The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has adjusted the Base Rate to 4.5% effective immediately, reflecting a change in the US federal funds rate and HIBOR.
This article was generated using SAMS, an AI technology by Timothy Loh LLP.
On 18 September 2025, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority ("HKMA") announced that the Base Rate has been set at 4.5%, effective immediately.
The Base Rate, which is the interest rate for computing Discount Rates in repurchase transactions conducted through the Discount Window, is now established at 4.5%. This is determined by a pre-set formula involving the US federal funds rate and the Hong Kong Interbank Offered Rate ("HIBOR").
Following a 25-basis point reduction in the US federal funds rate target range on 17 September, the Base Rate was calculated to be 4.5% under the prevailing conditions. The lower end of the target range for the US federal funds rate is 4.5%, while the average of the five-day moving averages of the overnight and one-month HIBORs stood at 2.94%. Therefore, the formula dictates the Base Rate to be 4.5%.
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