Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Asian Markets Slip as AI Spending Fears Shake Tech, Wall Street Futures Rebound 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Gold and Silver Prices Rebound After Volatile Week Triggered by Fed Nomination 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
China's central bank, the People's Bank of China (PBOC), conducted a medium-term lending facility (MLF) operation on Friday, offering 200 billion yuan ($27.46 billion) in one-year loans to financial institutions. The interest rate remained unchanged at 2.00%, according to the bank's official statement.
This operation aimed to maintain "reasonably ample liquidity" within the banking system. The PBOC also disclosed that the bid rates for the loans ranged between 1.80% and 2.20%.
The timing of this loan issuance aligns with the expiration of a significant 995 billion yuan batch of MLF loans this month. Analysts have noted that the PBOC's decision to keep the interest rate steady reflects its focus on supporting the economy while managing inflationary pressures.
The unchanged rate aligns with market expectations and suggests that the central bank is prioritizing stability amid ongoing efforts to bolster economic growth. By ensuring sufficient liquidity in the financial system, the PBOC aims to sustain lending activities and support recovery momentum.
The central bank's actions are being closely monitored by global markets as they could signal the direction of monetary policy in one of the world's largest economies. As China grapples with domestic and international economic challenges, the PBOC's measures remain a critical focus for investors and policymakers alike.
This latest MLF operation highlights the bank's commitment to striking a balance between stimulating growth and maintaining financial stability, further reinforcing its cautious approach to monetary policy.
