China's central bank, the People's Bank of China (PBOC), has maintained its key lending rates at record low levels, keeping the benchmark lending rate steady at 3.50% and the one-year interest rate at 3.00%. This decision aligns with market expectations and follows a period of softening consumer sentiment in the world's second-largest economy. The PBOC's move to hold rates unchanged reflects caution as it monitors the impact of previous stimulus measures. Following the announcement, Chinese stock markets experienced gains, while markets in Australia retreated from recent highs.