PBOC sets USD/CNY reference rate at 6.8674 vs. 6.8650 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 6.8674 compared to the previous day's fix of 6.8650 and 6.8400 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.

EUR/USD holds ground near 1.1550 ahead of US Inflation data

EUR/USD is holding ground at around 1.1550 in the European session on Wednesday. The pair takes advantage of the profit-taking pullback in the US Dollar as traders reposition ahead of the critical US CPI inflation data. However, any upside attempts could be limited amid renewed US-Iran tensions.

GBP/USD keeps range near 1.3400, with eyes on US CPI

GBP/USD clings to minor recovery gains near 1.3400 in Wednesday's European trading, though it remains in a familiar range heading into the US CPI event risk. Traders keep an eye on developments around the Middle East crisis, which could ramp up volatility in the major.

Gold languishes near March low, below $4,200 as traders await US CPI report

Gold maintains its heavily offered tone through the first half of the European session and currently trades near its lowest level since March 23, around the $4,180-$4,175 region. Renewed hostilities between the US and Iran fuel inflationary concerns and bolster bets for more hawkish central banks.

Cardano's downtrend deepens despite on-chain bottoming signals

Cardano edges lower to $0.1600 signaling a potential extension of the 30% loss from last week. The altcoin remains under intense selling pressure, weighing on its retail support. Still, a spike in dormant supply re-entering circulation signals that the selling pressure has run its course, a pattern that often precedes a rebound.

US CPI data set to show inflation at three-year high in May, backing Fed hawkish tilt

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics will publish the May Consumer Price Index (CPI) data on Wednesday. The report is expected to show another step up in consumer inflation, driven by the persistently high Oil prices due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

The US economy defies the rules: 100 days into the Oil shock and the recession signal is still missing

More than three months after the start of the Iran war and the resulting disruption to global energy markets, the US economy continues to display remarkable resilience. The conflict has triggered a sharp rise in Oil prices, reignited inflationary pressures and fueled widespread concerns about a potential economic slowdown.