Banking and Finance

Central bank trims refinancing and discount rates

The State Bank of Viet Nam trimmed its refinancing rate from 8 to 7 percent and its discount rate - the rate at which banks borrow for their reserves - from 6 to 5 percent yesterday.

Small income earners to receive special bank loans

Low income families nationwide will receive preferential interest-free loans, according to a decision by the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) on April 9.

World Bank aids local bond market

World Bank finance arm, the International Finance Corporation, has joined forces with the Ha Noi Securities Trading Centre to support the development of local capital markets.

Bank liquidity rises 5.55 percent in March, says central bank

Liquidity in the banking system rose 5.55 percent in March from the end of last year after the central bank widened the currency's trading band, according to the State Bank of Vietnam yesterday.

Import ban stresses gold market

Bullion dealers and jewelry fabricators are asking for the central bank's permission to resume gold importing now that the precious metal costs slightly more in Vietnam than abroad.