中金：破解人民币汇率的三个困惑

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent fluctuations in exchange rates, particularly focusing on the strengthening of the RMB against the USD and the implications of these changes in the context of geopolitical and economic shifts [1][3]. Group 1: Three Confusions Regarding RMB Exchange Rate - The first confusion is that despite advancements in China's manufacturing technology and productivity, the actual RMB exchange rate has depreciated significantly since 2022, contradicting the Balassa-Samuelson Hypothesis (BSH) [3][7]. - The second confusion highlights the historical divergence between the nominal effective exchange rate and the actual effective exchange rate of the RMB, which has reached unprecedented levels since 2022 [8][18]. - The third confusion points out that the depreciation of the RMB against the USD has been less than that of other currencies from China's trading partners, indicating a complex interplay of factors affecting exchange rates [10][21]. Group 2: Analysis of the First Confusion - The limitations of the BSH are discussed, emphasizing that the hypothesis does not account for prolonged demand deficiencies, which can prevent price increases despite productivity gains [11][16]. - The article argues that the BSH primarily focuses on supply-side factors while neglecting the financial perspective, which can also influence the actual exchange rate [16][18]. Group 3: Analysis of the Second Confusion - The divergence between the nominal and actual effective exchange rates reflects a significant widening of the inflation gap between China and its trading partners, with China's inflation remaining low while that of major partners has increased [18][19]. - The article notes that China's inflation has been declining, with CPI growth averaging 0.2% from 2023 to 2024, contrasting sharply with the higher inflation rates in the US and other trading partners [19][20]. Group 4: Analysis of the Third Confusion - The RMB's depreciation against the USD has been less severe compared to the depreciation of currencies from other trading partners, suggesting that the current account has provided some support to the RMB [21][23]. - The article highlights that from January 2021 to April 2025, the RMB depreciated by 12% against the USD, while other currencies like the Japanese Yen and Australian Dollar experienced much larger depreciations [22][23]. Group 5: Future Outlook for RMB Exchange Rate - In the short term, there may be room for the RMB to appreciate against the USD, especially if the USD faces downward pressure due to fiscal and trade deficits [5][43]. - The article suggests that if the accumulated current account surplus is converted into RMB more rapidly, it could further support the RMB's appreciation [44][50]. - The analysis indicates that the RMB may have upward potential by the end of the year, driven by a weaker USD and supportive domestic factors [51][53].