Core Viewpoint - The recent increase in China's foreign exchange reserves to $3.34 trillion contrasts sharply with the depreciation of the RMB against the USD, raising questions about the effectiveness of reserve accumulation in stabilizing the currency [2] Group 1: Data Paradox - The growth in reserves is accompanied by concerns over structural imbalances, with the proportion of USD assets falling to 58% from a peak of 73% in 2014, while holdings in EUR, JPY, and gold have increased to 32% [2] - The opportunity cost of holding USD assets is significant, with a yield of 2.3% compared to 4.8% for 10-year US Treasury bonds, resulting in an annualized opportunity cost exceeding $15 billion [2] - The RMB depreciation is driven by three main factors: widening interest rate differentials, narrowing trade surpluses, and diverging policy expectations [2] Group 2: Arbitrage Opportunities - The onshore-offshore price gap for the RMB has widened, creating an arbitrage opportunity with a potential annualized return of 1.9% [2] - The offshore RMB liquidity has tightened, as indicated by the spike in CNH Hibor to 13.4%, the highest since 2013, increasing the cost of arbitrage [2] - The derivatives market shows a 2.1% arbitrage opportunity between NDF and DF rates, with a significant increase in foreign institutional trading volume [2] Group 3: Policy Responses - The central bank has reactivated counter-cyclical factors in the exchange rate management model, adjusting the counter-cyclical coefficient to 0.8 to limit depreciation [2] - Capital controls have been tightened, requiring banks to conduct thorough reviews of large foreign exchange transactions, particularly in technology and real estate sectors [2] - The central bank has signaled stability by emphasizing the adequacy of reserves to manage short-term fluctuations and has increased gold holdings to diversify reserve assets [2] Group 4: Underlying Contradictions - Concerns about the quality of reserves are rising, particularly regarding the liquidity risks associated with the $1.1 trillion in US Treasury bonds held by China [2] - The balance between market-driven and interventionist approaches in exchange rate formation is challenged, with a significant increase in direct interventions by the central bank [2] - The real effective exchange rate has appreciated by 23% since 2015, impacting export competitiveness and increasing import costs for key commodities [2] Group 5: Future Outlook - Short-term arbitrage opportunities are expected to narrow by Q4 2025 as the US Federal Reserve nears the end of its rate hike cycle [2] - Long-term reforms are anticipated, including optimizing reserve structures and enhancing the flexibility of the RMB exchange rate [2] - The need for a new balance in reserve management, exchange rate mechanisms, and industrial upgrades is emphasized to ensure sustainable financial security [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the current trends and potential future movements of the RMB exchange rate, highlighting the similarities and differences with the 2018-2019 period, and emphasizes the importance of economic fundamentals in determining the exchange rate trajectory [4][5][9]. Historical Comparison - The current macroeconomic backdrop for RMB appreciation shares similarities with the period from November 2018 to June 2019, particularly in terms of improved expectations for US-China relations and the performance of RMB assets despite a lack of clear economic recovery signals [5]. - From November 2018 to June 2019, the RMB appreciated from 6.97 to around 6.7, while the current appreciation from the peak of 7.35 on April 9, 2025, has reached the 7.11-7.12 range, indicating a comparable magnitude of appreciation [5]. Current Special Factors - There is a significant backlog of unconverted foreign exchange, estimated at approximately $700-800 billion, which could amplify exchange rate fluctuations and create short-term market movements [7]. - The backlog is concentrated in two key exchange rate ranges: $400-500 billion in the 7.2-7.5 range and $200-300 billion in the 6.9-7.2 range, which may trigger a surge in conversions if the RMB appreciates beyond these levels [7][8]. Future Outlook - The article suggests that a trend of sustained RMB appreciation is unlikely without clear economic signals, as historical trends in 2017 and 2020 were supported by significant improvements in economic fundamentals, particularly PMI and corporate conversion rates [9][10]. - Even if the economic fundamentals improve, the initial stages of appreciation may be moderated by policy measures to prevent excessive volatility and capital inflows, which could complicate cross-border capital management [10][14]. - The current global trade environment necessitates a balanced approach to maintain stable trade relations with the US while expanding non-US trade, suggesting that a stable exchange rate may be the optimal strategy [14].