Economy

RBA urged to expand QE program
7 April 2020
RBA

With lower interest rates off the table, the Reserve Bank has been urged to ramp up its quantitative easing strategy.

Auction withdrawal rates continue to climb
7 April 2020
Sold sign

The market fallout of the banning of on-site auctions has continued, with 45 per cent of auctions withdrawn from sale last week, according to CoreLogic.

Banking outlook turns negative amid COVID-19 crisis
6 April 2020
Banking outlook turns negative amid COVID-19 crisis

Expectations of an increase in margin pressures and a “significant deterioration” in asset quality have prompted Moody’s to downgrade its outlook for the Australian banking sector.

NZ freezes bank dividends
6 April 2020
NZ freezes bank dividends

The central bank of New Zealand has frozen the distribution of dividends on ordinary shares across all banks in the New Zealand market, affecting the big four banks.

Mortgage insurer imposes LMI ‘embargo’
3 April 2020
Mortgage insurer imposes LMI ‘embargo’

A major insurance provider has announced that it would restrict its offering of lender’s mortgage insurance in light of emerging risks associated with the coronavirus outbreak.

FHLDS allows for pre-approval extension amid COVID-19
3 April 2020
FHLDS allows for pre-approval extension amid COVID-19

Lenders will be allowed to extend their pre-approval period for borrowers using the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme given the coronavirus pandemic, the NHFIC has said.

Negative interest rates out of the question: RBA
2 April 2020
RBA

The Reserve Bank has “no appetite” for negative interest rates, with the current cash rate locked in for an “extended period”, the central bank has confirmed.

Construction spikes before virus shock
2 April 2020
Construction spikes

The number of dwellings approved for construction in February jumped by almost 20 per cent when compared with January, highlighting the strength of the market prior to the coronavirus hit

COVID-19 will have ‘dramatic effect’ on mortgage process
1 April 2020
COVID-19 will have ‘dramatic effect’ on mortgage process

The rapid move to support digital mortgages amid the coronavirus pandemic “will have a dramatic effect” on how people will transact on mortgages in future, the CEOs of NAB and ANZ have ...

Wage subsidy to ease mortgage stress, ‘minimise’ defaults
1 April 2020
Scott Morrison

Mortgage holders will be breathing a “sigh of relief” following the federal government’s announcement of a new $130-billion support package, according to analysts.