PBOC sets USD/CNY reference rate at 7.0856 vs. 7.0881 previous

Haresh Menghani FXStreet

The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) set the USD/CNY central rate for the trading session ahead on Tuesday at 7.0856 compared to the previous day's fix of 7.0881 and 7.1029 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 trims losses, approaches 1.3500

GBP/USD adds to the multi-day negative streak, although it has managed to bounce off earlier four-week lows near 1.3470 on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Cable’s deep correction comes despite the tepid performance in the Greenback and the persistent geopolitical concerns.

EUR/USD treads water just below 1.1600

EUR/USD now alternates gains with losses near the 1.1600 region following the closing bell in European markets on Wednesday. The pair has managed to rebound from earlier two-week lows around 1.1560 in tandem with the loss of momentum in the US Dollar.

Gold: Near-term bounce, sellers still in charge

Gold continues to regain ground lost and sets its target on the $4,400 mark per troy ounce on Wednesday. The yellow metal’s rebound comes amid modest losses in the US Dollar, steady geopolitical uncertainty and mixed US Treasury yields.

WTI advances to mid-$90.00s, fresh high since July 24 amid escalating US-Iran tensions

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) – the benchmark US Crude Oil price – scales higher for the third straight day – also marking the fifth day of a positive move in the previous six – and climbs to a fresh high since July 24 during the Asian session on Wednesday.

Crypto Today: Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP edge lower as renewed US-Iran tensions weigh

The cryptocurrency market is pulling back broadly on Wednesday as investors adopt a cautious stance, with Bitcoin consolidating near its short-term support at $77,000. Ethereum remains under pressure, slipping toward $2,400. Ripple is also trending lower.

Diesel’s record $100 warning: The oil shock hiding in plain sight

The Oil market may look calmer than it did a few months ago, but diesel is sending a very different message. The US diesel crack spread, the premium of ultra-low sulphur diesel futures over WTI, recently surged above $100 per barrel for the first time, reaching an intraday record of just over $102.00.