The Central Bank of China reduces a number of rates as part of a large-scale economic stimulus program

The People's Bank of China has announced a package of measures to stimulate the economy. The head of the regulator, Pan Gongsheng, announced a reduction in the reserve requirement ratio (RRR) for large banks by 0.5 percentage points to 9.5%, which will release about 1 trillion yuan ($142 billion) of liquidity. There will be no changes for small and rural banks. It is expected that during the year the RRR may be reduced by another 0.25-0.5 percentage points.

The NBK also lowered the rate on seven-day reverse repo transactions from 1.7% to 1.5%, which will reduce the cost of borrowing under the medium-term lending program (MLF). For the first time in 10 years, the bank simultaneously lowered the RRR and the interest rate.

In addition, it is planned to reduce the base interest rate (LPR) by 0.2-0.25 percentage points, which will affect the cost of corporate, consumer and mortgage loans. Interest rates on mortgages already issued will be reduced by 50 bps, affecting borrowings worth about $5.3 trillion. The initial payment for the purchase of a second home has been reduced to a record low of 15%.

The NBK also plans to refinance mortgage loans and has increased guarantees on bank loans for unsold housing to 100%. Beijing is considering the creation of a stabilization fund for the stock market with support in the amount of at least 800 billion yuan. As part of the program, it is planned to exchange illiquid assets for government bonds and provide a 300 billion yuan re-loan for share repurchase.