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent trends in the RMB exchange rate, highlighting similarities with the macroeconomic context of late 2018 to mid-2019, including low domestic PMI, rising RMB assets, and improved expectations for Sino-US relations [2][8]. Group 1: Main Line, Trading Factors, and Policy Push - The RMB exchange rate trend is primarily driven by fundamental economic data, particularly exports and PMI [4][15]. - Currently, there is marginal improvement in the net settlement rate, but the domestic manufacturing PMI remains low, indicating a need for further confirmation of trend improvement [5][15]. - Two uncertain factors that may amplify exchange rate fluctuations are identified: the potential release of accumulated settlement and the emotional changes stemming from Sino-US interactions [6][21]. Subgroup: Accumulated Settlement Release - The estimated accumulated settlement as of July is approximately between $743.3 billion and $892.6 billion, with a median of around $818 billion [22][23]. - The average weighted exchange rate cost of these accumulated settlements is estimated to be between 7.02 and 7.17, with significant amounts concentrated around the 6.9 to 7.2 range [23]. - The exchange rate of 7.0 is highlighted as a critical threshold, where approaching this level may lead to accelerated settlement and increased volatility [23]. Subgroup: Emotional Changes from Sino-US Contact - The recent strengthening of the RMB is supported by improved expectations regarding Sino-US relations, with historical parallels drawn to the period from November 2018 to June 2019 [30][31]. - The current macroeconomic context shares similarities with the past, including low PMI and a rebound in A-shares, suggesting potential for further RMB appreciation [31][32]. Subgroup: Policy Intent - The article notes a rare occurrence where the counter-cyclical factor remains significant during a period of RMB appreciation, indicating policy support for the strengthening trend [9][35]. - The counter-cyclical factor shadow has shown significant activity, particularly since the Geneva trade talks, suggesting a policy-driven influence on the exchange rate [35][38]. Group 2: Comprehensive Assessment of RMB Exchange Rate - The current valuation of the RMB against the USD is considered relatively high compared to the fitted midpoints based on Sino-US interest rate differentials, while the CFETS RMB index remains slightly undervalued [40][41]. - The RMB's valuation against a basket of currencies is deemed reasonable, with potential for appreciation based on export competitiveness [40][41]. Subgroup: Three Aspects of the Current Exchange Rate - The bank's customer settlement surplus has expanded, indicating improved settlement fundamentals [48]. - Both resident and enterprise expectations have shown signs of recovery, with residents' expectations reflected in the implied exchange rate of gold and enterprises' expectations indicated by the net settlement rate [50][52]. - Trading volumes in the onshore foreign exchange market have increased, suggesting heightened market sentiment and potential for RMB appreciation [56]. Subgroup: Policy Impact - The counter-cyclical factor shadow has increased friction on the depreciation side, indicating a policy stance aimed at stabilizing the RMB [59].

Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant content provided. Core Views of the Report - The short - term exchange rate of the US dollar against the RMB is expected to fluctuate within the range of 7.15 - 7.25. The counter - cyclical factor has been activated, and with the regulatory's expectation management, the RMB's short - term buffer against external shocks has increased [36][39]. Summary by Related Catalogs Quantity and Price Observation - The implied volatility curve of the 3 - month US dollar against the RMB option shows an appreciation trend of the RMB, with the put - end volatility higher than the call - end. The volatility of the US dollar against the RMB option has continued to decline, and the market's expectation of the future volatility of the US dollar against the RMB has weakened [4]. - The term structure shows the changes in the premium and discount of the Singapore Exchange's US dollar against the RMB futures, bank forward premium and discount, and the US - China interest rate spread in different time periods [7][8]. Policy Observation - The policy counter - cyclical factor has been activated, and there are fluctuations in the three - month CNH HIBOR - SHIBOR spread [11]. Macroeconomic Analysis US Economy - There is a differentiation in the pricing of interest rate cuts between the US and Europe. As of August 6, the TGA account was 464.3 billion, and the Fed's reverse repurchase balance was 9.196 billion US dollars. Fed Chairman Powell did not give guidance on a September interest rate cut [19]. - The economic expectation has been revised upwards. In July, non - farm data was significantly revised downwards, inflation rebounded, fiscal spending increased significantly, and the economic situation showed marginal support [21]. - Fiscal spending has rebounded, especially in defense, medical insurance, and healthcare [22]. - The employment market in July was significantly revised downwards. The employment performance of the service sector was better than that of the commodity and government sectors, and the hourly wage in July increased by 0.3% month - on - month [28]. Chinese Economy - There is a situation of strong expectation and weak reality. In July, exports and consumption showed resilience, but inflation has not recovered, and there is pressure on fixed - asset investment [29]. - Exports in July exceeded expectations. Financial data was better than expected, with changes in exports to different regions and products [31]. European Economy - The downside risks have been cleared. Economic data is oscillating at the bottom, with the manufacturing and service PMIs in Europe rebounding in July. Inflation is stable, with the eurozone's CPI in July increasing by 2% year - on - year and the core CPI increasing by 2.3% year - on - year [34]. Scenario Deduction - There are different time - based scenarios including the Fed's policy window period, the destocking cycle, tariff impacts, and domestic policy windows [40][41]. Risk Assessment - The range of basis fluctuations: From the historical data from January 2022 to the present, the range of the premium and discount of the futures main contract is between - 1100 and 900 [45].

