China's major financial indicators in April grew at a faster pace than in March, providing powerful support for the real economy, as indicated by central bank data released on Wednesday.
According to the People's Bank of China (PBOC), China's outstanding aggregate financing to the real economy (AFRE), the total amount of financing to the real economy, reached 424 trillion yuan (about 58.84 trillion U.S. dollars) at the end of April, marking an 8.7 percent increase on a yearly basis.
The M2, a broad measure of money supply that covers cash in circulation and all deposits, increased by eight percent year on year to around 325 trillion yuan at the end of April.
China issued 10.06 trillion yuan in new yuan-denominated loans in the first four months of 2025.
In April, inclusive small and micro loans, and medium- and long-term loans in the manufacturing industry increased by 11.9 percent and 8.5 percent year on year, respectively, both higher than the average growth rate of various loans in the same period.
In the same month, the weighted average interest rate for new business loans declined about four basis points from March to about 3.2 percent, maintaining a historically low level.
April financial data indicates China's commitment to strengthening real economy
People across the world rang in 2026 with fireworks, drone shows and musical performances, as millions gathered in city squares, harbors and stadiums to mark the arrival of the new year.
In Brazil, Sao Paulo hosted the 100th edition of its traditional New Year's Eve road race on Wednesday, drawing about 55,000 runners from 48 countries and regions.
Organizers said ten percent of participants were over 60, with the oldest aged 95, marking records in both participants and age range.
"I think this race is about celebrating life and health. I hope to bring a good start for 2026 in this way," said Fabio, one of the runners.
In South Africa, tens of thousands of residents and tourists packed the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town for the New Year countdown. Several live performances were staged to ring in the new year.
As midnight struck, fireworks lit up the harbor skies while crowds cheered and sang in unison, welcoming the arrival of 2026.
Ras Al Khaimah, one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), celebrated the arrival of 2026 with a grand drone show.
A thousand drones formed a blazing phoenix with outstretched wings, while another striking formation depicted a human figure rising from the sea, arms open to welcome the world. As the final seconds ticked away, dazzling fireworks lit up the sky.
In Southeast Asia, Thailand welcomed the new year with a dazzling 20-minute fireworks and drone show over the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, where locals and visitors gathered to celebrate together.
Countries around world welcome 2026 with fireworks, shows
