The RBA has announced its third rate cut for the year, slashing an already historically low interest rate.
Despite cutting rates to 1.25 per cent in June, the RBA still considers further economic stimulus is required, having then moved the official cash rate to 1.00 per cent in July, and again today to 0.75 of a percentage point.
Top market and economic experts were not surprised with today’s move following higher than expected unemployment figures.
In the lead-up to today’s decision, comparison site Finder had surveyed 45 of the nation’s leading economists and commentators, with one in three expecting rates to fall to 0.50 of a percentage point by the middle of next year.
Five economists expect the rate to go all the way to 0.25 of a percentage point, with one predicting rates fall to zero.
The majority of the nation’s top economists expected today’s announcement, with Mortgage Choice’s Susan Mitchell believing the latest economic data suggested a cut.
“The August labour force data revealed an increase in the unemployment rate, as well as an increase in the underemployment rate, which is now in line with its recent peak,” Ms Mitchell said.
“National Accounts data released after the September monetary policy meeting revealed that the economy grew below what the RBA had forecast a month earlier.”
Savings for investors
Insights manager at Finder Graham Cooke stipulates borrowers will win at the expense of savers.
“If the cash rate drops to 0.75 [of a percentage point], and your lender were to pass on the cut in full, an average mortgage holder could save $19,000 over 30 years on their mortgage,” Mr Cooke stated before today’s announcement.
