| Australian Home Loans Hit Record High as Investor Activity Soars Sat, 03 Jan: In the third quarter of 2025, the Australian mortgage market experienced unprecedented growth, with new home loans totaling $191.1 billion. This marks an $8.3 billion increase from the previous quarter, setting a new record in the housing finance sector. - read more
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| Major Banks Raise Fixed Mortgage Rates After RBA Holds Cash Rate Sat, 03 Jan: Following the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) decision to maintain the cash rate at 3.60%, major banks have adjusted their fixed mortgage rates. Westpac has increased its fixed home loan rates by up to 35 basis points, with the lowest standard fixed rate now at 5.79% per annum. This marks a significant rise from 5.54% earlier in the week and 5.19% in early November. - read more
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| Australian Motorcycle Market Sees Modest Decline Amid Rising Scooter Popularity Sat, 03 Jan: The Australian motorcycle market has experienced a modest decline in sales during the first nine months of 2025, with a 2.2% decrease compared to the same period in 2024. According to data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), a total of 63,988 motorcycles were sold between January and September 2025. - read more
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| Australian Super's Claim Delays Raise Concerns Among Members Sat, 03 Jan: Australian Super, one of the nation's largest superannuation funds, is facing criticism over significant delays in processing insurance claims, particularly those related to income protection and total and permanent disability (TPD). Members have reported prolonged waiting periods, leading to financial hardships and uncertainty. - read more
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| Club Marine Revamps Commercial Boat Insurance Policies Sat, 03 Jan: Club Marine, Australia's leading provider of recreational boat insurance, has announced significant enhancements to its commercial boat insurance offerings. This strategic move aims to better align commercial policies with the company's recreational insurance products, providing comprehensive coverage for vessels used in both business operations and occasional leisure activities. - read more
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| Marsh Secures Role in Royal Australian Navy's Maritime Insurance Program Sat, 03 Jan: Marsh, a leading global insurance broker and risk advisor, has been appointed by the Australian Government to oversee the insurance and risk advisory components of the Royal Australian Navy's Maritime Insurance Program (MIP). This program is integral to the Navy's extensive fleet expansion and infrastructure development initiatives. - read more
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| Australian Insurers Achieve Significant Profit Growth Amid Rising Premiums Sat, 03 Jan: Australia's insurance industry has reported an after-tax profit of $6.1 billion for 2024, a substantial increase from the five-year average of $2 billion, according to KPMG's annual review. This surge is attributed to premium hikes and a year with fewer significant weather events. - read more
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| Rising Insurance Risk Pressures Challenge Australian Businesses Sat, 03 Jan: Australian businesses are confronting heightened insurance risk pressures stemming from increased litigation, technological advancements, supply chain disruptions, catastrophic events, and geopolitical tensions. A recent report from Gallagher underscores the importance of risk insights and awareness for organizations preparing for insurance renewals. - read more
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| Australian Insurers Face Challenges in Cyber and AI Risk Preparedness Sat, 03 Jan: Recent findings from the PwC Insurance Banana Skins Survey indicate that Australian insurers are trailing their global counterparts in preparedness for emerging risks, particularly in the realms of cyber threats and artificial intelligence (AI). This lag poses significant challenges as the industry confronts an increasingly complex risk landscape. - read more
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| AI and Machine Learning Revolutionise Australian Insurance Industry Sat, 03 Jan: Australia's insurance sector is undergoing a significant transformation as companies increasingly adopt artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies to enhance operations, improve customer service, and strengthen fraud detection capabilities. This shift comes in response to mounting regulatory pressures, escalating climate-related risks, and the need to modernise legacy systems. - read more
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| TAL's Health Sense Plus Now Covers Income Protection Fri, 02 Jan: In a strategic move to make life insurance more relevant to younger Australians, TAL has expanded its Health Sense Plus program to encompass income protection policies. This initiative allows advisers to offer clients enhanced value through a straightforward preventative health engagement. - read more
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| APRA Calls for Sustainable Reforms in Income Protection Insurance Fri, 02 Jan: The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has expressed concerns regarding the sustainability of income protection insurance, following significant losses within the industry. Over a five-year period, insurers have reported losses totaling $2.5 billion on this product. - read more
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| HCF Life Recognised for Excellence in Income Protection Insurance Fri, 02 Jan: HCF Life, part of Australia's largest not-for-profit health fund, has been honored with the 'Best for Income Protection Insurance (Direct)' award by WeMoney for the third consecutive year. This accolade underscores HCF Life's commitment to providing competitive and customer-focused insurance products. - read more
