Making news this week (ending 5 August)

RBA announces fourth consecutive rate hike 

Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe has bumped the cash rate to almost 2 per cent, signalling rising inflation as the main reason for its decision. 

Rate hikes not all doom and gloom, say economists  

As the central bank has ramped up the pace of interest rate rises, economists say it could be having its "desired effect".

Owner-occupier refinancing smashed records in June: ABS

A new record has been set in the value of owner-occupier loans being refinanced, according to June figures from the ABS.

ASIC actions first DDO stop orders

The watchdog has utilised its design and distribution obligations powers for the first time, placing interim stop orders on three financial firms.

Housing price downswing ‘comparable’ with GFC onset: CoreLogic

The property analysis outfit has reported that the current trend for Australian home values mirrors rates observed during the 2008 global financial crisis.