China's yuan loans surge by 17.1 trillion yuan in first 11 months

China

China's yuan loans surge by 17.1 trillion yuan in first 11 months

2024-12-13 22:28 Last Updated At：23:07

China's yuan-denominated loans rose by 17.1 trillion yuan (about 2.35 trillion U.S. dollars) in the first 11 months of the year, central bank data showed on Friday.

The M2, a broad measure of money supply that covers cash in circulation and all deposits, increased 7.1 percent year on year to 311.96 trillion yuan (over 42 trillion U.S. dollars) at the end of November 2024, according to the People's Bank of China.

Outstanding yuan loans reached 254.68 trillion yuan (over 35 trillion U.S. dollars) at the end of November, an increase of 7.7 percent year on year. Meanwhile, outstanding social financing, a measurement of funds that individuals and non-financial firms receive from the financial system, stood at 405.6 trillion yuan (over 55 trillion U.S. dollars) at the end of November, up 7.8 percent year on year.

Key sectors demonstrated robust loan growth during the period: the balance of medium- and long-term loans to the manufacturing sector grew by 12.8 percent compared to last year; outstanding loans granted to "little giant" firms (those which use special and sophisticated technologies to produce novel and unique products) jumped by 13.2 year on year; outstanding inclusive loans for micro and small businesses recorded a 14.3 percent annual growth.

This growth highlighted an improving credit structure, with social expectations and market confidence showing signs of recovery, according to Zhang Jiqiang, Head of Research at Huatai Securities.

Interest rates for new loans continued to decline in November. The weighted average interest rate for newly issued corporate loans dropped to 3.45 percent, 36 basis points lower than the same period last year. The rate for new individual housing loans fell to 3.08 percent, down 92 basis points year-on-year.

China's just concluded Central Economic Work Conference pledged to adopt a moderately loose monetary policy next year. Wang Yifeng, deputy director of the Research Institute at Everbright Securities, noted that this policy stance is expected to provide substantial support for the real economy, with a greater focus on driving consumption and improving people's livelihoods.

Nicaraguan FM warns of militarism revival

Nicaragua's co-foreign minister Valdrack Jaentschke has warned that militarism must never be allowed to rise again, as Japan's recent moves to lift its arms export ban and revise the pacifist Constitution continue to draw international concern.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the opening of the Tokyo Trials, where Japan's Class-A war criminals from World War II were brought to justice.

In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Valdrack Jaentschke voiced his concern that today's world order is being undermined by interventionism and other challenges.

"It is necessary for us to remember that after the end of World War II, countries worked hard to build a new international order based on international law. However, regrettably, more than 80 years later, we are seeing that this once explored and attempted order is being challenged by interventionism, a confrontational mindset, and tendencies like 'might makes right.' These are precisely the conditions that gave rise to fascism and militarism in the past, which ultimately led to the tragedy of World War II," he said.

He said the international community has a responsibility to pursue a new international order -- one fundamentally grounded in peace.

"Looking back at the history more than eight decades ago and comparing it with today's reality, it is our responsibility to recognize that the world should, and must, build a new international order that is more just, fairer, rooted in international law, based on a logic of mutual benefit and shared success, and fundamentally grounded in peace," said the minister.

"Today, as we revisit the Tokyo Trials, it is meant to remind the world that such a tragedy must never be repeated -- and that we must do everything in our power to prevent it from happening again. We must stop that dark world -- born from militarism, interventionism, and fascism -- from ever returning," he said.