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| Significant Drop in Australian Commercial Insurance Rates Fri, 02 Jan: In a notable development for Australian businesses, commercial insurance rates have experienced a significant decline. According to Marsh's Global Insurance Market Index, the Australia-Pacific market saw an 8% drop in commercial rates during the fourth quarter of 2024, marking the most substantial decrease globally. - read more
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| Rapid Growth of Australian Insurtech Sector Signals Industry Transformation Fri, 02 Jan: The Australian insurtech sector is experiencing rapid growth, introducing innovations that are set to transform the insurance landscape. A recent report titled 'Insurtech Down Under: Trends, Tech and Triumphs' highlights the sector's expansion and its potential to enhance efficiency, security, and customer engagement within the industry. - read more
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| IAG CEO Predicts Ongoing Insurance Premium Rises Fri, 02 Jan: Insurance Australia Group (IAG), a leading insurer in Australia, has reported a significant 91% increase in net profit for the first half of the 2024-2025 financial year, reaching $778 million. This substantial profit growth is largely attributed to favourable weather conditions during the period. - read more
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| Climate Change's Impact on Home Insurance Costs Fri, 02 Jan: Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has highlighted that climate change is playing a significant role in the rising costs of home insurance premiums across Australia. The insurer's recent report indicates that the increasing frequency and severity of weather events are elevating risks for homeowners, leading to higher insurance costs. - read more
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| Significant Insurance Premium Increases Reported by Choice Fri, 02 Jan: Consumer advocacy group Choice has released a report highlighting substantial increases in home and contents insurance premiums across Australia. The report indicates that some insurers have raised their rates by over 30% in the past year, significantly outpacing the average premium increase of 16%. - read more
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| First-Home Buyers Drive Surge in Affordable Housing Market Fri, 02 Jan: The Australian housing market is experiencing a significant shift, with first-home buyers increasingly entering the affordable housing sector. This surge is largely attributed to the government's expanded 5% deposit scheme, which has made homeownership more accessible to a broader demographic. - read more
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| Rentvesting: A Strategic Approach for First-Home Buyers Fri, 02 Jan: In the face of escalating property prices and intense competition, Australian first-home buyers are increasingly turning to 'rentvesting' as a viable strategy to enter the property market. This approach involves renting a residence in a preferred location while simultaneously purchasing an investment property in a more affordable area. - read more
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| Investor Activity Intensifies Competition for First-Home Buyers Fri, 02 Jan: The Australian housing market is witnessing a significant surge in property investor activity, leading to intensified competition for first-home buyers. Over the year leading up to June, property investors borrowed a record sum of nearly $130 billion to purchase homes, marking a substantial increase supported by recent interest rate cuts. - read more
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| Macquarie Bank Named Money Minder of the Year 2025 Thu, 01 Jan: In the 2025 Consumer Finance Awards, Macquarie Bank has been honoured as the Money Minder of the Year by Money magazine. This accolade highlights the bank's exceptional performance in managing Australians' savings and term deposits. - read more
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| Commonwealth Bank Recognised as Business Bank of the Year 2025 Thu, 01 Jan: In the latest Consumer Finance Awards, Commonwealth Bank has been named Business Bank of the Year 2025 by Money magazine. This recognition reflects the bank's unwavering support for Australia's small and medium enterprises (SMEs). - read more
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| Macquarie Bank Honoured as Investment Property Lender of the Year 2025 Thu, 01 Jan: Macquarie Bank has been awarded the Investment Property Lender of the Year 2025 by Money magazine, acknowledging its significant role in supporting Australia's property investors. - read more
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| MotorCycle Holdings Reports Record-Breaking $650 Million Revenue in FY2025 Thu, 01 Jan: MotorCycle Holdings Limited (ASX: MTO), Australia's leading motorcycle retailer, has announced a record sales revenue of $650 million for the financial year ending June 30, 2025. This represents an 11.6% increase from the previous year, underscoring the company's robust growth and strategic initiatives. - read more
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| Scooter Sales Rise as Australian Motorcycle Market Faces Downturn Thu, 01 Jan: In the first nine months of 2025, Australia's motorcycle market experienced a 2.2% decline, with total sales reaching 63,988 units. However, the scooter segment defied this trend, recording a 4.6% increase in sales and now accounting for 5.7% of the total market. This growth underscores a shift towards more efficient and affordable urban transportation options. - read more
