PBOC sets USD/CNY reference rate at 6.8654 vs. 6.8649 previous

Haresh Menghani FXStreet

The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) sets the USD/CNY central rate for the trading session ahead on Friday at 6.8654 compared to the previous day's fix of 6.8649 and 6.8313 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.

GBP/USD struggles as traders evaluate BoE policy, UK political developments

GBP/USD steadies after three days of losses, trading around 1.3430 during the Asian hours on Tuesday. After recently surging toward two-month highs near 1.3550, the pair has moderated as foreign exchange traders evaluate shifting monetary policies between the Bank of England and the US Federal Reserve alongside political developments in the United Kingdom.

EUR/USD bears retain control below 200-SMA on H4; break of 1.1400 awaited

The EUR/USD pair is seen consolidating during the Asian session on Tuesday and trading just above the 1.1400 mark, or a four-day low touched the previous day. Market participants seem hesitant and keenly await the highly-anticipated European Central Bank meeting on Thursday before positioning for the next leg of a directional move.

Gold rises cautiously as Fed hike bets, US‑Iran tensions cap gains

Gold regains positive traction following the previous day's two-way price moves, though it struggles to capitalize on the move and trades below the $4,050 level during the Asian session on Tuesday. Despite a cycle of tit-for-tat strikes between the US and Iran, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday that the US was still open to holding talks with Iran, keeping hopes alive for a potential diplomatic resolution to the conflict.

Grayscale eyes Worldcoin ETF launch following S-1 filing

Grayscale filed an S-1 registration statement with the US Securities and Exchange Commission on Monday to launch a Grayscale Worldcoin ETF. The proposed fund, which would trade on Nasdaq under the ticker GWLD, is designed to give investors exposure to Worldcoin through a traditional brokerage account, eliminating the need to buy the token directly.

Here's where the Canadian Dollar is headed next: 4 bearish scenarios and a bullish one

The Canadian Dollar (CAD) has ridden a volatile first half of the year, with Oil prices surging and then falling as markets danced to the Middle East’s tune. Neither the Bank of Canada nor the Federal Reserve has changed rates so far this year, and the USD/CAD's next move may depend on which of the two banks fails to deliver what markets expect.

US Dollar mid-year outlook: Exceptional currency, exceptional risks?

The US Dollar enters the second half of 2026 in a markedly different position from a year ago. The King currency has recovered, reflecting persistent US inflation, changing expectations for Fed policy, geopolitical tensions and renewed demand for defensive assets.