QUESTION 61 (5 marks)
A bank lowers its variable mortgage rate from 6.20% to 5.95% after a 50-basis-point cash-rate cut. A household has an interest-only mortgage of $480 000. Calculate the pass-through share and monthly interest saving. Explain why the cash-rate change does not produce an identical change in every retail rate.
Practice marking scheme
Answer
50% pass-through; monthly interest saving $100.
Working
The mortgage rate falls 25 basis points, half the 50-basis-point policy cut. Annual interest falls by 480 000 × 0.0025 = $1200, or $100 monthly. Bank funding composition, competition, credit risk and contract terms also influence retail rates, so policy-rate pass-through can differ across products.
Marking criteria
- Calculates 50% pass-through. [1 mark]
- Calculates the $100 monthly saving. [2 marks]
- Explains two relevant influences on retail rates. [2 marks]
Practice question aligned to the current QCAA syllabus; review the worked solution and marking criteria.
View the QCAA syllabusCompare your working with the guide above.