Property companies wait expectantly for rate-cutting cycle to start

The Reserve Bank is expected to make its first interest rate cut in 18 months, with property companies hoping for a drop of between 50 and 75 basis points by early next yearAn anticipated first interest rate cut in 18 months on Thursday would give listed property a boost, according to fund managers.

But listed property could experience some joy if the monetary policy committee votes in favour of the first rate cut since March 2018. The possibility of a cut is high, with the Bank of America Merrill Lynch on Monday saying that if the US Federal Reserve cuts rates, SA’s Reserve Bank could cut rates by 75 basis points by January 2020.

“It could help to boost consumer confidence and GDP growth over time. This will be good, especially for SA-focused real estate investment trusts and more so for mall landlords,” he said. “Since 20% to 30% of these companies’ debt is floating, a lower interest rate means they will see their interest expenses fall. They will then have more distributable income and be able to pay out more dividends,” Evan Robins, a portfolio manager at Old Mutual Investment Group, said.

Business Business Latest News, Business Business Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Property companies wait expectantly for rate-cutting cycle to startThe Reserve Bank looks set to cut interest rates for the first time in 18 months, bringing a light of hope in listed property's winter of discontent
Source: BDliveSA - 🏆 12. / 63 Read more »

Business Maverick: Reserve Bank is likely to cut rates, but how low can it go?The SA Reserve Bank is widely expected to cut rates this week, with most economists expecting a 25 basis point cut. With a stagnant economy, there should be a lot more room for monetary loosening, but there probably isn’t, given the economy’s structural challenges.
Source: dailymaverick - 🏆 3. / 84 Read more »