PBOC sets USD/CNY reference rate at 6.8175 vs. 6.8166 previous

Lallalit Srijandorn FXStreet

On Monday, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) sets the USD/CNY central rate for the trading session ahead at 6.8175 compared to the previous day's fix of 6.8166 and 6.8041 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

Lallalit Srijandorn

FXStreet

Lallalit Srijandorn is a Parisian at heart. She has lived in France since 2019 and now becomes a digital entrepreneur based in Paris and Bangkok.

GBP/USD edges lower due to safe-haven demand

GBP/USD inches lower after opening at a bullish gap, trading around 1.3200 during the Asian hours on Monday. The pair loses ground as the Pound Sterling declines against the US Dollar amid emerging safe-haven demand, which could be attributed to the United States-Iran talks uncertainty.

EUR/USD remains stronger despite uncertainty surrounding US-Iran talks

EUR/USD pair maintains its upward momentum for a third consecutive session, trading near 1.1390 during Monday's Asian hours. Despite this positive streak, the Euro’s gains could face headwinds if geopolitical uncertainty sparks a flight to safety, boosting the US Dollar.

Gold falls to near $4,050 amid US- Iran talks uncertainty

Gold price attracts some sellers to around $4,060 during the Asian trading hours on Monday. The precious metal declines amid uncertainty surrounding US-Iran talks and hawkish Federal Reserve expectations. The US Nonfarm Payrolls data will take center stage later on Thursday.

Week ahead: NFP report to challenge Dollar strength and the hawkish Fed

The end of the Middle East conflict and the steps made so far towards securing a comprehensive deal over the next five weeks – with oil prices dropping aggressively but maintaining a small risk premium – has allowed investors to focus elsewhere. Contrary to expectations, the greenback has been the main protagonist lately.

Middle East War updates: US, Iran appear to be returning to talks to end the war

Here’s a brief recap of the key developments in the Middle East war that occurred over the weekend, which are expected to have a significant impact on markets in the upcoming week.

Regime change: Inside Kevin Warsh's first move to make the Fed unreadable on purpose

The rate did not move. That was the least interesting thing about Kevin Warsh's first meeting in charge of the Fed. The FOMC held its benchmark at 3.50%-3.75% for the fourth straight meeting, exactly as priced, and then the new chair used his first press conference to dismantle the machinery the market has leaned on for a decade.