The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (March 17) that the Base Rate was adjusted upward to 0.75% with immediate effect according to a pre-set formula.
      
     The Base Rate is the interest rate forming the foundation upon which the Discount Rates for repurchase transactions through the Discount Window are computed.  The Base Rate is currently set at either 50 basis points above the lower end of the prevailing target range for the US federal funds rate or the average of the five-day moving averages of the overnight and one-month Hong Kong Interbank Offered Rates (HIBORs), whichever is the higher.
      
     Following the 25-basis point upward adjustment in the target range for the US federal funds rate on March 16 (US time), 50 basis points above the lower end of the prevailing target range for the US federal funds rate is 0.75%, while the average of the five-day moving averages of the overnight and one-month HIBORs is 0.14%.  The Base Rate is therefore set at 0.75% according to the pre-set formula.
 
 

Ends/Thursday, March 17, 2022
Issued at HKT 8:05

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