FUNDAMENTAL FORECAST FOR CNH: Neutral
The offshore Chinese Yuan gained against the U.S. Dollar this week after nine consecutive losses, amid the PBOC’s further intervention to defend the Yuan. Overall, the Chinese currency rose against seven of the G10 currencies, except the CAD, JPY and NZD. The Hong Kong Dollar, used in one of China’s autonomous territories, touched the lower band of its pegged currency regime and triggered local monetary authority’s intervention. Looking forward, both currencies will continue to eye on policymakers for support, amid both internal and external pressure.
PBOC Watches USD/CNH’s Key Levels of 6.9 & 7.0
China’s Central Bank shut down channels for commercial banks to deposit or lend the Yuan to the offshore market through the free trade zone scheme, after the USD/CNH jumped above 6.90 on Wednesday. This basically tightened the offshore Yuan liquidity and increased the cost of Yuan short. Following the move, the USD/CNH fell back below 6.90.
USD/CNH 1-Week
Two weeks,
the PBOC hiked the reserve requirement ratio on FX forwards last week
, after the USD/CNH hit above 6.90 for the first time in 15 months. Breaking above this level could spark further selling sentiment, as it approaches the record low level of 6.9865 for the Yuan. In addition, it leaves little buffer area before the rate can touch the critical psychological level of 7.0. The last time the Yuan at 7.0 was more than 10 years ago, even before the offshore Yuan exchange rate regime was introduced.
The PBOC has clearly stated in the Q2 report that it will counter against the excessive selling in the Yuan driven by sentiment. Coupled with resumed plunges in Chinese equities seen this week (Shanghai Composite Index dipped to 17-month low), calming markets will be one of the policymaker’s top priorities next week. Besides the above two uncommon measures, the regulator issues the daily reference rate, which has been held below 6.90 as well.
