rates

The weak-side Convertibility Undertaking (CU) of HKD7.85 to USD1 under the Linked Exchange Rate system (LERS) was triggered yesterday during the London and New York trading hours. The HKMA sold US dollars (USD) for Hong Kong dollars (HKD) of HKD1,507 million. The Aggregate Balance will reduce by the corresponding amount to HKD74,802 million on 12 March.

As a result of concerns raised by ASIC, American Express Australia Limited has agreed to change its approach to the charging of a higher ‘default’ rate of interest to credit card customers who have defaulted in their payment obligations. The policy currently affects 7.9% of credit card accounts issued by AMEX. As a result of the changes the holders of those accounts will receive a reduction in interest rate of up to 6%.