Fixed interest rates continue to fall in these money printing times.
ANZ out today with 1 year fixed @ 2.79% and 2 years @ 2.95%.
OCR Held @ 0.25% but plans afoot to take it negative
The Official Cash Rate (OCR) is being held at 0.25 percent in accordance with the guidance issued on 16 March.
The Committee noted that a negative Official Cash Rate (OCR) will become an option in future, although at present financial institutions are not yet operationally ready.
It was noted that discussions with financial institutions about preparing for a negative OCR are ongoing.
1 and 2 year fixed rates now in the 2’s…who would of ever thought.! 😉
Reserve Bank Lvr restrictions kicked to touch for 12 months
Today the Reserve Bank has announced the removal of the LVR restrictions which have been in place since 2013.
The restrictions will be removed for 12 months.
Given that the Banks are likely to be very cautious with lending in the current unfolding environment whether or not the restrictions removal allows them to breath deep, square the shoulders up, and lend, remains to be seen.
Temporary Mortgage Relief
The main banks are out with temporary mortgage relief packages in line with the 6 month “holiday” announced by the Government last week. This program is a JV between the RBNZ, retail Banks and the Government.
Options include taking interest only for 12 months ie: paying only the interest cost with no payments to reduce the amount of the loan.
Or a loan repayment deferral which involves no repayments at all for 6 months.
Make no mistake, this is no “Mortgage Holiday”.
Your loan amount will increase while your repayments are paused.
And the Lender will still charge interest on what you owe on your loan. This interest is added to your loan amount and they charge interest on that amount as normal.
GLTA 🙂
Bank Assistance
Facilities are being put in place to temporarily assist customers facing cash flow issues.
Options include..
Access:
Waiver of home loan application, top-up, and re-documentation fees (Early Repayment Adjustment fees still apply).
Relief:
- Interest only repayments on home loans for up to 3 months.
- Home loan holiday for up to 3 months (interest will still be added to the loan).
- Ability to extend home loan term for up to 3 months.
OCR Slashed 0.75% to 0.25%
This morning the Reserve Bank has slashed the Official Cash Rate by 0.75% to 0.25%. We have never been here before folks. Historic.
Floating interest rates and short term fixed interest rates should get a trim depending on how much of the margin main Banks don’t keep for themselves.
Swap Interest Rates collapse
On one day back in late June 2016 when the UK voted for Brexit our 5 year swap rate fell by 7% to 2.32%.
With a global flight from equity to bond markets this week our 5 year swap rate stands at a meagre 0.77%.
Fixed interest rate falls beckon for mortgage holders.
OCR On Hold @ 1%
The OCR was kept on hold today @ 1%.
The Monetary Policy Committee adopted a wait and see approach.
No changes to Bank lending rates at time of writing.
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to one and all.
A big thank you to long standing clients and lending partners.
Hope you all get to feel some warm sand between your toes. 🙂
HSBC Slashes Interest Rates Across The Board
HSBC has today slashed all its fixed home loan interest rates to 3.35%.
1 year fixed through to 5 years fixed are all 3.35%.
Historic lows.