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China rates rise to cool economy | China rates rise to cool economy |
(about 7 hours later) | |
China has raised interest rates to keep inflation in check and stop the globe's fourth-largest economy overheating. | China has raised interest rates to keep inflation in check and stop the globe's fourth-largest economy overheating. |
The People's Bank of China (PBC) ordered an increase of 0.27% of a point in commercial banks' benchmark one-year deposit and lending rates. | The People's Bank of China (PBC) ordered an increase of 0.27% of a point in commercial banks' benchmark one-year deposit and lending rates. |
The increases will take effect on 21 July, the bank said. | The increases will take effect on 21 July, the bank said. |
The one-year benchmark deposit rate will move to 3.33% from 3.06%, while the one-year lending rate will rise to 6.84% from 6.57%. | The one-year benchmark deposit rate will move to 3.33% from 3.06%, while the one-year lending rate will rise to 6.84% from 6.57%. |
The move comes a day after data showing that China's economy outstripped analysts expectations during the second quarter, growing by 11.9% from a year before. | The move comes a day after data showing that China's economy outstripped analysts expectations during the second quarter, growing by 11.9% from a year before. |
On Thursday, the government said it would "improve macro controls" to rein in the economy. | On Thursday, the government said it would "improve macro controls" to rein in the economy. |
The rapid growth has pushed inflation to a 33-month high of 4.4% for the year to June. | |
A boom in production, fuelled by strong exports and investment, is contributing to the inflationary risks the country now faces. | A boom in production, fuelled by strong exports and investment, is contributing to the inflationary risks the country now faces. |
'Far from enough' | 'Far from enough' |
The central bank has now raised interest rates five times since April 2006. | The central bank has now raised interest rates five times since April 2006. |
Zhang Yongjun, economist at the state information centre in Beijing said: "I think the rate rises could curb the rapid investment growth and credit expansion to a certain degree. | Zhang Yongjun, economist at the state information centre in Beijing said: "I think the rate rises could curb the rapid investment growth and credit expansion to a certain degree. |
"But it's far from enough. The current interest rates are still low and real deposit rates are in negative territory." | "But it's far from enough. The current interest rates are still low and real deposit rates are in negative territory." |
Others said the move was widely expected, but would not be enough to curb inflation. | Others said the move was widely expected, but would not be enough to curb inflation. |
Lin Songli, an analyst at Guosen Securities in Beijing added: "It will not completely ease inflationary pressure in the second half, because current fast CPI growth is mainly due to the short supply of pork and other foodstuffs." | Lin Songli, an analyst at Guosen Securities in Beijing added: "It will not completely ease inflationary pressure in the second half, because current fast CPI growth is mainly due to the short supply of pork and other foodstuffs." |
The PBC said the rate adjustment would help to "guide reasonable growth of credit and investment, adjust and stabilise expectations about inflation and maintain basic stability of general price levels". | The PBC said the rate adjustment would help to "guide reasonable growth of credit and investment, adjust and stabilise expectations about inflation and maintain basic stability of general price levels". |