RBA lifts official interest rate

The RBA board decided to increase the rate from a record low of 0.1%, to 0.35% and the interest rate on exchange settlement balances was lifted 25 percent to 0.25%.

The board judged that now was the right time to begin withdrawing some of the extraordinary monetary support provided to help the Australian economy through the pandemic.

The resilience of the Australian economy is particularly evident in the labour market, with unemployment declining over recent months to 4%, according to RBA Governor Philip Lowe.

“Both job vacancies and job ads are also at high levels,” he said.

“The central forecast is for the unemployment rate to decline to around 3.5% by early 2023.”

Lowe went on to say that inflation was significantly higher than expected a year ago, although it remained lower than in most other advanced economies.

Published:Tuesday, 3rd May 2022
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

Commonwealth Bank Challenges RBA's Card Fee Reform

12 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori

Australia’s leading financial institution, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, has openly criticised the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) for its calculations related to a proposed reduction in debit and credit card transaction fees. The RBA suggested that the reform would save Australian businesses $1.2 billion annually and benefit the majority of companies, a claim that the Commonwealth Bank strongly disputes. - read more

Ongoing Consumer Spending Surge Threatens Future Interest Rate Cuts

11 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori

Amid a period of robust consumer spending, Australia's mortgage holders may face limited future interest-rate cuts. The Commonwealth Bank has observed Australians increasing their spending over the last six months, spurred by rising incomes, a robust job market, and previously lowered interest rates. - read more

CSLR Funding Concerns as Special Levy Decision Remains Pending

11 Sep 2025: Paige Estritori

The Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR) recently highlighted potential delays in compensation payments due to insufficient special levy funds. In July, the CSLR's proposed FY2025–26 levy plan allocated $67.29 million for financial advisers, surpassing the $20 million limit set for the subsector. This shortfall of $47.29 million prompted the Treasury to initiate a consultation in August to determine funding solutions for the excess levy. - read more

Click for more Finance News

Time to Refinance?

If you are seeking lower rates, lower fees and more flexibility in your home loan. you are in luck! Our national panel of mortgage brokers is looking forward to an opportunity to assist you. Apply online for a free eligibility assessment and one of our broker network refinance specialists will get on the case to track down the best deal for your individual circumstances. Without any obligation and at no charge to you!

... start here ...