PBOC sets USD/CNY reference rate at 6.7150 vs. 6.7146 previous

Haresh Menghani FXStreet

The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) sets the USD/CNY central rate for the trading session ahead on Tuesday at 6.7150 compared to the previous day's fix of 6.7146 and 6.6489 Reuters estimate.

PBOC FAQs

What does the People's Bank of China do?

The primary monetary policy objectives of the People's Bank of China (PBoC) are to safeguard price stability, including exchange rate stability, and promote economic growth. China’s central bank also aims to implement financial reforms, such as opening and developing the financial market.

Who owns the PBoC?

The PBoC is owned by the state of the People's Republic of China (PRC), so it is not considered an autonomous institution. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Committee Secretary, nominated by the Chairman of the State Council, has a key influence on the PBoC’s management and direction, not the governor. However, Mr. Pan Gongsheng currently holds both of these posts.

What are the main policy tools used by the PBoC?

Unlike the Western economies, the PBoC uses a broader set of monetary policy instruments to achieve its objectives. The primary tools include a seven-day Reverse Repo Rate (RRR), Medium-term Lending Facility (MLF), foreign exchange interventions and Reserve Requirement Ratio (RRR). However, The Loan Prime Rate (LPR) is China’s benchmark interest rate. Changes to the LPR directly influence the rates that need to be paid in the market for loans and mortgages and the interest paid on savings. By changing the LPR, China’s central bank can also influence the exchange rates of the Chinese Renminbi.

Are private banks allowed in China?

Yes, China has 19 private banks – a small fraction of the financial system. The largest private banks are digital lenders WeBank and MYbank, which are backed by tech giants Tencent and Ant Group, per The Straits Times. In 2014, China allowed domestic lenders fully capitalized by private funds to operate in the state-dominated financial sector.

Author

Haresh Menghani

FXStreet

Haresh Menghani is a detail-oriented professional with 10+ years of extensive experience in analysing the global financial markets.

AUD/USD hovers around 0.7000, over one-week low ahead of RBA decision

AUD/USD consolidates the previous day's losses to an over one-week low, holding steady around 0.7000 during the Asian session on Tuesday ahead of the RBA rate decision. Meanwhile, the US Dollar remains depressed as hopes for a diplomatic resolution to end the US-Iran war counter Fed hike bets amid market anxiety ahead of the US midterm elections, further supporting the currency pair.

USD/JPY fails near 159.00 amid weak USD, intervention risks

USD/JPY edges lower during Tuesday’s Asian session, reversing part of the previous day's gains to 158.00 as the US Dollar remains depressed amid hopes for Iran diplomacy and ahead of US midterm elections. Meanwhile, intervention risks support the Japanese Yen, though the uncertainty over the timing of the next BoJ rate hike caps gains. This keeps the pair confined within a familiar range and warrants caution before placing directional bets.

Gold consolidates near $3,950 as Fed hike bets counter weak USD ahead of US elections

Gold holds steady around $3,950 through Tuesday’s Asian session, consolidating the previous day's recovery gains from the lowest level since October 2025, touched last week. Hopes for Iran optimism keep the safe-haven US Dollar depressed, which, along with anxiety ahead of US midterm elections, supports the bullion. However, Fed rate-hike bets and a modest bounce in US bond yields cap gains for the non-yielding yellow metal.

RBA expected to raise interest rate to 4.85%

The Reserve Bank of Australia will announce its monetary policy decision on Tuesday and is widely anticipated to raise the Official Cash Rate by 25 basis points to 4.85% from 4.6%. If the RBA delivers as expected, it will be the fifth interest rate hike of 2026, and the OCR will hit an 18-year high.

Strong iPhone sales fortify Apple's Q4 result

A robust fourth-quarter for Apple's iPhone sales helped the tech titan beat Wall Street's consensus on Monday. Apple reported $57.58 billion in iPhone sales in Q4, beating the average analyst estimate by more than a billion. However, AAPL stock shed close to 4% afterhours despite the top and bottom line beat.

The 2% inflation target came from a throwaway remark. It now moves trillions

The Federal Reserve's 2% inflation goal grew out of an off-the-cuff remark by a New Zealand politician in 1988. Bond investors still price long-term US debt as if 2% holds, so a change in how the Fed measures inflation would move markets.