China keeps benchmark lending rates unchanged for 16th month in September

China maintained its benchmark lending rates at 3.00% for the 16th consecutive month in September, according to market expectations. The unchanged rates suggest limited room for further monetary easing, following recent moves by major global central banks to adopt a more hawkish stance. Despite this, the Chinese yuan continued to strengthen.

All 21 market participants surveyed by Reuters predicted no change to either the one-year or five-year loan prime rates. In contrast, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates last week and indicated further hikes may be necessary, with the new US central bank chief Kevin Warsh joining a unanimous decision. This stance highlights the challenges the Chinese administration faces in controlling inflation, which policymakers fear could worsen.

China's loan growth has slowed as the property and local government sectors shrink, reducing credit demand faster than emerging industries can compensate, according to central bank Governor Pan Gongsheng. Analysts believe that unless domestic demand weakens significantly, the probability of broad-based monetary easing in the fourth quarter is low, especially with a more hawkish Federal Reserve.