前三季度地方借钱约8.5万亿元，花哪儿了？

Core Viewpoint - Local governments are increasing their borrowing to stabilize investment and mitigate risks, with a record high in bond issuance this year, but the growth rate is gradually declining as the issuance approaches its limit [3][6]. Summary by Sections Local Government Bond Issuance - In the first three quarters of this year, local government bond issuance totaled approximately 8.54 trillion yuan, representing a year-on-year increase of about 27% [3][6]. - The broad fiscal revenue of local governments for the first eight months was around 10.75 trillion yuan, with borrowing accounting for about 72% of this revenue [6]. Use of Borrowed Funds - Approximately 60% of the funds raised are used for repaying old debts, while nearly 40% are directed towards major project construction [6][7]. - The issuance of refinancing bonds reached about 4.19 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 69%, primarily aimed at repaying old debts [7][8]. Debt Management and Financial Health - The average interest cost of the debt has decreased by over 2.5 percentage points, saving more than 450 billion yuan in interest expenses [8]. - The refinancing efforts have improved the financial health of local governments and reduced financial risks significantly [8][10]. Infrastructure Investment - In the first eight months, infrastructure investment (excluding power, heat, gas, and water supply) grew by 2.0%, surpassing the overall fixed asset investment growth rate of 0.5% [10]. - Approximately 3.15 trillion yuan of the new local government bonds was allocated to major project construction, with significant portions directed towards municipal infrastructure, transportation, and social projects [10]. Future Outlook - The total issuance of local government bonds for the year is nearing its limit, with a cap of 5.2 trillion yuan set for new bonds, and 84% of this quota has already been utilized [10][11]. - Experts suggest the possibility of issuing an additional 1 trillion yuan in bonds to further alleviate the pressure of hidden debts [11].