PBOC sets USD/CNY reference rate at 6.8622 vs. 6.8616 previous

Haresh Menghani FXStreet

On Friday, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) sets the USD/CNY central rate for the trading session ahead at 6.8622 compared to the previous day's fix of 6.8616 and 6.8206 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 struggles near 0.7150 as Fed hike bets and Middle East risks underpin USD

AUD/USD kicks off the new week on a weak note and hovers near Friday's low, around mid-0.7100s, as the US Dollar holds up on rising Fed rate-hike bets, bolstered by the US CPI. Furthermore, escalating Middle East tensions and clashes in the Strait of Hormuz underpin the safe-haven USD. However, hawkish RBA expectations could help limit deeper losses for the Aussie.

USD/JPY holds steady near mid-153.00s as traders await Fed/BoJ rate decisions

USD/JPY consolidates near a seven-month low touched last Tuesday as traders move to the sidelines ahead of the FOMC decision on Wednesday and the BoJ policy update on Friday. Meanwhile, a more hawkish repricing of the BoJ's normalization path supports the Japanese Yen, while rising Fed rate-hike bets and geopolitical risks underpin the US Dollar, leading to the pair's subdued price action at the start of the new week.

Gold consolidates above $4,300 as traders await Fed rate decision this week

Gold struggles to capitalize on Friday's modest bounce from sub-$4,300 levels and kicks off the new week on a subdued note as traders move to the sidelines ahead of a slew of central bank events. Meanwhile, the latest US inflation figures reaffirmed September Fed rate-hike bets and cap the non-yielding bullion. Moreover, escalating US-Iran tensions act as a tailwind for the safe-haven US Dollar, keeping XAU/USD bulls on the back foot.

Week ahead: Fed, BoJ and BoE decide amid inflation dilemma

A crucial central bank week looms for markets as both the Federal Reserve and Bank of Japan are under pressure from all sides, with their credibility at stake. The Bank of England looks set to have an easier ride, at least for now, while inflation releases will be watched too as war continues to rage in the Middle East.

CFTC Report: Japanese Yen reversal leads a broader positioning reset

The week in one sentence: Yen positioning swung back into net longs in the week to September 8, leading to a 103.0K-contract improvement. Canadian Dollar shorts also fell sharply, while Oil buying accompanied another price rise. Euro, Sterling and Swiss Franc positioning weakened despite firmer currencies, leaving those moves unconfirmed by speculative flows.

Venezuela’s 65-billion-barrel Oil deal could reshape America’s inflation fight

The United States (US) has secured unprecedented access to part of Venezuela’s vast Oil reserves. The timing is particularly significant as the war with Iran is disrupting Middle Eastern supplies, keeping energy prices elevated and reviving concerns about inflation.