Terrill Dicki
Mar 19, 2025 08:59
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority reports a decrease in the composite interest rate for February 2025, reflecting a reduction in the weighted funding cost for deposits.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has announced a decrease in the composite interest rate as of the end of February 2025. The rate, a key indicator of the average cost of funds for banks, fell by 7 basis points to 2.09% from the previous month’s 2.16%. This decline is attributed to a reduction in the weighted funding cost for deposits, according to the HKMA.
Impact of the Interest Rate Adjustment
The composite interest rate is a weighted average of all Hong Kong dollar interest-rate-sensitive liabilities, including customer deposits and other debt instruments. This rate is crucial for understanding the cost structure within the banking sector, as it impacts both borrowing and lending activities. The decrease indicates a potential easing of funding costs for banks, which could influence lending rates and overall economic activity in Hong Kong.
Historical Context and Calculation Methodology
The HKMA has made historical data available, tracing the composite interest rate back to the fourth quarter of 2003. This data can be accessed through the Monthly Statistical Bulletin on the HKMA’s official website. Notably, since June 2019, the composite interest rate and the weighted deposit rate have been calculated under the new local ‘Interest rate risk in the banking book’ (IRRBB) framework, making recent figures not directly comparable with those from previous periods.
Broader Economic Implications
The adjustment in the composite interest rate could have broader economic implications, potentially affecting consumer borrowing costs and savings rates. A lower cost of funds generally encourages lending and investment, which can stimulate economic growth. However, it is also essential to consider other factors such as operating costs, credit costs, and hedging costs that are not covered by the composite interest rate but are part of the overall lending cost structure.
For more detailed insights and data, stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the HKMA’s comprehensive reports and statistical bulletins available on their website.
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