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The Reserve Bank of Australia on Feb. 3 delivered its first cash rate rise in more than two years, increasing the target by 25 basis points to 3.85%, citing a material pick-up in inflation, stronger-than-expected private demand, tighter labour market conditions and supply constraints.
Major lenders including Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, NAB and Westpac matched the move and said they would pass the full 25bp on to variable home loans from mid-February, with many other lenders following suit.
The rise will add roughly A$90–$115 a month to repayments on an average mortgage, analysts say, and markets have priced a high probability of further increases by May.
The decision sharpened political pressure on Treasurer Jim Chalmers to find budget savings and productivity reforms ahead of the May budget.
Housing market responses are diverging: ANZ warned the boom may be over in about half the country as Sydney and Melbourne cool while Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide continue to surge.
The episode also produced reputational fallout for some banks after tone‑deaf customer communications and fuelled debate about the wider implications for global central banks and bond markets.
🔗 Based On
News | Mail OnlineME Bank sends appalling email to mortgage holders after deciding to pass on Reserve Bank's interest rate hike
News | Mail OnlineWhy Jim Chalmers is now under pressure to act as interest rates rise in blow for Aussies with a mortgage
Gold Coast BulletinMajor bank: Aus’ house boom over for half the country
















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