Money

Generational divide – Only 13pc of Australians can buy a home

Published

2 years ago

September 2, 2023

ticker NEWS

A recent report from PropTrack, the analytics division of REA Group, has revealed that housing affordability in Australia has plummeted to its lowest level in at least three decades.

The study indicates that only 13 percent of Australians with average incomes can afford to purchase a home, with rising mortgage rates and soaring property prices cited as the primary culprits behind this concerning trend.

The comprehensive analysis conducted by PropTrack assessed housing affordability and accessibility across various income brackets, geographic locations, and age groups, highlighting the extent of the problem.

Regional Disparities in Housing Affordability

For prospective homebuyers in New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania, finding a property within their budget is proving increasingly challenging. In Tasmania, for instance, a typical-income household could only afford 5 percent of homes sold over the past year, marking the lowest rate of affordability in the nation.

First-time homebuyers and lower-income households are grappling with the situation, with the report indicating that many are facing difficulties in both mortgage repayment affordability and saving for the requisite 20 percent deposit.

PropTrack economist Paul Ryan emphasized the challenges faced by Tasmanian families, where mortgage repayments now account for a staggering 35 percent of household income, reaching a record high. He noted that while property prices in Tasmania have surged significantly and are approaching those in Victoria, incomes have not kept pace, contributing to the state’s worsening housing affordability crisis.

Money

Aussie job market defies expectations with stable 4.1% unemployment rate

Australia’s unemployment held at 4.1% in May amid job loss; full-time roles surged, underemployment fell, and female participation rose to 60.9%, keeping RBA cautious despite rate cut speculation.

Published

2 days ago

June 20, 2025

ticker NEWS

Australia’s unemployment held at 4.1% in May amid job loss; full-time roles surged, underemployment fell, and female participation rose to 60.9%, keeping RBA cautious despite rate cut speculation.

Australia’s unemployment rate held firm at 4.1% in May, despite a small drop of 2,500 jobs—falling short of forecasts.

But dig deeper: full-time jobs jumped by nearly 39,000, underemployment hit post-COVID lows, and female participation reached a record 60.9%.

With labour market resilience still strong, the Reserve Bank is unlikely to be swayed—though markets see an 80% chance of a July rate cut.

The RBA remains in a balancing act, cooling inflation, without choking growth.

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#RBA #JobsData #AustraliaEconomy #Unemployment #InterestRates #LabourMarket #tickernews

Money

Central banks struggle with economic uncertainty and rates

Central banks face challenges amid economic uncertainty, impacting policy decisions and investor confidence worldwide.

Published

3 days ago

June 20, 2025

Ahron Young

Central banks face challenges amid economic uncertainty, impacting policy decisions and investor confidence worldwide.

In Short:
Central banks are grappling with economic uncertainty, prompting various interest rate cuts globally to stimulate growth. Many central banks, including those in Norway, Sweden, and Japan, are adjusting rates in response to inflation and trade concerns, while others like the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England are considering future cuts.

Central banks are facing significant uncertainty concerning economic growth and inflation, making their policy decisions increasingly challenging as they approach the end of their rate-cutting cycles.

This uncertainty is also impacting investors. Recently, Norway’s central bank surprised markets with an interest rate cut, while the U.S. Federal Reserve cautioned against relying heavily on its policy projections.

The Swiss National Bank responded to decreasing inflation and economic unpredictability by reducing its benchmark rate to 0% but may consider further cuts. The Bank of Canada has maintained its rate at 2.75%, suggesting a potential future cut in light of tariffs affecting the economy.

Sweden’s central bank cut its key rate as well, aiming to stimulate growth amid weak price pressures.

In New Zealand, expectations are for rates to remain steady after a recent reduction to protect its economy from global trade uncertainties. The European Central Bank has also cut rates, considering further adjustments to meet inflation goals.

The Federal Reserve is keeping rates steady, although further cuts are anticipated due to low inflation. In Britain, the Bank of England held rates but may continue cuts in response to weak labour indicators.

The Reserve Bank of Australia is prepared for rate cuts due to weak growth data and trade tensions, while Norway’s central bank has been cautious with its recent decision. The Bank of Japan remains the only bank in a tightening phase, balancing escalating tensions and tariff concerns with its monetary policies.

Money

Fed signals slower cuts amid rising risks

U.S. Federal Reserve revises economic forecasts downward, expecting growth slowdown and higher unemployment, but still plans rate cuts in 2024 and 2025.

Published

4 days ago

June 19, 2025

ticker NEWS

U.S. Federal Reserve revises economic forecasts downward, expecting growth slowdown and higher unemployment, but still plans rate cuts in 2024 and 2025.

At its latest meeting, the U.S. Federal Reserve revised its economic forecasts downward, with growth trimmed, inflation nudged up, and unemployment expectations now higher.

Despite this gloomier outlook, the Fed still sees two rate cuts in 2025, but just one in 2024 and one in 2026, a major dial-back from earlier projections.

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#FederalReserve #InterestRates #JeromePowell #Inflation #USEconomy #FedMeeting #tickernews