans, suggesting that this surge may be contributing to unsustainable property price increases. CEO Matt Comyn highlighted that while the bank benefits from the current housing credit boom, a more moderate growth rate would better support long-term financial stability and housing affordability. - read more
As of October 1, 2025, the Australian government's expanded First Home Guarantee Scheme has come into effect, introducing significant changes designed to make homeownership more accessible for first-time buyers. Key modifications include the removal of income caps, increased property price limits, and the elimination of restrictions on the number of guarantees available. - read more
Embarking on the journey to homeownership is a quintessential part of the American dream, one that conjures images of stability, accomplishment, and personal sanctuary. Yet, this dream comes with significant financial implications that can often feel daunting to aspiring homeowners. Navigating the landscape of real estate and mortgages requires an understanding of the economic commitment it entails. - read more
For potential and seasoned investors alike, the Australian property landscape offers a plethora of opportunities. Investment properties have long been a favored asset class in Australia due to the potential for capital growth and rental yield. However, diving into the property market without a solid understanding of the financial mechanics, specifically interest rates, can be akin to sailing without a compass. - read more
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on home loan refinancing. Whether you're a first-time homeowner or a seasoned property investor, understanding the ins and outs of refinancing can save you a significant amount of money and anxiety. - read more
Welcome to the exciting and sometimes complex world of real estate in Australia! If you are on the cusp of purchasing your first home, you've probably heard about stamp duty. But what exactly is it? Stamp duty is a form of tax imposed by Australian states and territories on property transactions. This tax is usually a percentage of the property purchase price or market value and is a legal requirement for most property sales. - read more
Buying a home is a significant milestone for many Australians, but it often involves securing a mortgage, which can be a complex process. An essential part of this process is understanding mortgage insurance. Mortgage insurance is a type of insurance policy that protects lenders from the risk of defaulting borrowers. - read more
Need Help Finding a Home Loan?
Get your free home loan eligibility assessment and compare offers tailored
specifically to your circumstances.
All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without
obligation. We respect your
privacy.
"Mastering Home Loans: Navigating the Australian Mortgage Market"
Hedge Fund: An alternative investment vehicle that uses pooled funds to employ different strategies to earn active returns, or alpha, for their investors.