Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the expected slight appreciation of the RMB against the USD in 2026, with a projected range of 6.8-7.2, influenced by both internal and external factors [2][17]. Group 1: USD Index Decline - The USD index ended its strong upward trend in 2025, declining from 108.4816 to 98.5859, a drop of 9.1% [2][3]. - Major currencies such as the Swedish Krona, Euro, Swiss Franc, British Pound, Japanese Yen, and Canadian Dollar appreciated against the USD by 15.1%, 12.6%, 12%, 7.3%, 3.4%, and 3% respectively during the same period [2]. Group 2: Factors Behind USD Index Decline - The decline in the USD index is attributed to several factors, including the initiation of a new "tariff war" by the Trump administration, increased uncertainty regarding Fed rate cuts, and rising risks associated with US Treasury bonds [3][4]. - The "tariff war" has undermined global confidence in USD assets, exacerbating trade tensions and leading to a shift in investor sentiment towards safer assets like gold [4]. - The tariff measures have also increased inflationary pressures in the US, complicating the Fed's policy decisions and potentially leading to capital outflows [4][5]. Group 3: Fed Rate Cut Uncertainty - Since September 2024, the Fed has entered a new rate cut cycle, with increasing uncertainty regarding future monetary policy due to the Trump administration's policies and personnel changes at the Fed [6][7]. - The Fed's updated monetary policy framework emphasizes flexible inflation targeting and the balance between maximum employment and price stability, contributing to market uncertainty regarding rate cuts [9]. Group 4: US Treasury Risks - Concerns over US Treasury bond risks have intensified, particularly following the passage of the "Big and Beautiful Act," which raised the debt ceiling by $5 trillion, increasing the national debt and associated risks [11]. - The downgrade of the US credit rating by major agencies has further eroded investor confidence in US Treasuries [11]. - A structural shift in the investor base, with foreign official investors reducing their holdings of US Treasuries, has led to increased volatility in the bond market [12]. Group 5: RMB Exchange Rate Analysis - The RMB appreciated slightly against the USD in 2025, with the central parity rising from 7.1884 to 7.1055, an increase of 1.2% [17]. - The RMB's exchange rate is influenced by both external factors, particularly the USD index, and internal policies aimed at stimulating consumption and economic growth [18]. - The RMB is expected to continue appreciating slightly in 2026, with a projected range of 6.8-7.2, as internal and external factors converge [17][18].
美元指数步入下行周期
Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-12-21 04:19