‘Worse than COVID’: How local shops are feeling the economic downturn

A woman sitting on a bench outside holding a mug.

Rising costs, fuel prices and bushfire-related closures are pushing regional Victoria’s small businesses to the brink, with owners saying they are struggling to stay open. The Reserve Bank raised interest rates by 0.25 percent on March 17, adding to the pressure on already struggling businesses. Since then, some workers say fewer people are going out … Read more

House price increase in March ‘could be the calm before the storm’

House price increase in March 'could be the calm before the storm'

House price growth picked up in March, but conflicts in the Middle East have clouded the economic outlook and could lead to a slowdown in the housing market, according to the report. Annual growth in UK house prices rose to 2.2% in March, up from 1.0% in March, the National Institute for Construction reported. Property … Read more

Three strikes

Three strikes

Australian mortgage holders could face three more interest rate hikes by 2026, a rate not seen since the global financial crisis, as a leading property expert has predicted house prices will fall or fall in major cities. Rising oil prices have hit the economy amid renewed conflict in the Middle East, with increased costs and … Read more

When will mortgage rates drop to 4% again?

When will mortgage rates drop to 4% again?

While interest rates may not fall to 3% again, what about 4%? Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, rates stood at or below 4%. Currently, rates are rising in the mid- to mid-6% range. And while there are many factors to consider when considering buying a home, getting a low-interest mortgage can save you a lot … Read more

Stock market winners and losers in one month in the US-Israel war against Iran

Infographic chart showing the performance of WTI crude oil futures against selected indices, as of March 26 and 27 at 03:55GMT.

Infographic chart showing the performance of WTI crude oil futures against selected indices, as of March 26 and 27 at 03:55GMT. ยท AFP/AFP The US-Israeli attacks against Iran have triggered a series of retaliations and military escalation in the Middle East that has spooked global financial markets. The conflict, now more than a month old, … Read more

Credit approval surge in March is a ‘picture of what could have been’

Credit approval surge in March is a 'picture of what could have been'

Home buying contracts for home buyers rose to three months in February, according to figures from the Bank of England. About 62,584 mortgages were approved for home purchases in February, marking the highest monthly number since November 2025, when 64,501 approvals were made. Repossessions, which hold the amount to be repaid only through a different … Read more

Should we invest in stocks after retirement?

Should we invest in stocks after retirement?

Dear Liz: My wife and I have been blessed with a very large income from real estate that will provide us with enough money to live comfortably for the rest of our lives. That leaves retirement accounts and Social Security as a lot of discretionary or extra money. Right now, we have 90% of our … Read more

Mortgage and refinance rates today, March 29, 2026: the 30-year rate rises 10 bps from Friday.

Mortgage and refinance rates today, March 29, 2026: the 30-year rate rises 10 bps from Friday.

At the end of this week, mortgage rates are at their highest level since the end of September. Zillow Market offers a 30-year fixed rate mortgage report of 6.47%. It’s 15 years now 5.90%. Here are the latest mortgage rates, according to the latest Zillow data: 30 years of stability: 6.47% 20 years of stability: … Read more