Interest rates are very important for many Australians, and rightly so – after all, whether it’s the returns on savings accounts or mortgage repayments, the rate of the day can have a significant impact on the household budget for millions of Australians. So what influences interest rates, and why are they changed?
Who’s navigating?
One of the many responsibilities and functions of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is to control domestic official interest rates in order to fulfil their charter, contained in the Reserve Bank Act 1959, which is to best contribute to the:
- stability of the currency of Australia
- maintenance of full employment in Australia
- economic prosperity and welfare of the people of Australia.
As a result of this charter, the RBA has determined that an inflation rate of between two and three per cent per annum is the best way to meet these objectives.
Why do they change?
The RBA lowers official interest rates to make borrowing cheaper, increasing spending (and therefore demand), which in turn increases inflation to the desired range. Increasing rates, on the other hand, discourages borrowing – and spending – easing inflationary pressures.
While fulfilling their charter may be the goal of the RBA, the same may not be said for central banks around the world. Low interest rates are usually associated with a lower dollar as they often mean less foreign investment as global investors look elsewhere for the highest returns for their money. In what sometimes looks like a race to the bottom between nations, a lower dollar makes manufactured goods cheaper for foreign buyers, boosting exports and increasing tourism.
Why is my loan interest higher than the cash rate?
The RBA’s cash rate provides a level of interest rates that affects the rates paid in the wholesale market by the banks. While credit is available to banks in the wholesale market at a rate of, say the current 1.5 per cent, they will add a premium before applying the rate to retail loans and mortgages. The concept is the same as a supermarket buying produce in bulk at a lower price than offered to shoppers. Simply, this margin is how banks make their money.
Winners and losers from lower interest rates
Winners
- Borrowers: mortgage holders and property investors benefit from lower repayments on loans.
- Investors in overseas markets: international earnings benefit from a lower Aussie dollar.
- Investors in the share market: due to low returns on fixed-interest investments, investors put more money into the share market.
Losers
- First home buyers: lower interest rates contribute to the rise in house prices, meaning buying a first home just got harder.
- Insurance companies: as insurance companies invest your premiums long-term, they are now facing lower returns which can put pressure on premiums.
- Savers: reducing interest rates means lower returns on savings, affecting those who rely on interest for their income.
For the best investment strategy in the current low interest rate environment, talk to us today.
Please contact Integrity One if we can assist you with this or any other financial matter.
Phone: (03) 9723 0522
Suite 2, 1 Railway Crescent
Croydon, Victoria 3136
Email: integrityone@iplan.com.au
This information is of a general nature and does not take into consideration anyone’s individual circumstances or objectives. Financial Planning activities only are provided by Integrity One Planning Services Pty Ltd as a Corporate Authorised Representative No. 315000 of Integrity Financial Planners Pty Ltd ABN 71 069 537 855 AFSL 225051. Integrity One Planning Services Pty Ltd and Integrity One Accounting and Business Advisory Services Pty Ltd are not liable for any financial loss resulting from decisions made based on this information. Please consult your adviser, finance specialist, broker, and/or accountant before making decisions using this information.