Insights 
VT 
The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) set the USD/CNY central rate at 7.0928 for the upcoming trading session, compared to the previous rate of 7.1235. The Reuters estimate was 7.1192.
The PBOC aims to maintain price and exchange rate stability while promoting economic growth. It is not autonomous, as it is owned by the state, and influenced by the Chinese Communist Party. Pan Gongsheng currently holds roles as both committee secretary and governor.
Monetary Tools And Strategies
The PBOC employs a variety of monetary tools, unlike Western counterparts. These include Reverse Repo Rate (RRR), Medium-term Lending Facility (MLF), foreign exchange interventions, and Reserve Requirement Ratio (RRR). The Loan Prime Rate (LPR), China’s benchmark interest rate, influences loan rates, savings interest, and the Renminbi exchange rate.
China permits 19 private banks in its financial ecosystem. Among them, WeBank and MYbank are leading digital lenders, supported by Tencent and Ant Group. In 2014, China opened its state-dominated financial sector to domestic lenders fully backed by private funds.
The People’s Bank of China has sent a clear message by setting the USD/CNY rate significantly stronger at 7.0928. This move counters recent market pressure and signals a firm intention to support the yuan. We’ve seen this action following recent data showing China’s Q3 2025 GDP growth slowed to 4.9%, which had fueled speculation against the currency.
This unexpected strengthening has likely caught many traders positioned for a weaker yuan off guard. As a result, we should anticipate a sharp increase in currency volatility in the coming weeks. One-month implied volatility on USD/CNH options has already jumped from a low of 4.5% last week to over 6.2% in early trading, showing that the options market is now pricing in much larger price swings.
Trading Strategies
Traders should consider unwinding bets on a weaker yuan and could look at options that profit from this rising volatility. For those believing the PBOC will defend this level, buying CNH call options or selling USD/CNY futures may now be attractive strategies. Looking back at similar interventions during 2023, the central bank often followed up with further policy actions to reinforce its position.
This move also has implications for other asset classes tied to China’s economy. A stronger, more stable currency tends to be supportive of domestic equities by easing concerns about capital outflows. In response, we’ve already seen futures on the FTSE China A50 index rally over 1.2% this morning.
