"Yet it is doubtful whether Beijing can succeed in encouraging consumption without dismantling an interest rate regime under which ordinary consumers subsidise politically favoured business inretest." from South China Morning Post

"High China Interest Rates to Control Inflation" from Financial Feed

"State council's Development Research Center researcher Ba Shusong said the latest rate increase is aimed at reining in inflation expectations and narrowing the gap between gains in consumer prices and savings rates. The target is a one-year deposit rate of 2.75%, 4.55% for five years as opposed to November's 5.1%. Stocks' November Shanghai Composite Index went up to 11% benchmark selloff and jumped to 2.9% on Dec.13.

"NZ economy in surprise drop" from South China Morning Post

"The currency fell as rising risks of a recession bolster the case for central bank governor Alan Bollard to keep interest rates unchanged until at least the second quarter next year."

"China's central bank announced Saturday that it will raise the one-year lending and deposit interest rate for the second time this year, as the government continues its battle against surging prices." from Xinhua

"However, Lian said China only has room for two or three rate hikes, as higher interest rates would increase risks of "hot money" inflows due to a widening interest margin between China and the United States, which is likely to keep rates low."

"Interest rates left unchanged in South Korea and New Zealand" from South China Morning Post

"Thailand unexpectedly raises rates to fight inflation" from South China Morning Post

"Bangkok: Thailand unexpectedly raised interest rates for the third time this year, signaling policymakers view inflation as a bigger threat than slowing growth." 

"Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia's central bank kept interest rates unchanged yesterday, citing tame inflation and slower growth and warned of the risks arising from large capital flows into the region." from South China Morning Post

"HSBC and CItibank said they will follow market trends and increase mortage interest rates based on the Hong Kong Interbank Offer Rate, or the Hibor, on Monday." from South China Morning Post

"Low interest rates and financing costs means hedge funds and mutual funds are flush with cash." from South China Morning Post

"The Australian market too is on the boil, especially resources and mining stocks.

A number of top professional and equity houses are looking to tap into Asian markets, especially Hong Kong and the mainland."

"Australia and India raised interest rates on Tuesday, highlighting the contrast between the Asia-Pacific region's rapid growth and the fragile recovery in other parts of the world." from New York Times