‍Very little has changed with interest rates in the past six months, but can it last? Graham discusses.

In early February 2018, we pointed out that rates were as follows:

·         Floating rate – 5.3%

·         1-year fixed – 4.30%

·         2-year fixed – under 4.5%

·         3-year fixed – under 5.0%

Today, in August, it’s pretty much exactly the same. Sometimes the rates shift slightly, but mostly they are as they have been.

So, what’s in the forecast? More of the same?

Yes, probably more of the same for the coming quarter. We aren’t seeing any major changes in international markets. US markets are slowly increasing but New Zealand, as it has been for some time, is nicely positioned to cope.

Right then, what should I do if my mortgage has become floating. Well, if you’re not going to clear it the next 12 months then at least fix for that … longer than that depends on your personal situation and please contact your broker for the appropriate advice.

What’s going to happen longer term? Brexit and Trump, along with trade wars, will all obviously have an impact on the global economy and the All Blacks will on the New Zealand economy.  However, it doesn’t seem as though big changes are on the short-term horizon.

Graham Goodisson is a Registered Financial Adviser with Velocity Financial. No investment decision should be taken based on the information in this blog alone. A disclosure statement is available free of charge upon request.