All Episodes

May 28, 2025 40 mins

Interest rates are falling again. After years of rate hikes, mortgage stress, and a cooling economy, the RBA has now dropped interest rates for the second time this cycle and there are more rate cuts to come.

But what does this actually mean?

Is the worst behind us—or is this a sign of deeper cracks in the economy?

In today’s Big Picture episode, I’m joined again by leading financial commentator Pete Wargent as we unpack the macroeconomic forces shaping our housing markets and the financial outlook for Australians.

Of course, the headline is the Reserve Bank’s decision to cut rates on May 20.

But there’s so much more going on behind the scenes—consumer spending is tanking, the construction sector is in crisis, our population is booming while new housing approvals are plummeting, and unemployment is quietly starting to rise.

We also explore whether this rate cut will fire up another round of property price growth, how investors are likely to respond, and whether inflation could make an unwelcome return.

Plus, we’ll take a step back and look at the global context—what’s happening with the US Federal Reserve, China’s economy, and what all of this means for you as a property investor, business owner, or just someone trying to make sense of the chaos.

So whether you’re wondering if now is the right time to buy property, refinance, or simply want to stay ahead of the curve, you’re in the right place.

 

Takeaways.css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Crime Junkie

Crime Junkie

Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

Ridiculous History

Ridiculous History

History is beautiful, brutal and, often, ridiculous. Join Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown as they dive into some of the weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization in Ridiculous History, a podcast by iHeartRadio.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.