Tag: interest rates

Surprise unemployment fall points to more interest rates rises a certainty

A fall in unemployment in the latest ABS report raises the chances of more interest rates rises and highlights importance of cheaper rates for commercial loans. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) published the latest Job Figures last week and in a surprise to many, the unemployment rate in Australia dropped again. This time by 1% to 3.4%. The fall is being interpreted in some comments as the economy continuing to show strength and with inflation still rising, seen as further backing for another rate rise by the RBA when the Board next meets on 6 December. There may have been a glimmer of hope that the RBA would ease up on by how much it would increase the cash rate in the coming period. In remarks in an address at a business dinner following the November rate decision, Governor Lowe said that the Board had discussed the effects on households of rising prices and rising rates. There was mention... Read More Caret Right

Business Finance: tax benefit reminders, Director ID, interest rates update & details for flood victims

2022 has been full of challenges for business in general with inflationary pressures, tightness in the labour market, interest rates rising and for many, dealing with the impacts of devastating floods. While dealing with those many challenges it can be understandable that many other issues may be put on the back burner or overlooked. This general business finance article updates on deadlines for Director IDs and a key tax benefit, latest on interest rates and details for those impacted by recent floods. Director Identification Number Deadline Looms We recently posted a detailed article on Director Identification Numbers but with the deadline a week away, it’s worth another reminder as the penalties for those that do not comply can be sever. This ASIC regulation requires all directors of companies (there are some exclusions) to have an individual and unique identification number. Existing directors of companies must have their Director ID by the deadline of 30 November 2022. The process is a... Read More Caret Right

Interest Rates Update: Latest Economic Indicators

With the RBA Board set to meet on 1 November, a number of data sets and other economic indicators have been released which may have an impact on interest rates. These are events and data which may be used by the RBA to guide cash rate decisions. The figures and trends may also influence the individual outlook and forecasts by lenders in setting their own interest rates on a range of business loans and finance. Staying across the economic indicators and statistic as released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) can be utilised by business owners, operators and decision-makers to establish asset acquisition strategies and make other business plans. The ABS releases data covering general economic indicators such as inflation and employment as well as industry-specific data. All valuable intel for astute business operators. Employment Figures Released The rate of unemployment has been falling over recent months and the latest figures reported by the ABS reveal the rate has... Read More Caret Right

RBA Increases Interest Rates at October Meeting

The RBA announced another rise for interest rates at its October meeting which may have impacts for business finance and motivate businesses to act on acquisitions. The signs were there that the Reserve Bank Board would call for another cash rate rise in October, but the commentary has been increasing for the central bank to commence easing up on rate hikes. Governor Philip Lowe in the accompanying monthly statement acknowledged that rates had been increased substantially in a short time period. This was noted as being a factor which the Board reflected on in making the latest decision. That decision was to increase the official cash rate from 2.35% by a further 0.25% to 2.6%. This follows on from four monthly rises of 0.5% and the 0.25% increase in May. Placing the cash rate at the highest it has been in 9 years. While the October rise was less than the 50 basis points that some expected, there are strong... Read More Caret Right

Short and Long Term Commercial Loans Solutions

Business owners may have identified the need for finance to support their operation but may not be fully across the range of commercial loans solutions available to them. Identifying the need is a first step towards achieving a workable outcome and achieving objectives. The next stage is possibly more technical in identifying which particular commercial loan will best work towards achieving the objective. That decision can be crucial in effectiveness as well as in the costs. The decision around which loan type is particularly highlighted in regard to short, medium, long term or an ongoing solution. Selecting the appropriate finance product can result in not only in a better outcome, but also possibly less interest payable and hence a reduced impost on business expenses. For example, opting for a long tem finance solution may lock the business into interest charges and repayments over an extended period, where possibly a shorter term option may be better suited. An option which may... Read More Caret Right

When rates rise, will low doc finance conditions tighten?

With interest rates currently being on the rise businesses requiring low doc finance may be concerned around any tightening of conditions with higher rates. This is a specialist type of business finance, not as widely available as finance for fully documented applications and can include special conditions as requested by individual lenders. Cost-effective rates can apply but all applications are assessed individually. It can be, in simple terms, harder to get than finance for established businesses. Due to these specific features and factors, it would be only natural that in the light of the recent and ongoing RBA rate hikes, that some businesses requiring this type of finance may be concerned. Concern may exit can exist around whether this type of finance is harder to get, will attract premium interest rates and/or whether tighter and restrictive conditions may apply. We cover off on what is involved with Low Doc Business Finance, what loans are available, what business should and may... Read More Caret Right

August RBA Rate Rise – Finance Effects

The RBA rate rise decision for August and the forecast for additional rises signals rises in business finance rates but cost-effective loans are still available. The rise of 0.5% announced by the RBA Board on 2 August was widely expected by lenders, economists, analysts and the business community. The amount of 0.5% was possibly even lower than some anticipated with at least analyst tipping a full 1% rise. The expectations were elevated after the publication of the latest data series for both inflation and employment by the ABS. Inflation at 6.1% and unemployment at 3.5% were certain to be key considerations by the RBA Board in its August decision as it mentioned waiting for incoming data in its July statement. While expected the increase will come as yet another blow to business operators seeking new finance who are working on recovering from downturns during the pandemic and facing challenges in fully-staffing their operations to achieve full capacity output levels. RBA... Read More Caret Right

June Inflation Data Supports Further Interest Rates Rises

The June inflation data supports forecasts of further interest rates rises but cheaper rates can be achieved through specialist business finance lenders. The RBA noted in statements earlier in the year that the rate rises would take some time to have an effect on inflation. So the rise in the June quarter came as little surprise. But on the back of the significant fall in unemployment reported earlier in July, these latest figures will certainly support the RBA’s next rate rise decision. The sharp rise in inflation since late 2021 is the main purpose of the recent RBA rate hikes. Additional rises may give further reason to increase rates by more significant amounts and over more months. For businesses planning new asset acquisitions such as trucks, equipment and motor vehicle, being armed with the information around inflation and interest rates may assist in budgeting for such major purchases. Rises in the cash rate flow through the lending markets. Often we... Read More Caret Right

Sole Trader Business Finance at Better Interest Rates

Those in the process of planning to work for themselves in a one person operation, sourcing sole trader business finance at the cheapest possible interest rates is achievable through the right lenders. The dream or even the definite career plan for many aspirational individuals is to work for themselves. To, at some point in their working life or career, to make the transition from employee to boss. This may mean setting up as a sole trader in any number of fields such as:- contracting in the business services including tech activities, contract delivery work, construction and trade work, turning a hobby into the main income stream, establishing a beauty business, owner-driver and many others. Many of these types of businesses will require the purchase of some form of equipment and/or general financial support at least in the initial phases. Finance may actually be needed to establish the operation with the purchase of a van, truck, IT equipment, tools and possibly... Read More Caret Right

Financing for Business as Interest Rates Rise

After an extended period of record low interest rates through 2020 and 2021, the Australian economy is now experiencing the first rate rises in around 12 years. A scenario which will be something very new to tackle for many businesses seeking financing. As the RBA undertakes a process of normalising monetary policy and raising the cash rate businesses need to prioritise seeking the cheapest financing rates to ensure cost-effective and workable business finance is achieved. To achieve this objective, business operators can address the key factors which contribute to being offered the best interest rates. In addition, a range of options in regard to lender, finance product and finance structure can be considered to ensure the overall financing is as affordable as possible. RBA Scenario The RBA  held the cash rate at the historic 0.1% since November 2020 and consistently repeated its position as remaining patient and waiting for inflation and unemployment to be in target range to trigger a... 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.