| Consensus | Consensus Range | Actual | Previous | |
| 1-Year Rate – Change | 0bp | 0bp to 0bp | 0bp | 0bp |
| 1-Year Rate – Level | 3.00% | 3.00% to 3.00% | 3.00% | 3.00% |
| 5-Year Rate – Change | 0bp | 0bp to 0bp | 0bp | 0bp |
| 5-Year Rate – Level | 3.50% | 3.50% to 3.50% | 3.50% | 3.50% |
Highlights
The People's Bank of China left both the one-year and five-year loan prime rates on hold at 3.00 percent and 3.50 percent respectively at its monthly review today, in line with the consensus forecast. Both rates have been on hold since last May.
In their statement accompanying today's data, officials characterised the data as showing the economy has"got off to a robust and promising start" in 2026, but expressed caution about the evolving external environment. Although the statement contained no explicit reference to the Iran conflict and its potential impact on the Chinese economy, officials noted that geopolitical risks are rising. Officials pledged to"adopt more proactive and effective macro policies" but provided no specific guidance about whether additional changes to policy settings will be considered in the near-term.
Market Consensus Before Announcement
The PBOC has not signaled any change.
Definition
The one-year Loan Prime Rate is a new policy rate set by the People’s Bank of China that is used by domestic banks as a reference for the lending rates they offer to their most creditworthy clients. This rate was previously based on the official benchmark rate that required the approval of China’s State Council to be changed but is now based on the PBOC’s medium-term lending facility, which can be changed without the State Council’s approval. New bank loans are now priced relative to the Loan Prime Rate.
Description
The People’s Bank of China determines interest rate policy at its policy meetings. These meetings occur on or around the 20th of each month and market participants speculate about the possibility of an interest rate change. The level of interest rates affects the economy. Higher interest rates tend to slow economic activity; lower interest rates stimulate economic activity. Either way, interest rates influence the sales environment. In the consumer sector, few homes or cars will be purchased when interest rates rise. Furthermore, interest rate costs are a significant factor for many businesses, particularly for companies with high debt loads or who have to finance high inventory levels. This interest cost has a direct impact on corporate profits. The bottom line is that higher interest rates are bearish for the financial markets, while lower interest rates are bullish.