Exchange Fund's foreign assets increase over HK$201 billion in May

Foreign assets, representing the external assets of the Exchange Fund, increased by HK$201.6 billion last month to HK$3.58 trillion by the end of May, according to a statement by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority on Friday.

The monetary base stood at HK$2.1 trillion as of the end of May, which includes certificates of indebtedness, government-issued currency notes and coins in circulation, the balance of the banking system and Exchange Fund bills and notes issued, the HKMA said.

Claims on the private sector in Hong Kong came in at HK$325.6 billion and foreign liabilities reached HK$31 billion by the end of last month.

STAFF REPORTER