Find financial news and analysis across NZ and Australia.
11 results for “mortgages”
New Zealand's national median property value rose slightly to $809,101 in April, but a 0.1% decline in Auckland and Wellington highlights a widening regional divide as the RBNZ maintains a hawkish stance.
The Reserve Bank of Australia has raised the official cash rate to 4.35 per cent to combat 4.6 per cent inflation. Major banks including CBA, NAB, ANZ, and Westpac will pass on the full 0.25 per cent increase to mortgage holders.
Bank of New Zealand has increased its 18-month, two-year, and three-year fixed housing interest rates by 10 basis points, effective May 5, 2026. These adjustments come as the bank navigates rising wholesale costs and a 37.9% decrease in half-year statutory net profit.
The RBNZ's May 2026 Financial Stability Report highlights a resilient financial system facing a slower recovery due to Middle East conflicts and 50-year high diesel prices.
The Reserve Bank of Australia has increased the cash rate to 4.35% on May 5, 2026, marking the third consecutive hike this year as the board moves to combat persistent inflation and rising fuel costs.
New data shows Australia's expanded Home Guarantee Scheme has fueled a 6.7% price jump in lower-end properties, significantly outpacing the broader market's 3.6% growth.
Westpac Banking Corporation reported a statutory net profit of A$3.4 billion for the first half of 2026, as strong lending growth was offset by a decline in net interest margins to 1.89%.
Australia's 2026 economic outlook remains cautious, with the IMF projecting 2.0% GDP growth and inflation hitting 4.0%. As the RBA prepares for further rate hikes, consumer sentiment has fallen to near-record lows.
Shares in Domino’s and Collins Foods have seen sharp declines as Australian inflation hits 4.6% and high interest rates squeeze household budgets, forcing a pullback in discretionary spending.
Australia's annual inflation rate jumped to 4.6% in March 2026, driven by a record 32.8% surge in fuel prices following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Markets now expect a 76% chance of an RBA rate hike in May.
New Zealand's annual inflation rate remained at 3.1% in the March 2026 quarter, exceeding the RBNZ’s target band and market expectations. Rising electricity and local rates continue to drive domestic costs.