主题报告 | 人民币汇率波动与美联储政策预期

Core Viewpoint - The seminar focused on the fluctuations of the Renminbi (RMB) exchange rate and the expectations of the Federal Reserve's policies, highlighting the interplay between U.S.-China economic relations and currency movements [1][3]. Group 1: RMB Exchange Rate Trends - Since April 2022, the RMB has been under pressure, depreciating from around 6.3 to below 7.3, with a stabilization around 7.3 in the second half of 2023 [4][5]. - The depreciation of the RMB post-2022 is attributed to the divergence in economic cycles and monetary policies between China and the U.S., leading to a negative interest rate differential [5][6]. - The RMB's exchange rate is not significantly deviating from its equilibrium level, with both upward and downward factors present, suggesting a need for a risk-neutral market approach [3][4]. Group 2: Factors Influencing RMB's Strength - The RMB's recent strength against the dollar is driven by the weakening of the "American exceptionalism" narrative, improvements in the Chinese economy, and a thawing in U.S.-China trade relations [3][9]. - Historical context shows that during Trump's first term, tariffs led to a depreciation of the RMB, but the current environment suggests a potential for appreciation due to various factors, including market sentiment and economic recovery [10][12]. - The RMB's appreciation is also supported by the Chinese government's proactive measures to mitigate external shocks and improve economic conditions [19][20]. Group 3: Federal Reserve Policy Outlook - The Federal Reserve is expected to continue with two more rate cuts in 2025, with the nature of these cuts being crucial for the dollar's performance [22][24]. - The Fed's independence is under threat due to political pressures, particularly from the Trump administration, which could impact its policy decisions and market perceptions [25][27]. - The Fed's dual mandate of managing employment and inflation is becoming increasingly complex, with rising inflation and a weakening labor market posing challenges [26][28]. Group 4: Implications for the Dollar and Global Markets - The weakening of the dollar is influenced by Trump's policies, which disrupt traditional economic cycles and could lead to a rebalancing of global assets favoring non-U.S. assets [32][33]. - The current environment suggests that the RMB may benefit from a weaker dollar, especially if U.S.-China trade relations stabilize and economic conditions improve in China [38][39].