RateSeeker Business Round-Up — October Edition

RateSeeker Business Round-Up — October Edition

Australia’s economic pulse, borrowing conditions, and what it means for your financial future

As we move further into the final quarter of 2025, business sentiment across Australia is continuing to turn a corner. After several years of cost pressures, rapid rate rises, and uncertain trading conditions, the landscape is finally shifting — slowly, but in a positive direction. Confidence has begun building again across commercial sectors, household spending is stabilising, and lending conditions are becoming more supportive.

This month, we’re breaking down the key economic themes influencing business decisions and borrowing in October including interest rate expectations, employment dynamics, cost pressures and where fresh opportunities are emerging.

Inflation Cooling — But Businesses Still Navigating Cost Pressures

Inflation continues to drift toward the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)’s target, with several indicators signalling sustained stability:

• Wholesale supply chain improvements
• Reduced price volatility across key goods categories
• Easing demand-driven inflation as households budget more cautiously

However, not every cost pressure follows suit. Businesses are still grappling with:

• High energy prices due to changes in subsidy structures
• Wage growth that shows no sign of slowing, particularly in high-skilled sectors
• Elevated insurance premiums across commercial property and liability categories

The takeaway?

Progress is real, but we’re not out of the woods just yet. For many business owners, improved margins will be a gradual climb rather than an overnight turnaround.

Business Confidence Strengthening — Especially in Growth Sectors

Recent sentiment reporting from major economic research bodies shows that business confidence is rising nationally.

Industries leading the charge:

• Professional services
• Transport and logistics
• Retail — buoyed by stronger seasonal demand
• Construction and development in select metro regions
• Digital-first service sectors (marketing, tech support, cybersecurity)

What’s behind the upturn?

• Greater certainty about interest rate direction
• Increase in household spending is plateauing rather than continuing to drop
• Stronger forward bookings heading into the holiday peak

Even small businesses, historically more cautious, are beginning to forecast growth in the next quarter.

That confidence is significant: lenders rely heavily on market sentiment when determining business credit appetite.

Employment Market Stable — Supporting Borrowing Power

Despite a softer economy earlier in the year, the labour market remains remarkably resilient:

• Wage growth continues to rise at a steady pace
• Skilled worker shortages persist in healthcare, engineering, education and trades
• Businesses are focusing on retaining top talent rather than expanding payrolls
• Flexible work remains the top attraction in employee decision-making

A tight employment environment supports:

• Household income security
• Stronger consumer spending
• Improved creditworthiness when applying for finance

For borrowers, this stability matters, banks remain more comfortable lending when employment risk is low.

Rate Cuts Expected in 2026 — Opportunity Building for Borrowers

After a rapid tightening cycle from 2022 to 2024, Australia’s interest rate environment is settling into a more predictable rhythm.

Economists currently forecast:

• Rate stability through the remainder of 2025
• A gradual cutting cycle commencing early–mid 2026 if inflation remains contained
• Competition intensifying between lenders ahead of projected easing

What this means for business and homeowners:

• Refinancing opportunities are improving
• Fixed rates are already becoming more competitive than variable in many cases
• Borrowers can begin planning ahead — not simply reacting to market volatility

The shift from defence to strategy is well underway.

Small Businesses Lead Innovation — Showing Resilience And Agility

One of the standout trends this month has been the adaptability of Australia’s small business community. Rather than waiting for perfect conditions, operators continue to pivot, invest and innovate — demonstrating remarkable resilience.

Key movements include:

• Adoption of digital and AI-powered tools to reduce labour reliance
• New revenue channels through subscription models and online retail
• A surge in service diversification — businesses doing more for each customer
• Investments in automation to improve productivity and reduce ongoing costs
  

Government-backed grants and tax benefits remain strong incentives for modernisation — particularly for companies considering energy-efficient upgrades or digital expansion.

Put simply: While the landscape has been tough, small businesses are proving to be tougher.

Household Spending Trends Support Business Recovery

Consumer behaviour continues evolving, but signs are encouraging:

• Discretionary spending is returning in hospitality, travel and lifestyle sectors
• Online purchasing remains a dominant channel — requiring a strong digital presence
• Home improvement and renovation spending has stabilised thanks to refinancing activity

These behavioural shifts mean businesses that align their offering with value, convenience, and experience are performing particularly well.

Households are still mindful, but they’re not sitting still.

Global Market Conditions — Cause for Attention, Not Alarm

While domestic data paints a cautiously optimistic picture, global conditions require close monitoring:

• Slower growth in the US and Europe could soften export demand
• Geopolitical tension continues to impact supply chain resilience
• International energy markets remain volatile

For now, Australian businesses and the broader economy appear well insulated, but diversification and strategic risk planning remain essential.

Strategic Lending Insights — October at a Glance

For borrowers considering their next move, here are the most relevant takeaways this month:

Borrowers who act before major rate cuts may secure more favourable negotiation room, as banks are fighting harder for each customer right now.

What This Means For You

The October business climate delivers three clear messages for Australians planning ahead:

This is a window for strategic finance decisions: Refinancing, restructuring, or releasing equity may place you in a stronger position in 2026.

Confidence breeds opportunity: As businesses grow more resilient, household stability strengthens — supporting smarter property moves.

Being proactive beats waiting: Locking in competitive lending terms now may deliver long-term savings as the market continues shifting.

RateSeeker is here to help ensure your decisions align with your financial goals — not just today’s conditions.

Looking Ahead to November

Here’s what’s on the radar next month:

• Forward business orders will confirm whether the Christmas boost is gaining momentum
• More clarity around timing of first expected rate cuts
• Hiring trends to show whether businesses are preparing for expansion in early 2026
• Consumer spending confidence likely to further solidify market stabilisation

The direction continues to lean positive — and we’ll keep tracking every movement for you.

Let’s Plan Your Next Move Together

If you’re considering:

• Refinancing for a better rate
• Expanding your business with additional financing
• Using equity to grow wealth
• Securing a home loan with greater flexibility

RateSeeker’s lending experts can help position you for success in the new year and beyond.

We compare, negotiate, and guide you every step of the way by ensuring your loan works for you, not the other way around. Talk to our experts now!