China unexpectedly cuts interest rates to support COVID-hit economy
People’s Bank of China cuts medium-term lending rate by 10 basis points to 2.75%
The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) on Monday lowered its key interest rates for the first time since January to boost support for the economy affected by COVID-19 lockdowns and a property downturn.
The bank lowered medium-term lending rate by 10 basis points to 2.75% from 2.85%, according to a statement from the PBOC.
It also reduced the seven-day reverse repo rate to 2% from 2.1%, injecting 2 billion yuan (some $300 million) into the banking system.
The bank had cut both rates by 10 basis points in January.
Meanwhile, the world's second-largest economy saw slower-than-expected industrial production and retail sales growth, suggesting the zero-COVID policy continues to weaken consumer demand.
China's industrial production grew 3.8% year-on-year in July, weaker than market estimate of 4.6%, the National Bureau of Statistics said.
The retail trade increased 2.7% from a year ago in July, missing economists’ forecast of a 5% rise.
