Tag: inflation rate

Inflation Rate, Interest Rates and now the Unemployment Rate for businesses to consider

Release of the latest unemployment rate and increases in interest rates may prompt businesses to act to upgrade equipment and vehicles with commercial loans. Australians have been swamped with the stats, data and rates over the past month or so. While inflation rates and interest rates will be of greatest interest to individuals, the employment situation can be of critical importance to many business operators. The conditions in the labour market have been a key impact on the ability for many businesses to operate to full capacity. Affecting output, productivity, profitability, supply and potentially pricing. The labour market has been tight for quite some time, so any signs of an easing may be good news for many and reason to get moving with plans that have been on hold. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released the unemployment rate data on February 16th and it showed an increase. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) had included a rise in unemployment... Read More Caret Right

Inflation Rate for September Quarter

The ABS announced Australia’s inflation rate has reached 7.3% and this highest level since 1990 may raise concerns over interest rates for commercial loans. Concerns which are well-founded as the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) implements rate rises to address Australia’s soaring inflation. The release of the September Quarter CPI figures came a day after Treasurer Jim Chalmers handed down the October Budget and less than a week before the RBA Board is due to deliver its November cash rate decision. With a large amount of data and economic information for business owners to absorb and process in relevance to their own operation, we provide a summary of the ABS announcement. Information including which sectors are contributing most to rising inflation and the possible outcomes for interest rates. ABS CPI – September The Australian Bureau of Statistics published the CPI – inflation statistics, for the quarter ending 30 September on 26 October. The announcement reveals a 1.8% increase for the... Read More Caret Right

RBA September Rate Hike – Finance Outcomes

The RBA lifted the official cash rate again at its September Board meeting with the 50 basis points hike having potential implications for business finance. Businesses already feeling the effects of rising costs and labour market pressures may now be facing higher interest rates across a range of business finance products. The decision highlights the need for business owners to focus on achieving cheaper interest rates and more amenable conditions when sourcing a range of loans. The outlook for rates can be important considerations for those intending to invest in new asset acquisitions or are requiring finance to support and grow the business moving forward. The statement issued by the RBA Governor following the 6 September Board meeting offers some indication of the RBA’s rationale and intentions re further rates. Governor Lowe further elaborated on this matters and other issues in a speech delivered in Sydney on 8 September. These documents can be worth reviewing for business owners to stay... Read More Caret Right

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Our Lenders

Trusted by 60+ lenders Australia-wide

Westpac
Liberty
Automotive Financial Services
Macquarie
Finance One
Commonwealth Bank
Pepper Money
Morris
National Australia Bank
RACV
Get Capital
Prospa
Grow
Selfco Leasing
Scottish Pacific

FAQs
Business Finance FAQs

Yes, subject to the specific guidelines of individual brokers. Many brokers will offer services to all types and sizes of commercial set-ups while some may specialise in working for only some types of operations. Some brokers may also specialise in certain industry sectors or with specific financial products.

Commercial loans all offer tax deductible elements. These vary with the different products including Chattel Mortgage, Leasing, Rent to Own and Commercial Hire Purchase. Interest payments are all tax deductible. With Leasing and Rent to Own the repayments are tax deductible. With Chattel Mortgage a tax benefit is realised through depreciation.

The interest rates vary with the different funding products. Rates will change across the market with changes in the cash rate by the Reserve Bank. Rates will differ depending on the individual application and credit rating. Rates can vary for equipment in different industries. Credit providers will advertise their best rate for good credit rating applicants.

Yes. Having a current ABN is an essential requirement to be eligible for commercial funding products. Additional documentation on the financials of the operation and other details will be requested as part of the application process. If not all documents are available, ABN holders may seek No Doc or Low Doc options.

The same products apply across all industries and types of operations. But the funding offers can vary across different industry sectors for some credit products. This may occur with equipment and machinery in particular. Interest rates on equipment funding may be different from one industry to another. This may be due to risk assessment of the sector or the individual guidelines of a particular lender. Vehicle funding interest rates would be less subject to industry variations.

The type of credit product best suited to a commercial enterprise will depend on:- accounting method used; balance sheet approach; approach to tax; and financial objectives. The most popular options are Vehicle Leasing and Chattel Mortgage. Operators are advised to discuss choice of product for suitability with their accountant.

Cash flow support may be sought through an Overdraft Facility or a Secured or Unsecured Funding Option. All may be sought to support an operation with ongoing expenses to support cash flow.

New start-ups with an ABN are eligible to apply for all types of commercial loans. As most will not have all the documents for the application, they may seek No Doc and Low Doc options through specialist providers and brokers. Funding can be sought for vehicles, trucks, equipment and other purposes.

To be eligible for commercial loan, applicants must hold an ABN and identification are essential requirements. GST registration is not essential. A selection of documentation, docs, is requested. This may include tax returns, BAS returns, trading figures, bank statements, balance sheets and annual accounts.

Refinancing may be considered for many types of commercial funding arrangements. These may include asset acquisition funding, overdrafts as well as general secured and unsecured arrangements. Refinancing may be sought for a range of purposes including to achieve a lower interest rate, restructure repayment schedule or as part of a business-wide review of financials.

In general terms, any equipment which is for use in a commercial operation may be eligible for commercial funding. The ATO sets out eligibility for tax deductible asset acquisitions. The type of equipment will vary depending on the industry. It can include heavy machinery and equipment right through to general equipment such as computers, IT and photocopiers. Lenders may have their own guidelines as to what equipment they will fund.

Commercial financing is available through major and second tier banks and a wide range of non-bank lenders. Brokers offer services to assist operators to source funding to suit their requirements.

Rates are offered following an assessment of the application. The rate will be based on the credit rating of the applicant, the amount being applied for, aspects of the goods or purpose of the funding and other aspects. Rates offered vary across the lending market and are subject to the individual guidelines of the credit provider. Changes to monetary policy by the Reserve Bank can impact the interest rates market.

Features and structure of commercial loans should be assessed in relation to the accounting methods and objectives of the company. Consulting with an accountant can assist with this process. The best option is the one that suits the individual objectives and goals.

No. ABN holders and sole traders that are not incorporated are still eligible for commercial loans. Some lenders will have guidelines around application approvals. Small enterprises may seek a credit provider that accepts applications from their type of operation or seek assistance from a broker.