Predictions for next week's OCR announcement
OCR expected to be held at 2.25% at first review of the year.
While economists are agreed there will be a hold, Westpac has taken the bull by the horns and is predicting six OCR hikes next year as the excess capacity in the economy evaporates.
In its first Economic Outlook for the year, Westpac chief economist Kelly Eckhold says the OCR will begin to rise late this year, with the pace of policy tightening increasing in 2027 to return interest rates...MORE»
ASB accelerates mortgage lending and profit marginsWednesday, February 11th, 11:13AM 4 comments
ASB Bank continued to accelerate its mortgage lending at above its market share in the six months ended December and managed to lift its profit margin as well. MORE» |
Big move back to two-year fixed interest ratesWednesday, February 11th, 10:31AM
Two-year fixed interest rates surged back into popularity with home owners taking out new mortgages in December. MORE» |
Challenger aims for a stake in Pepper Money
Australian annuities player, Challenger, has made an offer to acquire listed non-bank lender Pepper Money.
MORE»Investors no longer sitting on the fence as mortgage pile rises
The mortgage pile for residential investors is rising faster than that for owner-occupiers.
MORE»Cost of living dropping as mortgage interest rates tumble
Mortgage interest payments falling 17.3% last year kept the cost-of-living hikes for the average household at just 2.2%.
MORE»Fewer complaints against advisers
Dispute resolution scheme Financial Services Complaints says it has received fewer complaints about financial advisers in the second half of last year than in the same time a year earlier, even as overall complaint numbers rose.
MORE»Hybrid human-AI client model the most effective for adviser success
Being a good mortgage adviser requires combining technical expertise in lending with exceptional customer service to build trust.
MORE»