Money

RBA cuts cash rate, easing pressure on homeowners

RBA cuts cash rate from 4.35% to 4.10%, marking first reduction since November 2020, benefiting struggling homeowners.

Published

12 months ago

February 18, 2025

ticker NEWS

RBA cuts cash rate from 4.35% to 4.10%, marking first reduction since November 2020, benefiting struggling homeowners.

In Short

The Reserve Bank of Australia has reduced the official cash rate from 4.35% to 4.10%, marking its first cut since November 2020 due to declining inflation. Homeowners are set to benefit, but experts warn the effects may take time to be felt.

Homeowners have awaited this decision more than a year, hoping for financial relief. The RBA stated that declining inflation justified this cut, indicating that it is beginning its rate-cutting cycle.

Due to falling inflation metrics, the Board expressed confidence that inflation rates are moving towards the target range of 2-3%. They noted that underlying inflation was recorded at 3.2% in the December quarter, suggesting pressures are easing faster than anticipated.

However, the Board also cautioned about potential upside risks, especially with recent strong labour market data, leading to uncertainties in economic activity and inflation outlooks.

Further cuts

Despite the rate reduction, the Board remains cautious about further cuts. They highlighted the need for careful assessment of inflation data, consumption growth, and global economic conditions before making new policy decisions.

Mortgage holders will benefit from the cut, with potential savings estimated at over $1,000 annually.

Market expectations indicated a high likelihood of this reduction, with forecasts suggesting more cuts in 2025 and early 2026.

Economic experts warn that it typically takes time for the impacts of rate cuts to fully materialise in the economy, suggesting homeowners may experience delayed benefits.

Money

U.S. stocks falling amid AI worries and weak earnings

U.S. stocks decline amid AI concerns, defensive sectors rising; traders eye commodities, jobs data, and currency trends for insights.

Published

18 hours ago

February 13, 2026

Harvey Vargas

U.S. stocks decline amid AI concerns, defensive sectors rising; traders eye commodities, jobs data, and currency trends for insights.

U.S. stocks are tumbling as investors grow concerned over AI profitability and disappointing earnings. Defensive sectors are attracting attention ahead of the upcoming CPI report, while market participants are carefully watching how tech-heavy AI stocks are influencing broader indices. Steve Gopalan from SkandaFX notes that these factors are shaping market sentiment.

For traders, commodities like gold and oil are also playing a role in sentiment, providing hedges amid market uncertainty. The January jobs report and unemployment data are adding further context, with potential implications for Federal Reserve policy.

Market expectations for rate cuts are shifting as investors weigh economic indicators against global market dynamics. Traders are also eyeing currency movements, including the Australian Dollar and Japanese yen, for signs of broader economic trends.

Money

Wall Street tumbles as tech stocks face AI disruption fears

Wall Street falters as tech stocks dive amid AI anxieties; 2026 seen as critical for proving AI investment returns.

Published

18 hours ago

February 13, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Wall Street falters as tech stocks dive amid AI anxieties; 2026 seen as critical for proving AI investment returns.

Wall Street took a sharp hit as tech stocks plummeted amid growing investor anxiety over artificial intelligence. Markets reacted strongly to uncertainty about how AI could disrupt major sectors, leaving investors on edge. Kyle Rodda from Capital.com explains why investors are nervous about what’s ahead.

Cisco Systems’ quarterly results added to the market jitters, while defensive sectors gained attention as investors sought safer bets. Analysts describe 2026 as a ‘prove it’ year for AI, with companies needing to demonstrate real returns on their ambitious investments.

The January Consumer Price Index report and rising concerns over AI’s impact on transportation companies further weighed on sentiment. Investors are now closely watching major tech firms for signals on how AI spending will shape future market performance.

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Money

U.S. jobs report, Fed decisions, and Japan’s economic risks explained

January US jobs report sparks uncertainty; analysts debate impact on Federal Reserve policy and market confidence.

Published

2 days ago

February 12, 2026

Harvey Vargas

January US jobs report sparks uncertainty; analysts debate impact on Federal Reserve policy and market confidence.

The January US jobs report shows a mixed picture for the economy, with payroll revisions and steady unemployment leaving analysts questioning the impact on Federal Reserve policy. We break down what the numbers mean for interest rates and market confidence.

US stock markets could face turbulence as investors digest the latest jobs data. David Scutt from StoneX explains how these figures may influence equities and what the outlook is for global markets.

Meanwhile, developments in Japan and a strengthening yen could spark new macroeconomic risks. From carry trades to unexpected shocks, we explore how these factors ripple across the global economy.

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