RBA holds firm this month, keeping the cash rate at the record low setting of 0.25%

Amidst rising speculation that interest rates are set to fall further, the RBA chose to hold firm this month, keeping the cash rate at the record low setting of 0.25%.  Such a low setting for interest rates, along with policies aimed at ensuring liquidity across financial markets, has been a key factor in supporting housing market activity and insulating home values.  With owner occupier mortgage rates for new loan originations typically between 2% and 3%, housing finance commitments have…