The MLF interest rate sets a baseline for commercial bank LPR rates. And, as noted yesterday:
- On Thursday this week, 20 January, we get 1 year and 5 year Loan Prime Rates set. A cut to the MLF will be seen as an indication the LPR rates too could see a cut.
ICYMI yesterday ...
The People's Bank of China cut its Medium-Term Lending Facility rate to 2.85%
- from 2.95%
- injected 700bn yuan with 500bn maturing
- 1 year MLF
- first cut since April of 2020
On the 7-day reverse repo today, rate cut to 2.1%
- from 2.2%
- 100bn yuan injected today
- 10bn yuan matured today
Analysts cited in China's securities press now jumping on this view.