The global economy is continuing to grow, at a lower than average pace. Labour market conditions in the advanced economies have improved over the past year, but growth in global industrial production and trade remains subdued. Economic conditions in China have steadied recently, supported by growth in infrastructure and property construction, although medium-term risks to growth remain. Inflation remains below most central banks’ targets.

Financial markets are functioning effectively. Funding costs for high-quality borrowers remain low and, globally, monetary policy remains remarkably accommodative. Government bond yields have risen, but are still low by historical standards.

In Australia, the economy is growing at a moderate rate. The large decline in mining investment is being offset by growth in other areas, including residential construction, public demand and exports. Household consumption has been growing at a reasonable pace, but appears to have slowed a little recently. Measures of household and business sentiment remain above average.

Low interest rates have been supporting domestic demand and the lower exchange rate since 2013 has been helping the traded sector. Financial institutions are in a position to lend for worthwhile purposes. These factors are assisting the economy to make the necessary adjustments, though an appreciating exchange rate could complicate this.

The Bank’s forecasts for output growth and inflation are little changed from those of three months ago. Over the next year, the economy is forecast to grow at close to its potential rate, before gradually strengthening. Inflation is expected to pick up gradually over the next two years.

In the housing market, supervisory measures have strengthened lending standards and some lenders are taking a more cautious attitude to lending in certain segments. Turnover in the housing market and growth in lending for housing have slowed over the past year. The rate of increase in housing prices is also lower than it was a year ago, although prices in some markets have been rising briskly over the past few months. Considerable supply of apartments is scheduled to come on stream over the next couple of years, particularly in the eastern capital cities. Growth in rents is the slowest for some decades, but with the cash rate still at a record low there is no better time than right now to get your foot on the property ladder! But don’t worry our team can help you out with that.

If you already have a home loan, please remember that when rates are on the move, it’s always wise to revisit what your current rates are to ensure you’re still getting the best deal available for your needs. Here’s why. Whilst we don’t like to toot our own horn, we always go in hard on negotiating better than advertised interest rates. We also have some pretty good “street cred” with the banks/lenders which often afford us better discounts than the average broker or bank manager. Yep, as the saying goes, it can come down to who you know!

So, if you are looking to buy, refinance, fix your interest rate or invest in property, Loop in with our expert team and we’ll find the most competitive product for your needs. Get in touch with us now through one of the methods below: