In the financial news this week, the new U.S. tax laws caused global financial markets to react cautiously, resulting in a modest 0.4% dip in Australia's ASX200 index. Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of Australia cut the cash rate by 25 basis points, sparking concerns over rising property prices and their impact on first-time buyers. On another note, hedged international equity ETFs have seen a rise in interest for their stability amidst market volatility and fluctuating currencies. Despite improvements in U.S. and China trade relations, the RBA is expected to further reduce interest rates. This could be good news for borrowers, but it's uncertain how it'll affect Australia's credit status. Stay tuned for more updates at Financial Services Online.n