Exchange Rate Trends - The RMB central parity rate has shown a gradual appreciation since July, with the rate breaking 7.14, indicating a strong upward signal[2] - The USD/CNY exchange rate has fluctuated around 7.17, reflecting a "strong central rate, weak spot rate" dynamic[7] - The central parity rate has increased by 0.23% since July 1, 2025, reaching a low of 7.1385, the lowest since November 2024[7] Cross-Border Capital Flows - In the first half of 2025, the net inflow of foreign exchange was $30.89 billion, with a trade surplus of $43.57 billion from January to June[24] - The average active settlement rate for export enterprises was 47.13% in the first half of 2025, down from 48.37% in the same period of 2024[26] - The forward settlement scale increased by $44.33 billion from April to June 2025, indicating expectations of RMB appreciation[28] Foreign Investment and Market Sentiment - Foreign investment in domestic stocks and funds reached a net increase of $10.1 billion in the first half of 2025, reversing a two-year trend of net selling[34] - The net inflow from securities investment projects was $18.06 billion in the first half of 2025, with a surplus of $7.736 billion in June alone[38] Risk Factors - Potential risks include fluctuating U.S. tariff policies, unclear Federal Reserve interest rate paths, and the impact of non-U.S. currency movements on the RMB[40] - The average holding cost of the "waiting for settlement" funds is approximately 7.05, with a total scale of about $400 billion as of June 2025[32]

Core Points - The three major RMB exchange rate indices all declined in the week of June 13, with the CFETS index at 95.49, the BIS index at 100.93, and the SDR index at 90.36, marking their lowest levels since December 2020, July 2023, and August 2020 respectively [1][2] Exchange Rate Trends - The USD briefly fell below its annual low but recovered due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, ending the week down over 1% at 98.15. Non-USD currencies rose, with the Swiss franc and Japanese yen gaining 1.34% and 0.54% respectively, and the euro rising 1.33% [5] - The RMB against the USD showed a middle price of 7.1772, up 73 points for the week, while the onshore and offshore RMB closed at 7.1813 and 7.18955, with slight fluctuations [5] Analyst Insights - Analysts express optimism for the RMB's future, suggesting that the policy to maintain exchange rate "resilience" will likely keep the RMB's volatility low in the second half of the year. The RMB's nominal exchange rate remains competitive due to adjustments through low inflation [6][7] - Predictions for the USD/RMB exchange rate by the end of 2025 are set at 6.98, with expectations of structural opportunities for RMB assets and offshore RMB capital markets amid a trend of de-dollarization [7] Domestic Economic Indicators - In May, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) fell by 0.2% month-on-month and 0.1% year-on-year, primarily due to a 1.7% drop in energy prices [8] - The Producer Price Index (PPI) also decreased by 0.4% month-on-month and 3.3% year-on-year, influenced by international factors and domestic energy price declines [8] - As of the end of May, the broad money supply (M2) was 325.78 trillion yuan, growing by 7.9% year-on-year, while the narrow money supply (M1) was 108.91 trillion yuan, up 2.3% year-on-year [8]

Market Observations - The implied volatility of USD/CNY options has been declining, indicating reduced market expectations for future volatility[4] - The current three-month USD/CNY implied volatility is at 0%[6] Policy Insights - The counter-cyclical factor is hovering around 0%, suggesting limited intervention in the currency market[10] - The three-month CNH HIBOR-SHIBOR differential shows a fluctuating trend with no clear direction[14] Macroeconomic Trends - The Federal Reserve is pricing in a 43.5 basis point rate cut by 2025, reflecting a slight decrease in expectations for rate cuts[18] - The U.S. economy is showing