Ranking variable mortgage rates

Although comparing bank mortgage rates appears daunting, we have the tools to allow you to take charge of this yourself so that you can know you always get the best deal

Breakfast briefing: Affordability pressure has everyone's attention now

Sudden investment drop in China puzzles many; India loan growth very high; EU trade surplus widens; Trump learns tariffs cause inflation; UST 10yr at 4.15%; gold drops and oil holds low; AU$1 = 56.8 USc

AUD should appreciate against USD over the next few years, mainly because the USD will weaken

RBA rate cuts are fading to the horizon on inflation pressure, but the US Fed is expected to cut its policy rate twice more in this cycle, says Westpac's Luci Ellis

Westpac raises fixed home loan rates

The Red Bank is the next major to raise fixed mortgage rates, responding to upward pressure in wholesale money markets. The RBA will need to make their assessment soon too

Trump's dangerous liaison with Pakistan

Brahma Chellaney warns that flattery and the promise of personal enrichment are now driving US policy in South Asia

ING makes a big play for savers

Competition for savers is really hotting up with one challenger bank now offering 5% as a welcome rate for new savers

Macbank raises its fixed home loan rates

Facing pressures from wholesale money markets, and its own aggressive fundraising from households, Macquarie Bank has raised most fixed home loan rates, covered by rising real estate activity demand

Jobless rate falls to 4.3%

Another very strong set of employment data with total jobs expanding by 42,200 and full time jobs expanding by +55,300

Brand collaborations: A shortcut to relevance in China

Mark Tanner says magic happens in China when brands collaborate in unexpected, fearless ways that likely wouldn't happen in the West

Rapid recovery

Roy Morgan says trust in banking and finance industries – including all ‘big four’ banks – increased significantly over the last 12 months

NAB joins Commbank in offering 4% for a one year term deposit

Big banks battling Macbank's voracious retail deposit appetite choose high one year rates to retain and grow their household term deposit flows. ANZ and Westpac will need to respond soon

Commbank defends its household deposit base with a higher term deposit offer

Under pressure from Macquarie, there is a serious reordering of household deposit loyalty underway. Commbank has found a way to avoid the worst of it, and has upped other key rate to prevent leakage

What is the gold price telling us?

Jim O'Neill consider both the bullish and bearish case for the yellow metal and markets carry it to record highs

Review: the Apple Watch Ultra 3 smartwatch

The biggest and baddest Apple watch, the Ultra 3, is the company's best smartwatch

Tariffs, fiscal concerns … and gold to the rescue

A gold analyst says a portfolio that includes gold adds resiliency, and the diversification benefits remain as relevant as ever amid raging political & economic crosscurrents

How do banks assess you for a home loan? And how do you work out what you can afford?

An RMIT expert runs through the process of getting a home loan. Ama Samarasinghe says the key to staying stress-free is to budget for reality, not hope

Can you save by converting to a fixed rate home loan?

We look at the rationale for converting your variable rate mortgage to a fixed rate. There are good savings if you do that now, even if the RBA makes another rate cut before the end of 2025