The Macau Metro Monitor, December 29th, 2010

EMPLOYMENT SURVEY FOR SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2010 DSEC

Macau's unemployment rate for September-November 2010 was 2.8%, down by 0.1% point over the previous period (August-October 2010).  Total labor force was 329,000 in September-November 2010 and the labor force participation rate stood at 71.2%, down by 0.5% point from the previous period.

CHINA CENTRAL BANK RAISES RATES Reuters

The rediscount rate went up by 45 bp to 2.25%, the first change in two years.  The one-year bank relending rate increased 52bp to 3.85%.  On December 25, the central bank raised its benchmark deposit and lending rates by 0.25% points, representing a second rise in a short-term period in an effort to curb inflation.