Major China banks instructed to shake up dollar purchases

The financial realm has been abuzz with reports that some of the most influential banks in China are being advised to rethink their foreign exchange strategies. These instructions, straight from the country’s central bank, are seen as a move to counterbalance the declining value of the yuan.

Given the unfolding economic dynamics, this move doesn’t come as a complete surprise. But let’s dive deep and analyze what it truly means for the currency market.

A Tug of War with the U.S. Dollar

The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) has made its intentions clear. Some leading banks are now being nudged to hold off on balancing their foreign exchange positions right away. Instead, they’ve been instructed to maintain open positions, giving the yuan some breathing space amid the pressures it’s facing.

Under this discreet directive, these banks will delay squaring off their positions in the inter-bank foreign exchange markets post any U.S. dollar sales. This would only change once their spot foreign exchange position reaches a predetermined threshold. This tactic is no mere coincidence. It’s a strategic step to ensure that sizable dollar acquisitions by corporations are shouldered by the banks temporarily. The aim? Minimize the negative pressures bearing down on the already-sliding yuan.

The Yuan’s Downward Trajectory

Over the year, the yuan has seen a decline of more than 5% against the dollar. With its value lingering around 7.2735 per dollar, the yuan has unfortunately earned the title of one of Asia’s most underperforming currencies in 2023.

Several factors have contributed to the yuan’s fall from grace. The economic disparities with major global economies, notably the United States, combined with China’s sluggish economic resurgence, are causing the yuan to wobble. Adding to the woes, exporters are hoarding their dollar returns instead of swapping them for yuan or renminbi, as it’s locally termed. As Sid Mathur, a noted analyst from BNP Paribas, put it, the root of the problem is China’s low-interest rates and diminished economic activity.

Guarding Against Unforeseen Overshoots

China isn’t taking this lying down. The nation’s foreign exchange self-regulatory body recently vouched to proactively mitigate risks associated with the yuan’s overshooting. As part of this commitment, they’ve emphasized their readiness to intervene if required, ensuring that the market remains stable and avoids cyclical shifts.

The country has been putting in noticeable efforts to decelerate the yuan’s descent. This includes consistently setting stronger-than-projected midpoint fixings and increasing dollar supply by reducing the amount of foreign exchange banks need to hold in reserve.

Mathur weighed in on the actions, asserting that Chinese authorities are merely attempting to regulate the cycle, desiring to keep market panic at bay. Their use of varied administrative tools is seen as a method to level out price action, avoiding any rash market behaviors.

As we approach the end of the year, one thing is certain: China’s monetary maneuvers in the face of global economic challenges will be closely watched. These strategic shifts in policy, meant to shield the nation’s currency, serve as a testament to the unpredictable and ever-evolving nature of global finance. The world watches, critics opine, but the market’s response remains to be seen.

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