Australia's 'working poor' are facing increasing financial hardship as high mortgage interest rates and inflation make it difficult for them to make ends meet. The National Debt Helpline has reported a 40% surge in calls since the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) began raising interest rates in May 2022. This rise in calls reflects the growing number of Australians seeking assistance and guidance to manage their debt and living costs. The situation has prompted concerns about the impact of rising living costs on vulnerable households and the need for additional support mechanisms [a28ed10d].
The RBA's financial stability department is primarily concerned with the survival of banks amidst rising mortgage risks. Long-term mortgage arrears are approaching pre-pandemic levels, and the RBA's research shows that up to 2% of borrowers, or up to 85,000 households, risk running out of savings to pay their mortgage by the end of next year. However, there are concerns that the RBA's securitisation dataset may underestimate the number of borrowers in trouble, and veteran banking analyst Brian Johnson believes there are cohorts of mortgage borrowers in extreme stress. Other measures, such as Roy Morgan's mortgage stress index, show that over 30% of Australian housing borrowers are at risk of mortgage stress. The RBA acknowledges the potential discrepancies in its data [4667e533].
The cohort of mortgages issued in 2022 is most at risk of falling into arrears, and there is evidence of a significant number of struggling borrowers selling their homes. Quick resales of properties within a few years of purchase are at record highs, with the proportion of homes being resold within three years of purchase at the highest level in a decade. The RBA's research estimates that around 5% of borrowers are cash flow negative and spending more on mortgage repayments and essentials than what they're earning [4667e533] [a28ed10d].
These findings raise concerns about the potential underestimation of mortgage risks by the RBA. While the RBA states that most home owners have coped well with higher interest rates, the increasing number of borrowers facing financial hardship suggests a more nuanced picture. It is crucial to accurately assess the extent of mortgage stress and implement appropriate measures to support struggling borrowers and ensure the stability of the housing market [4667e533].
In addition to the financial struggles faced by many Australians, the country is also grappling with political developments. Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has cautioned against electing Peter Dutton as the leader of the Coalition in the next election, describing him as 'a thug.' Turnbull's remarks highlight the divisions within the Coalition and the potential implications of leadership choices on the future direction of Australian politics [a28ed10d].
Meanwhile, the French left has emerged as the winner in legislative elections, leading to the resignation of Gabriel Attal. This unexpected election result in France adds to the political landscape and may have implications for international relations and cooperation between Australia and France [a28ed10d].
In other news, Melbourne Airport has reversed its demand for an underground station for the airport rail link. This decision marks a shift in the airport's stance and may impact the future development and accessibility of the airport [a28ed10d].
Tragically, three young children have died in a house fire in western Sydney. This devastating incident highlights the importance of fire safety measures and the need for ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable individuals and communities [a28ed10d].
The value of housing loans in Australia has experienced a decline of nearly 2% in May. This decrease in housing loan activity may reflect the impact of rising interest rates and tighter lending conditions on the housing market [a28ed10d].
On a global scale, June has marked the 13th consecutive month of record warmth, with the world being 1.5 degrees warmer than pre-industrial times for the 12th consecutive month. This alarming trend underscores the urgency of addressing climate change and implementing measures to mitigate its impact [a28ed10d].
The Australian sharemarket has dipped as iron ore prices have fallen. This decline in iron ore prices may have implications for the mining sector and the broader Australian economy [a28ed10d].
A widespread heatwave has hit the US West Coast, with temperatures reaching record highs. This extreme weather event highlights the ongoing challenges posed by climate change and the need for adaptive measures to protect vulnerable regions [a28ed10d].
In a technological development, the Australian Defence Force has acquired portable killer drones. This acquisition reflects the increasing role of unmanned aerial systems in modern warfare and raises ethical and strategic considerations [a28ed10d].
The article provides a list of news headlines and media appearances, including topics such as return-to-office mandates, US debt, quality of life in America, economic growth, heat waves, job prospects for millennials, Kamala Harris' plans, undocumented immigrants' impact on the economy, credit card delinquency rates, the yield curve, the US budget deficit, inflation, heating and cooling regulations for rentals, a class action lawsuit against Roundup, the AUKUS project, Lachlan Murdoch's hosting of politicians, the end of privatization, a strike by journalists, concerns about zero-alcohol beverages, Dutton's response to a report on nuclear SMRs, daylight saving's health impacts, a 'view tax' on Gold Coast high-rise apartment owners, exploitation of Australia's health star rating system, Australian property prices, the state of Australia's environment, another rate rise, new mortgage numbers, a scandal in the ANZ Group, Kiwi small businesses, and residential construction in Auckland. The article also mentions Leith van Onselen, who is the Chief Economist at the MB Fund and MB Super, as well as a co-founder of MacroBusiness.
