In this month’s Finder RBA Cash Rate Survey™, 35 experts and economists weighed in on future cash rate moves and other issues relating to the state of the economy.

All experts (100%, 35/35) correctly tipped a cash rate hold, keeping it at 3.60%.

While panellists were unanimous in predicting the RBA’s December decision, they are split on what will happen next.

Almost 1 in 3 (29%) forecast at least one rate rise in the next year. The same proportion (29%) are predicting at least one cut.

Graham Cooke, head of consumer research at Finder, said momentum had swung quickly.

“Just a few months ago, another rate cut looked within reach. Now, we have the most divided panel I’ve seen in years. Nobody knows which way the RBA will go next.

“Borrowers should tread carefully over the festive period. You don’t want to go into the New Year with a Christmas debt hangover, especially when your mortgage could be getting more expensive.

“If you haven’t reviewed your home loan in a while, now’s the time. Refinancing to a lower rate or negotiating a better deal with your lender could save you thousands of dollars,” Cooke said.

To fix or not to fix: Aussies with a $600,000 mortgage could save over $4,000

While 29% of panellists from Finder’s RBA Cash Rate Survey are predicting at least one rate rise in the next year, bond traders on the ASX are pricing in a raise by November 2026.

Finder analysis shows that a homeowner with a $600,000 mortgage on an average rate* could save $4,079 over the next 12 months by switching to the lowest fixed rate, assuming the cash rate holds during that time.

Cooke said fixing your rate is a personal decision that comes down to your risk appetite.

“If you are really struggling and need the certainty of set repayments to manage your budget, fixed rates can provide that emotional security and certainty.

“Trying to “beat the bank” by fixing your rate is often a losing gamble because banks are experts at pricing in future rate movements.

“If variable rates do drop, you could be stuck paying a higher fixed rate or face a penalty of thousands of dollars to get out.

“No matter whether you go fixed or variable, make sure you are on the best rate possible.”