ANZ Cuts Fixed Mortgage Rates Ahead of Anticipated RBA Decision
ANZ has proactively reduced its fixed mortgage interest rates by up to 0.40 percentage points, positioning itself ahead of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) upcoming cash rate decision. The bank now offers the lowest one- and two-year fixed rates among the big four banks, starting from 5.39%. This move is seen as a strategic effort to attract new customers and reflects expectations of a potential RBA rate cut on May 20. With underlying inflation returning to the RBA’s target range for the first time since 2021, financial markets are anticipating a 25-basis-point reduction, with some economists predicting a larger cut to 3.60%. ANZ’s rate adjustments underscore the competitive dynamics in the mortgage market and the broader anticipation of monetary policy easing.
Published date: 9 May 2025
Source: 9News
CoStar to Acquire Domain in $3 Billion Deal
U.S.-based real estate giant CoStar Group has announced its intention to acquire Australian property listings platform Domain Holdings for approximately A$3 billion (USD $1.92 billion). CoStar, which already holds a 16.9% stake in Domain, has offered A$4.43 per share for the remaining shares. The deal has received support from Domain’s board and its majority shareholder, Nine Entertainment, which owns 60.1% of Domain and stands to receive about A$1.4 billion from the sale. The acquisition is subject to shareholder approval and regulatory review, including scrutiny from Australia’s Foreign Investment Review Board due to concerns over national data sovereignty. This move marks CoStar’s significant expansion into the Australian market, positioning it to challenge REA Group’s dominance in the online property listings sector. The transaction is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2025.
Published date: 9 May 2025
Source: 9News
ASX Closes Flat Despite Strong Jobs Data
The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) ended the trading session largely unchanged, with the ASX 200 index rising by 0.22% to 8,297.5 points. This stability came despite the release of unexpected employment figures showing an increase of 89,000 jobs in April, surpassing expectations. Financial stocks, particularly the major banks, saw gains, while the mining and energy sectors experienced declines. Notably, GrainCorp’s shares surged by 8.81% following a positive half-yearly report, and Insurance Australia Group (IAG) rose by 5.7% after announcing a $1.3 billion acquisition of RACWA’s insurance operations. Conversely, NRW Holdings’ shares fell by 8.28% due to potential financial impacts from proposed legislation in South Australia. Despite the robust employment data, market expectations for an interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia remain high.
Published date: 15 May 2025
Source: ABC
Reserve Bank of Australia Poised to Cut Interest Rates
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is expected to lower official interest rates at its board meeting tomorrow, aiming to provide relief to borrowers facing high mortgage repayments. This anticipated move comes amid ongoing economic challenges and is seen as a measure to stimulate financial activity. The potential rate cut reflects the RBA’s response to current economic indicators and the need to support households under financial strain.
Published Date: 19 May 2025
Source: ABC
ASX Rises After RBA Rate Cut; Westpac Faces Union Criticism Over Job Cuts
The Australian share market closed 0.5% higher on May 21, 2025, following the Reserve Bank’s decision to reduce interest rates to a two-year low. The ASX 200 gained 44 points to 8,386, with financials advancing 0.7%. The Australian dollar also rose 0.5% to 64.53 US cents. Meanwhile, Westpac faced criticism from the finance sector union over plans to cut up to 1,500 jobs, calling the move “deeply disappointing.”
Published date: 21 May 2025
Source: ABC News
RBA Cuts Interest Rate as Inflation Eases
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has reduced the official interest rate, signaling that the battle against high inflation is nearing its end. This move offers relief to borrowers, especially those with substantial home loans. However, RBA Governor Michele Bullock cautioned about “global uncertainty,” highlighting potential risks if former President Trump’s tariff policies are reinstated. The RBA’s decision reflects confidence in domestic economic stability while remaining vigilant about international developments.
Published date: 21 May 2025
Source: ABC
Reserve Bank of Australia on Alert Amid US Bond Market Turmoil
The Reserve Bank of Australia is closely monitoring potential economic fallout as US bond yields surge following the passage of President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.” The bill, projected to add $3–$5 trillion to US debt over the next decade, has led to increased investor concern about the stability of US government debt. A recent 20-year bond auction faced weak demand, causing yields to spike, with the 30-year yield reaching 5.13%, a level not seen since 2007. Rising US yields elevate global borrowing costs, potentially impacting Australian mortgage rates and corporate financing. The RBA warns that continued US fiscal instability could trigger a global economic downturn.
Published date: 24 May 2025
Source: ABC