A Preliminary Study of Chinese Interest Rates from the Early Qing to the Twentieth Century - Based on an Examination of the Historical Database of Chinese Interest Rates (1660-2000)

Abstract

This article provides a basic explanation of the construction, data collection, and design of the historical data base of Chinese interest rates. Based on differences in the analysis of statistical indicators, the selection of data, and background and forms of borrowing and lending, interest rates varied greatly, and the article shows these differences explain the comparatively large differences in the analysis of historical interest rates. The article makes clear the origins of a variety of misconceptions in literatures about China’s for interest rate history, and proves the importance of the statistical database for historical research. Through an analysis of the historical statistics in this data base, the article provides an initial examination of interest rates from the early Qing to the twentieth century, the long term trends in interest rates, and other issues.