In a widely anticipated move on 12 August 2025, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) delivered a 25 basis point rate cut, lowering the cash rate from 3.85% to 3.60%, the third reduction this year. This rate is now at its lowest level since March 2023 signaling renewed monetary easing amid persistent economic fragility.
Governor Bullock emphasised that the decision was unanimous and that larger cuts weren’t considered. She did however leave the door open for further action if conditions warrant it. The unanimous decision was made because:
- Headline inflation has eased to 2.1% year on year and the RBA’s preferred trimmed mean measure sits at just 2.4–2.7%, comfortably within the desired 2–3% range. So, it’s now within target.
- There’s still soft economic growth, quarter 1 saw GDP grow 0.2% and unemployment has gone up slightly to roughly 4.3%.
This is a welcome move for many with flow-on impacts across a wide section of the community.
Borrowing and mortgages: a borrower with a $600,000 mortgage can expect monthly repayments to fall by around $89, saving over $1,000 annually.
Refinancing: the latest cut has triggered a wave of refinancing, Canstar estimates monthly savings of around $272 on a $600,000 loan, potentially taking years off the loan term and saving tens of thousands in interest expenses.
Housing and lending: the cut may revive home buying sentiment, though the risks of swelling property prices remain. Borrowers and buyers alike are feeling the relief.
Currency and markets: the Australian dollar did weaken moderately following the decision. On the ASX 200, financial stocks, particularly the Commonwealth Bank, took a hit as investors fretted over shrinking interest margins.
While there are always winners and losers with a decision like this, for many Australians this is a positive change.
Note: The material and contents provided in this publication are informative in nature only. It is not intended to be advice and you should not act specifically on the basis of this information alone. If expert assistance is required, professional advice should be obtained.
