Financial News

The latest ANZ-Property Council survey has revealed that sentiment in the property sector has risen to a two-year high, supported by stronger expectations of economic growth and capital values. According to the ANZ-Property Council survey for the March quarter, firms are “considerably” more optimistic around the outlook for the property sector this year. Confidence reached a two-year high with 31 per cent of respondents expecting conditions in the property market to improve over the next 12 months. Commenting on the…

The Reserve Bank of Australia has announced that Dr Marion Kohler has been appointed as head of the domestic markets department. Ms Kohler, who has been deputy head of the international department since 2015 (and had also worked in the economic research departments), takes on the role from Chris Aylmer, who became head of the risk and compliance department late last year. According to the RBA, Ms Kohler was chosen after consideration of a "competitive field of internal and external…

One of Australia's largest providers of lenders mortgage insurance has made changes to its premium rates for the first time since 2013, including a rise in premium loading for investors. QBE has announced that it has made changes to its LMI premium rates "for the first time since 2013", as a result of changes to risk. The changes include discounts for owner-occupiers and increases in premium rates for investors. The insurer noted that while there are no fees charged, the…