China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China, announced that, starting November 16, 2010, the RMB Deposit-Reserve Ratio increased by 0.5% to 17.5%. This is the fourth time this ratio was adjusted this year. Analysts believe it is very likely the central bank will raise interest rates in a few months. Based on some estimates, every 0.5% increase freezes RMB 350 billion. Since the ratio adjustment does not ease the high inflation situation, this move is recognized as a sign of a new round of interest rate increases. China’s central bank blames the recent issuance of U.S. Dollars for China’s inflation, calling it “imported inflation.” It was also promised that “hot money” would be strictly controlled.
Source: China Review News, November 11, 2010
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