China issued 10.68 trillion yuan (approximately 1.5 trillion U.S. dollars) in new yuan-denominated loans from January to May 2025, according to central bank data released on Friday. In May, yuan loans maintained steady growth, with the interest rates at historically low levels, according to the People's Bank of China.
The average interest rate on newly issued corporate loans stood at about 3.2 percent in May, down 50 basis points from a year earlier, while the average interest rate on newly issued mortgage loans was about 3.1 percent, down 55 basis points from a year earlier.
"In May, the central bank lowered policy rates, and the loan prime rate (LPR), a market-based benchmark lending rate, went down subsequently. Many businesses found the interest rates more favorable, so their fund withdrawal intention increased significantly," said Dong Ximiao, chief researcher of Merchants Union Consumer Finance Company.
Meanwhile, as local real estate markets across China regain vitality, mortgage loans also increased in May, data from commercial banks showed.
Thanks to the consumer goods trade-in program, which encourages consumers to trade in old goods for new ones with subsidies or rebates, the sales of durable goods continued to increase rapidly in May, and the growth of short-term loans that support consumption also gained momentum.
China's financial aggregates are expected to remain in steady rise in the near future, according to Dong.
"Based on previous experiences, June is a month with relatively more economic activities and thus higher financing demands. The existing proactive fiscal policies will continue to produce effect. The package of financial policy measures announced by the financial regulatory authorities in early May has effectively boosted market confidence, which, along with the constantly proven resilience of the Chinese economy, provide a solid fundamental support for the appropriate growth of financial aggregates," Dong said.
China issues over 10 trillion yuan in new loans during Jan-May period
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
