Each week, we unpack the biggest Australian headlines impacting businesses and everyday professionals — from policy changes and economic indicators to tech, compliance, and consumer trends. Expect a crisp recap, plain-English context, and practical takeaways you can act on in minutes. Reliable, jargon-free, and designed for busy listeners who want to stay informed without the noise. Updated weekly, so you never miss what matters.
This Week:
This week: February inflation eased slightly, but higher fuel costs could re‑accelerate prices and keep the RBA on guard. Major banks lifted variable mortgage rates, with changes taking effect on 27 March—borrowers should check minimum repayments and compare options. NSW and Victoria plan tougher rules on property underquoting to give buyers clearer price guides; refresh pre‑approvals in line with current rates. Ahead of Mays Federal Budget, the Treasurer flagged savings, productivity and investment measures; SMEs planning asset or vehicle finance should organise documents now. Visit internet-loans.com.au for comparisons and a free eligibility check.
EPISODE 1476 | Australian Internet Loans Weekly News Insights | Sat, 28th Mar 2026
30 Mar 2026 | Paige Estritori
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Read Full Transcript:
Hello and welcome to Australian Internet Loans Weekly News Insights, Im Paige Estritori, and its Saturday, 28 March 2026.
First up, inflation edged lower in February to about three point seven per cent year on year, but that read came before the recent oil shock. Dearer petrol and diesel are likely to feed into the next Consumer Price Index and keep the Reserve Bank of Australia, the RBA, on alert. Some bank economists now see the risk of another move in May. The takeaway: stress‑test your repayments at higher rates and, if youve been thinking about refinancing or splitting part fixed, compare options sooner rather than later.
Meanwhile, variable mortgage rates at the majors stepped up this week after the RBAs 25‑basis‑point rise on 17 March. Changes took effect on Thursday, 27 March. Check your minimum repayment, because many lenders dont lower repayments automatically after cuts, but they do lift them after hikes. If your rate has crept up, use our free eligibility check to see if a sharper rate or a different structure could reduce your costs.
Next up, for buyers, NSW and Victoria are moving to tighten rules on property underquoting and price transparency. Expect clearer price guides, bigger penalties for dodgy quoting, and more disclosure on how guides are set. That helps you set a realistic ceiling before auctions. If youre seeking pre‑approval, refresh your borrowing power with current rates so youre not caught short on auction day.
And looking ahead to May, the Treasurer signalled the Federal Budget will make “tough decisions” focused on savings, productivity and investment as inflation risks rise. For small businesses planning equipment, vehicle or fit‑out finance in quarter two, get your financials and documents in order now. If incentives land in May, being organised means you can move quickly on asset finance or a term loan that suits your cash flow.
Thats the wrap. For comparisons, a free, no‑obligation eligibility check, and expert support across personal and business loans, head to internet-loans.com.au. Im Paige Estritori—thanks for listening and Ill see you next week.
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.
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