China set to leave benchmark lending rates unchanged for 17th month

SHANGHAI, Oct 19 (Reuters) China is set to leave benchmark lending rates unchanged for a 17th consecutive month in October, a Reuters survey ​showed, after better-than-expected third-quarter GDP data lessened prospects ‌for near-term easing. The loan prime rate (LPR), normally charged to banks most creditworthy clients, is calculated each month after 20 designated commercial banks submit proposed rates to the People s Bank of ‌China (PBOC). In ​a Reuters survey of 22 market ⁠participants conducted this week, ⁠all respondents predicted that the one-year and five-year LPRs would remain unchanged at 3.00% and 3.50%, respectively, at the upcoming review on Tuesday. China s economic growth ​bounced off three-year lows in the third quarter, as roaring exports offset consumers tight grip on ⁠their wallets, though analysts warn ⁠the growing reliance on external drivers is ​deepening structural imbalances. Market participants expect Beijing to reach its ​2026 growth target of 4.5%-5.0% with