Nectar Mortgages : Alison Richmond

04/11/2025

Cash Rate Update: November 2025

As widely expected, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has again held the official cash rate at 3.60%.

Most economists and market analysts anticipated this outcome, following data showing annual inflation at 3.2% in the September 2025 quarter – the upper end of the RBA’s 2-3% target range.

In late October, the ABS released CPI figures showing a solid quarterly rise in prices.
The trimmed mean inflation rate, one of the RBA’s preferred measures, lifted to 3.0%, while headline inflation came in at 3.2% annually.
After rate cuts earlier in 2025, the latest figures – combined with a still-tight labour market – suggest the RBA will keep policy “sufficiently restrictive” to guide inflation back within target.

In its statement, the RBA said: “Financial conditions have eased since the beginning of the year, but it will take some time to see the full effects of earlier cash rate reductions. Given this, and the recent evidence of more persistent inflation, the Board judged that it was appropriate to remain cautious, updating its view of the outlook as the data evolve.”

What this means for you
With rates on hold, now’s a good time to review your mortgage:
• Is your rate still competitive?
• Could refinancing free up cash flow?
• Are you prepared if rates shift later this year?

Let’s chat if you’d like to make sure your loan is still working for you.

20/05/2025

More good news for mortgage holders! The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has today cut the official cash rate from 4.10% to 3.85%, offering welcome relief for borrowers. This is the second cut in 2025, following February’s adjustment.

Why the RBA made this move.

The decision was widely anticipated, driven by softer inflation, global uncertainty, and signs of slowing household spending. Here are some key points:

-Inflation: Underlying inflation rose 0.7% in Q1, bringing annual inflation to 2.9%—within the RBA’s 2–3% target band.

-Employment: Unemployment held steady at 4.1% in April, with 89,000 jobs added—far above expectations of 20,000.

-Wages: Wage growth remained in line with forecasts, helping to ease inflation concerns.

-Household Spending: Q1 consumption data showed weaker spending, pointing to a more cautious consumer.

-Global Outlook: Ongoing uncertainty—particularly around US trade policy—is weighing on global economic momentum.

What this means for you

If you haven’t reviewed your home loan in over a year, now’s a smart time to check whether your rate is still competitive.

Lower interest rates can boost your borrowing power and improve serviceability—whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing, or planning your next investment.

Got questions? I’m here to help you explore your options.

01/04/2025

📢 Cash Rate Update: April 2025

Today, the Reserve Bank held the cash rate steady at 4.10%—a move widely expected by the major banks.

Why the pause? Inflation is easing, but not as quickly as hoped. The RBA is taking a cautious “wait and see” approach to let previous rate changes flow through the economy, especially after February’s cut.

Steady unemployment and global uncertainties are also influencing the decision, with some analysts tipping a potential cut later this year, possibly after the May federal election.

🏠 Whether you’re a homeowner or buyer, now’s a great time to review your loan and make sure it’s still the right fit.
📩 Got questions about your rate or repayments? Let’s chat!

18/02/2025

📢 Cash Rate Update: February 2025

Great news for mortgage holders 🎉 Today, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) cut the official cash rate, dropping it from 4.35% to 4.10%.

This long-awaited drop comes as inflation falls to a level the RBA is comfortable with, and wage pressures have eased.

This marks the first rate cut since November 2020, after rates remained at 4.35% since November 2023. The RBA had kept rates high to tame inflation without triggering a recession, but the wait is finally over.

After 13 rate hikes since May 2022, homeowners can now breathe easier. If you’re coming off a fixed rate this year, this cut could mean lower repayments than expected. 🏠💰

💬 Wondering how this impacts you? Let’s chat today and explore your options!

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11/12/2024

We Did It—Thanks to You!

I’m thrilled to share that Nectar Mortgages Group has been named ‘Enterprise Partner of the Year 2024’ at the inaugural LMG Awards!

This award highlights the unmatched support Nectar Mortgages Group provides to all its brokers, which results in exceptional results and an outstanding experience for you! Customer service results played a strong part in this win, so this one’s down to you – Thank you!

If you’re reading this and looking for a mortgage broker who offers award-winning service and is 100% committed to securing the best outcomes for you, give me a call. Let’s turn your goals into achievements!

10/12/2024

📢 Cash Rate Update: December 2024

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has confirmed that the Official Cash Rate (OCR) will remain steady at 4.35%, aligning with forecasts from major banks.

However, predictions vary on when interest rate cuts might occur. While most banks anticipate a shift in May 2025, the Commonwealth Bank suggests a potential move as early as February 2025, coinciding with the RBA’s next announcement.

Inflation remains above the RBA’s target range of 2-3%, driving the decision to hold the OCR for now. For mortgage holders, this means staying patient for relief as we head into the new year.

💬 Feeling the strain of higher rates? We’re here to help. Contact us to explore strategies that could ease the pressure on your finances.

📅 Stay tuned for our next update on February 19, 2025!

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11/11/2024

Today, we honour and remember all who have served and sacrificed in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. Lest we forget the bravery and dedication of those who came before us and the lasting impact of their service on our lives today.

05/11/2024

📢 Cash Rate Update – November 2024

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has announced the Official Cash Rate (OCR) will remain at 4.35%, aligning with its statement earlier this year that rates would likely hold steady until at least the end of 2024.

While the latest quarterly Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed the lowest increase since March 2021, the RBA still aims for inflation to settle within its target range of 2-3%. For those unfamiliar, a lower CPI indicates that prices for goods and services are rising more slowly or potentially even decreasing – which signals a slowdown in inflation.

Looking ahead, the four big banks forecast that if disinflation continues, we could see a cash rate cut in early 2025. Will it happen? Stay tuned for our next update on 10 December.

🏡 Feeling the pressure as a mortgage holder? We’re here to help. Reach out, and let’s explore options that may ease the burden.

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24/09/2024

📢 Cash Rate Update – September 2024

As anticipated, Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock today announced the official cash rate (OCR) will remain at 4.35%.

The reason? Simply put, inflation is still too high because demand for goods and services—whether from households, businesses, or the government—continues to exceed what the economy can supply. When demand outstrips supply, prices rise. This is inflation. 📈

To tackle this, the Reserve Bank continues to use monetary policy to slow demand.
While most major banks predict a potential drop in the OCR in early 2025, the situation remains uncertain. Stay tuned!

🏡 Feeling the pressure as a mortgage holder? We’re here to help. Reach out, and together, we’ll explore options that may help ease the burden.

💼✨

01/07/2024

The phrase, 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧🏡 is often used in real estate. But do you know what's important when you're researching a location? Find out in the link below👇
Once you've found the right spot and are serious about buying, get in touch to discuss financing your next home📱💬

Buying in a new area is about more than price. Amenities, future developments and transport options are also important considerations.