Growth of banks' mortgage loans.........>

CHINA PRESS: Growth of banks' mortgage loans slowed in the first half of the

year because of strict government controls on the overheated property market,

the 21st Century Business Herald reported Tuesday. The proportion of mortgages

among commercial banks' new loans fell to 51.4% in the January-to-June period,

well below the 91.43% in the same period last year. Corporate loans saw a strong

increase as the economy recovered and companies' demand for money accelerated.

Medium- and long-term corporate loans mainly went to government projects like

highway infrastructure, and to leasing and business services. Consumer loans

have become more difficult, with interest rates generally having risen by 30% to

40% in the first half, the report noted. (21st Century Business Herald)