Hong Kong (CNN Business) Asian markets were mixed Friday while China held steady on its new benchmark lending rate.

Hang Seng Index HSI Kospi KOSPI Nikkei 225 N225 Shanghai Composite SHCOMP Hong Kong'swas last up 0.4%, while South Korea'sgained 0.2%. But Japan'sand China'slost 0.3% and 0.1%, respectively.

The People's Bank of China didn't adjust its one-year loan prime rate (LPR), which stands at 4.15%. The five-year LPR also remained steady at 4.8%.

The LPR, which banks charge corporate clients for new loans, is a new benchmark that China introduced in August. It hopes the rate will gradually replace the existing fixed benchmark lending rate, and do a better job in passing on lower rates to borrowers in the corporate sector.

One consideration: While the Chinese economy is still under pressure, recent government data indicated that momentum picked up last month. The recent US-China trade truce — while still not a comprehensive deal — is also helping sentiment.

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