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The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the city’s de-facto central bank, has reduced its base interest rate by 25 basis points to 4.25%, mirroring the U.S. Federal Reserve’s latest policy shift. The move, announced Thursday, marks HKMA’s second rate cut this year, following a similar reduction in September. The new rate applies to borrowing via the overnight discount window.
This decision came after the U.S. Federal Reserve lowered its benchmark interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point, setting the federal funds rate in a range of 3.75% to 4.00%. Because Hong Kong’s currency is pegged to the U.S. dollar within a tight range of 7.75 to 7.85 per dollar, the HKMA typically aligns its monetary policy with that of the Fed to maintain exchange rate stability.
HKMA Chief Executive Eddie Yue said the rate cut is expected to have a positive impact on Hong Kong’s economy, benefiting local businesses, property markets, and employment. Lower borrowing costs may help stimulate economic activity and support recovery amid global uncertainty.
However, analysts note that future interest rate directions remain unpredictable. The Federal Reserve’s latest policy statement highlighted challenges due to missing economic data caused by a federal government shutdown. Fed Chair Jerome Powell acknowledged that the lack of updated job and inflation reports could make policymakers more cautious in determining future rate adjustments.
“The direction of interest rates and the magnitude of adjustments are highly uncertain,” Yue said, referencing Powell’s remarks. “There isn’t a preset path, and significant uncertainty remains.”
The synchronized rate cuts from both central banks signal a cautious approach to supporting growth while managing inflation and external economic pressures.
