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Beijing's hold over rare metals, China cuts mortgage rate benchmark: SCMP daily highlights

Beijing's hold over rare metals, China cuts mortgage rate benchmark: SCMP daily highlights

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Beijing is still tightening its grip over supplies of rare earths and other key minerals despite the tariff truce, allowing it to cut off US access at will.
China slashed a key reference rate for mortgage loans by 10 basis points on Tuesday amid efforts to stabilise the property market, but analysts said the moderate cut was still insufficient to revive a sector mired in a downturn.
A screen shows trading indexes at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City, US, May 19, 2025. Photo: Reuters
China attracted a significant net capital inflow into its bond and equities markets in April despite US President Donald Trump's tariff war and can expect more foreign investment in Chinese assets, analysts said.

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