PBOC sets USD/CNY reference rate at 7.1980 vs. 7.1889 previous

Haresh Menghani FXStreet

On Monday, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) set the USD/CNY central rate for the trading session ahead at 7.1980 as compared to last Thursday's fix of 7.1889 and 7.3162 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 flat lines around mid-1.3300s vs USD amid Iran tensions

The GBP/USD pair struggles to capitalize on last week's strong move higher and oscillates in a narrow band, around the 1.3350 area during the Asian session on Monday. Moreover, spot prices remain below a technically significant 200-day Simple Moving Average, warranting caution before positioning for an extension of the recent recovery from the 1.3140 zone, or the year-to-date low touched in June.

EUR/USD consolidates below mid-1.1400s as Hormuz risks support safe-haven USD

The EUR/USD pair kicks off the new week on a subdued note and oscillates in a narrow band below mid-1.1400s during the Asian session. Spot prices, however, remain within striking distance of a nearly two-week high, touched last Thursday, amid mixed fundamental cues.

Gold recaptures 21-day SMA, but sellers refuse to give up yet

Gold stalls its recent recovery just above $4,200 early Monday, as the Strait of Hormuz risks lurk. The US Dollar rebounds on renewed haven demand and the USD/JPY advance. Gold finds acceptance above the 21-day SMA, but the daily RSI remains bearish.

Steady recovery in Bitcoin nears key resistance – PUMP and HYPE lead gains

Bitcoin steadies above $63,000 at press time on Monday following a five-day recovery stretch last week, totaling roughly 7% gains. Easing risk-off sentiment in the broader market supports the mild recovery in action, with Pump.fun and Hyperliquid leading gains over the last 24 hours.

Why central banks are loading up on Gold during the current 30% correction

Gold has crashed from $5,500 to $4,000 in five months, marking a decline of almost 30% that has triggered widespread retail panic. However, this correction could present a significant opportunity, driven by an unprecedented market indicator: central bankers and the world's largest asset managers are aggressively buying.

Kevin Warsh offers no policy clues: Why markets still got their answer

Financial markets came to Sintra looking for clues about the Federal Reserve's (Fed) next move. They largely left with confirmation that Fed Chair Kevin Warsh intends to make those clues much harder to find.