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| KTM's €600 Million Lifeline: A New Chapter for the Austrian Motorcycle Giant Thu, 01 Jan: Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM AG has successfully secured €600 million in funding, enabling the company to fulfill its debt obligations and complete its restructuring plan. This development is particularly significant for Australian riders and dealers who rely on KTM's presence in the market. - read more
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| OnDeck Australia Sees Significant Growth in Broker-Originated SME Loans Thu, 01 Jan: OnDeck Australia has reported a remarkable 246% year-on-year increase in broker-originated small business loans funded in November 2024 compared to the same month in 2023. This substantial growth underscores a renewed confidence among Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in seeking financial support through broker channels. - read more
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| AFCA Issues Caution to SMEs on Unregulated Lending Practices Thu, 01 Jan: The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has issued a warning to small businesses regarding the risks associated with engaging unregulated lenders. This caution comes in response to a notable increase in complaints related to lenders not covered by the Credit Act and who are not members of AFCA. - read more
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| So Money Launches New Lending Solutions for Self-Employed and SMEs Thu, 01 Jan: In response to Australia's expanding small business sector, non-bank lender So Money has introduced new lending solutions tailored for self-employed borrowers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This strategic move aims to simplify the income verification process and provide more flexible financing options to a traditionally underserved market. - read more
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| Preparing for Summer Storms: Elders Insurance's Advice to Farmers Thu, 01 Jan: As the Australian summer approaches, Elders Insurance has issued a cautionary advisory to farmers, emphasising the heightened risk of storm-related damages during this season. Recent data indicates a significant increase in insurance claims due to summer storms, underscoring the need for proactive measures to safeguard agricultural assets. - read more
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| New Partnership Offers Insurance Savings for Sustainable Farmers Thu, 01 Jan: In a significant move towards promoting sustainable agriculture, WFI Insurance has partnered with AgCarE to offer premium reductions to farmers who achieve AgCarE certification. This collaboration aims to enhance financial, environmental, and social outcomes for Australian farmers and rural communities. - read more
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| IAG Highlights Climate Change's Impact on Rising Insurance Costs Thu, 01 Jan: Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has issued a warning to Australians, indicating that home insurance premiums are expected to rise due to the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, a trend attributed to climate change. This development underscores the pressing need for both mitigation and adaptation strategies to address the evolving risks. - read more
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| Macquarie Bank Recognised for Excellence in Investment Property Lending Thu, 01 Jan: Macquarie Bank has been honored as the Investment Property Lender of the Year in Money magazine's 2025 Consumer Finance Awards. This accolade highlights the bank's commitment to providing flexible and tailored loan products for property investors. Find out now if you qualify and compare rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check! - read more
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| Surge in Mortgage Refinancing as Homeowners Seek Better Rates Thu, 01 Jan: The Australian mortgage market has witnessed a significant surge in refinancing activity, with nearly 100,000 loans refinanced in the June 2025 quarter. This marks the highest level since September 2023 and reflects homeowners' proactive responses to recent interest rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). Find out now if you qualify and compare rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check! - read more
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| RBA's October 2025 Review Highlights Australia's Financial Resilience Thu, 01 Jan: The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has released its October 2025 Financial Stability Review, providing a comprehensive assessment of the nation's financial health. The report underscores the resilience of Australia's financial system, even amidst elevated global uncertainties. Find out now if you qualify and compare rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check! - read more
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| Australian Lenders Tighten Policies on Trust and Company Lending Thu, 01 Jan: In a significant shift within Australia's financial sector, major lenders Macquarie Bank and the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) have recently implemented stricter policies regarding lending to trusts and companies. These changes reflect a broader trend towards more cautious lending practices in response to regulatory concerns and market dynamics. Find out now if you qualify and compare rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check! - read more
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| RBA Advises Caution in Lending Amid Improved Borrower Finances Thu, 01 Jan: The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has highlighted the need for continued caution in lending practices, even as data indicates an improvement in borrowers' financial health. This advisory comes in the context of a dynamic economic environment where both opportunities and risks coexist. - read more
