Homeowners have been waiting with bated breath to see when the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will cut the cash rate. It’s been on hold at 4.35% since November 2023.
Some hoped a cash rate cut may come after the US Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 0.50 per cent last month, joining other countries like New Zealand, Canada and the UK in giving homeowners a reprieve.
However, so far the RBA Board has held firm about the need to maintain a restrictive monetary policy for the time being.
Some economists believe it could still happen this year, while most say early 2025 is more likely.
What’s happening with inflation?
Inflation has been trending lower, which is promising.
In August, we saw Australia’s annual inflation rate fall to the lowest level in three years, at 2.7%. That was down from July’s 3.5% annual pace.
However, the RBA is still waiting for a more sustained drop before cutting the cash rate.
“The board needs to be confident that inflation is moving sustainably towards the [2-3%] target before any decisions are made about a reduction in interest rates,” RBA Governor Michele Bullock said.
What the Big Four banks are saying
Australia’s Big Four banks agree that rates have peaked, but not all are on the same page as to when the RBA might make its first cash rate cut.
Commonwealth Bank – CBA is still optimistic that we will see a 0.25 per cent cash rate cut in December 2024. Their forecast was pushed out from November to December following recent strength in employment growth.
NAB – NAB brought forward its forecast of when the RBA will cut interest rates to February 2025, rather than May next year. It’s anticipating a 0.25 per cent decrease to 4.1 per cent in February, followed by one cut per quarter until the cash rate is 3.1 per cent in early 2026.
Westpac – Westpac expects the cash rate will remain unchanged until February, which will mark the first of four 0.25 per cent cuts throughout 2025.
ANZ – ANZ agrees the RBA is likely to start an easing cycle from February 2025.
What does this mean for homeowners?
If lenders pass on the cash rate cut, mortgage holders on variable interest rates could save on their repayments.
Running through the numbers, a 0.25 per cent cash rate cut would shave $92 off monthly repayments on a $600,000 loan, bringing them down to $3,907 per month.
Those with a $750,000 mortgage would be looking at a saving of roughly $114 per month.
Next steps
With a cash rate cut likely on the horizon within the next four months, now is the time to review your home loan and weigh up if it still serves your needs.
Speak to us and we’ll explain whether refinancing could be a good option for you in the current mortgage environment. We can also provide advice about interest-saving features like an offset account or a redraw facility.
Get in touch today.