China has maintained its benchmark lending rates for the third straight month, keeping the one-year loan prime rate at 3.1% and the five-year rate at 3.6%. Despite plans for “appropriately loose” monetary policy in 2025, the weakening yuan is limiting Beijing’s ability to implement stimulus measures. This cautious approach comes even as the country achieved its 5% growth target last year, with markets now reducing expectations for near-term rate cuts.