Market Information Tuesday 18 February 2020

The United States government considers new trade restrictions to prevent Chinese access to important computer technology. According to The Wall Street Journal, the US Commerce Department will draft amendments for the so-called foreign direct product rule, which restricts foreign companies’ use of US technology for military or national-security products. Chip factories outside the US will then require a license in order to use that technology.

The Chinese central bank lowered an important interest rate, which could signify the prelude of lower standard interest rates. The central bank announced that the interest rate on its medium-term lending facility will be reduced from 3.25% to 3.15%. The lower interest rate is an attempt to support the Chinese economy, which suffers from the coronavirus outbreak.

The production of the Japanese industry in December 2019 increased, but at a lower rate than initially expected. This was shown by final figures from the Japanese ministry of Commerce. The industrial production in Japan increased in December by 1.2% on a monthly base. Economists expected an increase of 1.3% on a monthly base.

The 6M Euribor is unchanged at -0.36% compared to previous business day. The 10Y Swap is unchanged at -0.05% compared to previous business day.

In the attachment, today’s market data on money and capital market rates as well as other rates are presented.