Although providing relief to companies, slashing lending rates without cutting deposit rates would further dent bank profitability.

ECONOMIST: Let it slide | The

Moreover, further cuts on local-currency (yuan) deposit rates are feasible, even though they are already lower than equivalent dollar-deposit rates.

ECONOMIST: China: Dialectical materialism | The

Under the "Lend A Hand" scheme, house buyers put down a deposit of 5% and the council guarantees a further 20% of the mortgage amount.

BBC: Tunbridge Wells council launches Lend A Hand home scheme