China Discusses Stock-Market Support, Lower Buyback Relending Rate

China's financial regulators discussed lowering the stock-buyback relending rate from 1.25% to 1% Monday as part of talks with securities firms and funds on stabilizing the stock market.

The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), which oversees the country's securities market, reportedly conveyed IPO guidance verbally in recent meetings with investment banks. Large shareholder sales are also said to be on hold until market conditions improve. The measures have not been set out in a public directive.

An IPO pause would delay fundraising for companies seeking listings. Restrictions on existing shareholders would limit another source of stock for sale.

The People's Bank of China, the CSRC and the National Financial Regulatory Administration met with securities firms and funds Monday to discuss measures to stabilize the stock market. The meeting covered a reduction in the stock-buyback relending rate from 1.25% to 1% and an expansion of a facility that helps securities firms and funds finance stock purchases.