Car Loans Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

RBA lifts official interest rate

RBA lifts official interest rate

RBA lifts official interest rate?w=400

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.

The Reserve Bank of Australia lifted the official cash rate by 25 basis points at its meeting Today.

The RBA board decided to increase the rate from a record low of 0.1%, to 0.35% and the interest rate on exchange settlement balances was lifted 25 percent to 0.25%.

The board judged that now was the right time to begin withdrawing some of the extraordinary monetary support provided to help the Australian economy through the pandemic.

The resilience of the Australian economy is particularly evident in the labour market, with unemployment declining over recent months to 4%, according to RBA Governor Philip Lowe.

“Both job vacancies and job ads are also at high levels,” he said.

“The central forecast is for the unemployment rate to decline to around 3.5% by early 2023.”

Lowe went on to say that inflation was significantly higher than expected a year ago, although it remained lower than in most other advanced economies.

Published:Tuesday, 3rd May 2022
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Westpac Resolves Auto Finance Class Action with $81 Million Settlement
Westpac Resolves Auto Finance Class Action with $81 Million Settlement
01 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori
Australia's Westpac Banking Corporation has reached a settlement of A$130 million (approximately $81.84 million) to resolve a class action lawsuit concerning its auto finance practices. The lawsuit, initiated by law firm Maurice Blackburn in 2020, alleged that between March 1, 2013, and October 31, 2018, Westpac and its subsidiary, St George Finance, permitted car dealers to increase interest rates on car loans to earn higher commissions. - read more
ASIC's Comprehensive Review Targets Motor Vehicle Finance Practices
ASIC's Comprehensive Review Targets Motor Vehicle Finance Practices
24 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has commenced an in-depth review of the motor vehicle finance sector, aiming to bolster consumer protections, particularly for borrowers in regional and remote areas, including First Nations communities. This initiative underscores ASIC's commitment to ensuring fair and responsible lending practices across Australia. - read more
Bank Australia Shifts Focus to Electric Vehicle Financing
Bank Australia Shifts Focus to Electric Vehicle Financing
24 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
In a significant move towards environmental sustainability, Bank Australia has ceased offering loans for new petrol, diesel, and hybrid vehicles as of February 2025. This policy change aligns with the bank's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2035. - read more
Australian Used Car Market Faces Cooling Trends Post-2024 Surge
Australian Used Car Market Faces Cooling Trends Post-2024 Surge
24 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian used car market, which experienced robust growth throughout most of 2024, has shown signs of slowing down in the final months of the year. This trend suggests a more cautious outlook for 2025, influenced by various economic factors and affordability concerns. - read more
Westpac Divests Auto Finance Loans to Resimac Group
Westpac Divests Auto Finance Loans to Resimac Group
16 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
In a strategic move to concentrate on its core banking operations, Westpac Banking Corp has announced the sale of its auto finance loan book to non-bank lender Resimac Group. The transaction is valued between A$1.4 billion and A$1.6 billion and is expected to be completed by the first half of 2025. - read more
Time to Refinance?
Image for Time to Refinance?If you are seeking lower rates, lower fees and more flexibility in your home loan. you are in luck! Our national panel of mortgage brokers is looking forward to an opportunity to assist you. Apply online for a free eligibility assessment and one of our broker network refinance specialists will get on the case to track down the best deal for your individual circumstances. Without any obligation and at no charge to you!


Car Loans Articles

Avoid the Pitfalls: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Seeking Car Finance
Avoid the Pitfalls: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Seeking Car Finance
Entering the world of car finance can be both an exciting and daunting venture. With a plethora of options for car loans in Australia, it is essential for potential buyers to arm themselves with knowledge to make the best financial decision. A well-informed choice can be the difference between a loan that propels your personal mobility, and one that hinders your financial stability. - read more
The Smart Aussie Buyer's Guide to Securing the Best Price on a New Car
The Smart Aussie Buyer's Guide to Securing the Best Price on a New Car
There's a unique thrill that comes with purchasing a new car; it's not just about getting from point A to B, but about fulfilling a dream and the freedom of the open road. However, with the excitement comes the need for careful planning and smart decision-making to ensure that your investment pays off in the long term. - read more
The Complete Checklist for Choosing a Car Loan Provider in Australia
The Complete Checklist for Choosing a Car Loan Provider in Australia
Finding the right car loan in Australia can be just as critical as selecting the car itself. Car finance, though a common undertaking, involves nuanced decisions that can have a significant impact on your financial future. - read more
Decoding Car Loan Fees: What to Watch Out For
Decoding Car Loan Fees: What to Watch Out For
Navigating the car loan landscape in Australia can feel like a daunting task. With a vast array of options available, choosing the right car loan can significantly impact your financial well-being. Understanding the fees associated with car loans is crucial, as they play a significant role in the total cost of the loan. - read more
How to Create a Flexible Budget for Your Next Car Purchase
How to Create a Flexible Budget for Your Next Car Purchase
When it comes to buying a car, particularly a used one, having a flexible budget is essential. Flexible budgeting allows you to adjust your spending plan according to your current financial situation and any unexpected changes that might occur. This adaptability is crucial in managing your finances effectively and ensuring you make a purchase that won't strain your resources. - read more


Need Help Finding a Loan?
Get a free car loan eligibility assessment and compare offers tailored specifically to your circumstances.

Let's help find your car loan!

Loan Amount:
Postcode:
All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a specialist from our national broker referral panel. See our privacy statement for more details.
All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation.
We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Debt-to-Equity Ratio:
A measure of a company’s financial leverage, calculated by dividing its total liabilities by stockholders’ equity.