Hong Kong Monetary Authority Says Fed Rate Hold Met Market Expectations

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) said the U.S. Federal Reserve’s decision to keep interest rates unchanged was in line with market expectations. According to Jin10, the HKMA said the Fed’s post-meeting statement noted inflation remained at a relatively high level, reflecting the committee’s concern about the inflation outlook. In Hong Kong, the HKMA said monetary and financial markets continued to operate in an orderly manner. It said Hong Kong dollar interbank offered rates generally moved closer to U.S. dollar interest rates under the Linked Exchange Rate System, while shorter-tenor interbank rates were also influenced by local Hong Kong dollar funding supply and demand, including seasonal factors and capital market activity. The HKMA said changes in U.S. interest rates would depend on inflation trends, labor market conditions, and other economic data, and would also affect Hong Kong’s interest-rate environment. It urged the public to fully consider and manage interest-rate risks when making decisions on home purchases, investments, or borrowing. The HKMA said it would continue to closely monitor market developments and maintain monetary and financial stability.