BEIJING — China's central bank intends to extend more credit to agriculture, the consumer economy, and the construction of affordable homes in 2012, according to a statement on its official website.

"We will implement a differentiated lending policy to the real estate sector, strengthen support to affordable house construction projects, and meet the loan demand of families who want to purchase property for the first time," the People's Bank of China said.

Assistant governor Guo Qingping said the central bank will also improve regulation of the gold market and encourage financial institutions to fend off financial risk.