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| Australia's Marine Industry Surges to $229 Billion in 2023 Thu, 01 Jan: Australia's marine industry has achieved a remarkable economic milestone, with its output soaring to $229 billion in 2023. This 19% increase from previous years underscores the sector's robust growth and its pivotal role in the national economy. - read more
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| Insurers Flag Holiday Road Risks Amidst Freight Traffic Surge Thu, 01 Jan: As Australia enters the summer holiday season, insurers and transport specialists are raising alarms about heightened road risks resulting from the convergence of increased freight activity and holiday travel. This period sees a significant uptick in both passenger vehicles and heavy trucks on the roads, amplifying the potential for accidents and safety incidents. - read more
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| Escalating Collision Risks Challenge Australian Fleet Operators Thu, 01 Jan: Australia's transport and haulage sector is currently navigating a period of heightened operational risk, marked by an uptick in both the frequency and severity of motor collision claims. This trend underscores the pressing need for fleet operators to adopt proactive risk management strategies and leverage advanced insurance solutions to safeguard their operations. - read more
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| Global Insurtech Investments Halve as AI Adoption Rises Thu, 01 Jan: The global insurtech sector experienced a significant downturn in funding during the fourth quarter of 2024, with total investments plummeting by 50% to US$688.24 million compared to the previous quarter. This decline marks the lowest annual funding level since 2018, with the total for 2024 reaching US$4.25 billion, a 6% decrease from the prior year. - read more
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| Australia's Insurance Market Set to Surpass $144 Billion by 2029 Thu, 01 Jan: The Australian general insurance industry is on a trajectory of significant growth, with direct written premiums (DWP) projected to exceed $144 billion by 2029. This forecast, provided by data and analytics firm GlobalData, indicates a substantial increase from the $94.7 billion recorded in 2024, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 8.8% over the five-year period. - read more
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| Australian Insurers Report $1.11 Billion Profit Amid Lower Catastrophe Claims Thu, 01 Jan: The Australian general insurance industry has reported a net profit after tax of $1.11 billion for the March quarter, marking a significant financial upswing attributed primarily to a reduction in catastrophe-related losses. This performance underscores the industry's resilience and its ability to adapt to fluctuating risk environments. - read more
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| ASX 200 Falls 1.3% Following US Tariff Implementation Thu, 01 Jan: The Australian sharemarket experienced a significant decline on Wednesday, with the S&P/ASX 200 Index dropping 1.3%, equivalent to 103.9 points, closing at 7786.2. This downturn was primarily driven by the United States' recent decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, which notably excluded Australia from exemptions. - read more
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| ASX 200 Gains 0.8% Following China's Economic Stimulus Announcement Thu, 01 Jan: The Australian sharemarket witnessed a positive turnaround on Monday, with the S&P/ASX 200 Index climbing 0.8%, or 64.4 points, to close at 7854.1. This uplift was largely influenced by China's announcement of new measures aimed at stimulating consumption and economic growth. - read more
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| ASX 200 Drops 1% Following Westpac's Earnings Report Thu, 01 Jan: The Australian sharemarket experienced a notable decline on Monday, with the S&P/ASX 200 Index falling 1%, or 80.2 points, to close at 8157.8. This downturn was primarily driven by a disappointing earnings report from Westpac and a significant drop in oil prices. - read more
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| Surge in First-Time Buyer Activity Following First Home Guarantee Expansion Thu, 01 Jan: The Australian housing market has witnessed a significant uptick in first-time buyer activity, largely attributed to the recent expansion of the First Home Guarantee (FHG) scheme. This government initiative, designed to assist eligible buyers in entering the property market with minimal deposits, has seen a 39.2% increase in applications since its October expansion, marking the highest level of first-home buyer engagement in years. - read more
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| Investor Borrowing Surge Poses Challenges for First-Time Home Buyers Thu, 01 Jan: The Australian property market has experienced a significant shift, with property investors borrowing a record sum of nearly $130 billion over the year to June. This surge in investor activity, bolstered by recent interest rate cuts, has intensified competition in the housing market, posing challenges for first-time buyers striving to secure their first home. - read more
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| Australian Home Prices Reach New Heights, Exceeding $1 Million Thu, 01 Jan: The Australian housing market has reached a significant milestone, with the average home price surpassing $1 million for the first time. This development raises concerns about housing affordability, particularly for first-time buyers striving to enter the property market. - read more
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