Share this @internewscast.com

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has reduced interest rates to their lowest level in two years due to slowing inflation but continues to caution about an unpredictable economic future.
After a two-day meeting of its monetary policy board, the central bank lowered the cash rate to 3.85 per cent on Tuesday. Treasurer Jim Chalmers described this as “welcome relief” for those with mortgages.
This decision follows the March quarter, where inflation was reported at 2.4 per cent, while the underlying inflation — favored by the RBA for excluding erratic elements — was recorded at 2.9 per cent.
This latter number falls right at the RBA’s inflation target range of 2-3 per cent.

The monetary policy board noted the considerable drop in inflation from its 2022 peak, yet warned that headline inflation may approach the top of the range next year as “temporary factors,” such as energy bill rebates, expire.

However, it did expect underlying inflation would moderate to around the midpoint of its target band over the forecast period — until July 2027.
It also warned of an uncertain economic outlook, pointing to, among other things, concerns over US tariffs, “pronounced” geopolitical uncertainties, and domestic economic activity.

Nevertheless, it assessed that “risks to inflation have become more balanced” and opted to lower rates since inflation is anticipated to hover around the target range.

How much will the rate cut save mortgage holders?

Those with a $500,000 loan would save around $76 a month if their lender passes on the rate cut, according to an analysis by financial comparison website Canstar.

For mortgage holders, this means potential monthly savings of $91 for a $600,000 loan, $114 for a $750,000 loan, and around $152 for those with a $1 million loan.

Which banks are passing on the latest interest rate cut?

Lenders will likely continue to make announcements over the coming days.
But so far, these banks and lenders have said they will pass on the quarter-point cut from:
30 May: Commonwealth Bank, NAB, ANZ, Bankwest, Suncorp, People’s Choice Credit Union
3 June: Westpac, ING, RACQ Bank, Bank SA, Bank of Melbourne, St George

Online lenders Athena and Unloan have also passed on the cut immediately.

How far could interest rates fall?

The Commonwealth Bank expects the cash rate will fall by a further 0.50 percentage points — to 3.35 per cent — by the end of 2025
ANZ and Westpac also expects it will fall to 3.35 per cent, with the former predicting August and the latter by the end of the year.

Unlike the other big four banks, NAB had predicted a 0.50 per cent cut in May — a move that ultimately didn’t eventuate. It has yet to update its forecasts.

When will the RBA make its next interest rates decision?

The monetary policy board will next meet on 7-8 July.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Pedestrians on Bourke Street in Melbourne.

Unseen Tax Loophole Costs Australians Thousands: Are You Affected?

The federal government is facing yet another call to overhaul the GST,…

Australia’s Bold Move: Bowen Heads to Brazil to Secure COP31 Hosting Amid Türkiye Tensions

Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen will travel to the COP30 climate summit…
Kate's a single mum and a cattle farmer. One day, she lost her eyesight

Kate: Single Mother and Cattle Farmer Faces Life-Altering Vision Loss

After surviving a divorce and moving house, Queensland cattle farmer Kate Cosh…

Tragic Blast in Kashmir: Confiscated Explosives Detonation Claims Nine Lives, Injures 29

At least nine people were killed and 29 injured when a pile…
Wrong winner announced for South Australian Senior of the Year award

Mix-Up Unveils Incorrect Winner for South Australian Senior of the Year Award

A major faux pas occurred during the prominent Australian of the Year…
A snap storm caused delays at Sydney Airport this afternoon.

Powerful Storms Unleash Torrential Rain, Strong Winds, and Golf Ball-Sized Hail

Australia’s eastern coastline is currently experiencing a series of thunderstorms, which are…
A Lone Star tick, which despite its Texas-sounding name, is found mainly in the south-east of the US.

Tragic Incident: US Pilot Succumbs to Complications Following Tick Bite

In a groundbreaking revelation, scientists have identified what they believe to be…

Trump Reduces Tariffs on Food Imports, Including Australian Beef, to Address Rising Price Concerns

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to exempt a…

Trump Initiates Criminal Probe into Epstein’s Alleged Connections with Clinton and Key Democrats

The US Justice Department said it will carry out President Donald Trump’s…

Unveiling the Secrets: Key Revelations from the Latest 20,000 Epstein Document Release

This story contains references to suicide. A fresh political storm has erupted…

UK Court Holds BHP Accountable for Brazil Dam Disaster: A Landmark Ruling

Anglo-Australian mining giant BHP can be held liable over the 2015 collapse…
A government worker, his wife and directors of a building company have been charged with fraud and corruption offences.The trio from the Northern Territory are accused by the AFP of being involved in a conspiracy to influence the awarding of tenders to their company from the Department of Defence worth almost $71m.

Government Employee Charged with $71 Million Fraud Scheme

An employee of the government, along with his spouse and several executives…