China's benchmark lending rates were held unchanged as widely expected, even after data showed that economic momentum slowed at the start of the third quarter.
The one-year loan prime rate was kept at 3.0% and the five-year rate at 3.5%, said the People's Bank of China on Thursday. Both rates have remained at these levels for more than a year.
Some economists see scope for the central bank to loosen its monetary stance if growth weakens further.
Gross domestic product expanded 4.3% in the second quarter, below Beijing's 4.5%-5.0% growth target for the year, and data for the third quarter so far haven't been encouraging.
For some economists, continued weak spots in consumption and investment raise the odds of an interest-rate cut, but if exports remain resilient, policymakers could continue to drip-feed fiscal and other forms stimulus.
