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CommBank sets broker priorities for competitive 2026

Third party lending chief outlines CommBank's strategy for speed, consistency and digital advancement as economic pressures reshape customer expectations

Parents watching children at the beach are well aware that (aside from a shark alert) one of the more dangerous times to swim is when the tide is turning.

The same principle applies to interest rates. With the recent cash rate increase marking a shift in monetary policy direction, customers should be paying closer attention to how interest rates and cost of living pressures may affect their homebuying or refinancing decisions. But are they?

In this environment, brokers play an important role in helping customers read the currents, feel more confident in the water and plan for everything from unexpected eddies to the odd rogue wave.

Statement by the Monetary Policy Board: Monetary Policy Decision | Media Releases

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At its meeting today, the Board decided to increase the cash rate target by 25 basis points to
4.10 per cent.

While inflation has fallen substantially since its peak in 2022, it picked up materially in the
second half of 2025. Information since the February meeting suggests that some of the increase in
inflation reflects greater capacity pressures. In addition, the conflict in the Middle East has
resulted in sharply higher fuel prices, which, if sustained, will add to inflation. Short-term
measures of inflation expectations have already risen. As a result, the Board judged that there is a
material risk that inflation will remain above target for longer than previously anticipated.

Level heads needed to see bigger picture after rate hike

A warmonger in the White House is now responsible for a rate hike that will further squeeze mortgage holders and small businesses in Australia (“RBA warns recession may be unavoidable after raising rates again”, March 18). Real wage growth has flatlined. GDP per capita is currently up by an anaemic 0.9 per cent. So where are the domestic-driven inflation pressures? Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock points to strong employment growth but so what? The majority of employed workers are not spending big but rather struggling to make ends meet. It appears the Strait of Hormuz will be central to monetary policy for a while. Judging by the close vote to lift rates, there appear to be at least four level heads who hopefully see the bigger picture and can bring some sense to the debate (“A 5-4 vote says everything about the Reserve Bank’s dilemma”, March 18). The governor herself did not discount a recession. That means the budget, which was being touted as a “generational change” by a progressive treasurer, is now toast. A timid prime minister will see to that. Mike Kenneally, Manly

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