signs of marginal decline, with recent economic activity slightly down and concerns over consumer spending and labor market stability[21] Employment Data - The U.S. non-farm payrolls showed a moderate decline in May, with the unemployment rate holding steady at 4.2%[22] - Average hourly earnings increased by 0.4% month-on-month, contributing to inflationary pressures[22] Fiscal Developments - The U.S. Congressional Budget Office estimates a $2.4 trillion increase in deficits from 2025 to 2034 due to new legislation[23] - The proposed legislation includes significant tax reforms and spending cuts, which may impact economic growth and federal revenue[24]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent strengthening of the Chinese yuan against the US dollar, attributing it to a weaker dollar and a shift in market expectations regarding the yuan's value. The article highlights that the counter-cyclical factor's influence on the yuan's midpoint has nearly diminished, indicating less need for regulatory intervention in currency management [1][3][5]. Group 1: Currency Dynamics - As of June 9, the USD/CNY exchange rate was reported at 7.1831, with the dollar index at 98.8, reflecting a nearly 10% decline from its peak [1]. - The counter-cyclical factor's shadow variable was reported at -37 points, a significant reduction from over -100 points the previous week, indicating a decrease in regulatory influence on the yuan's midpoint [1][5]. - Goldman Sachs projects a 3% appreciation of the yuan to 7.0 within the next 12 months, alongside expectations of a 10 basis point interest rate cut in China [5]. Group 2: Trade and Economic Indicators - China's exports in May grew by 4.8% year-on-year, below the expected 6.0%, while imports fell by 3.4%, indicating a shift in trade dynamics [7]. - The decline in exports to the US has intensified, with a year-on-year drop of 35.2% in May compared to a 20.9% decline in April, suggesting a pivot towards other developed markets [7]. - The upcoming trade negotiations between China and the US remain uncertain, with potential impacts on the yuan's valuation [8]. Group 3: Market Sentiment and Investment Trends - There is a growing interest from foreign investors in the Chinese stock market, particularly in sectors like new consumption, AI, and innovative pharmaceuticals, indicating a potential for increased capital inflow [8]. - Current global active long-term funds are underweight in China by 2.4 percentage points compared to the MSCI EM benchmark, suggesting significant room for reallocation towards Chinese assets [8]. - The article notes that while the dollar is expected to weaken further, the pace of this decline may not be immediate, with potential fluctuations influenced by trade negotiations and economic conditions [9][12].

Core Viewpoint - The recent strengthening of the Renminbi (RMB) is primarily driven by market supply and demand, coinciding with a period of weakness for the US dollar, with expectations for the RMB to follow fluctuations in the dollar index [1][5]. Exchange Rate Dynamics - As of June 9, the USD/RMB exchange rate was reported at 7.1831, with the dollar index at 98.8, reflecting a nearly 10% decline from its recent peak [1]. - The RMB's central parity rate was reported at 7.1855, with the counter-cyclical factor's influence diminishing significantly, indicating a shift towards a more market-driven exchange rate [3]. Market Sentiment and Predictions - Analysts express a consensus that the US dollar is likely to remain weak, with potential further declines if the Federal Reserve lowers interest rates [1][5]. - Goldman Sachs projects a 3% appreciation of the RMB over the next 12 months, targeting an exchange rate of 7.0 [5]. Trade and Economic Indicators - China's exports in May grew by 4.8% year-on-year, below the expected 6.0%, while imports fell by 3.4%, indicating a shift in trade dynamics [8]. - The decline in exports to the US has intensified, with a year-on-year drop of 35.2% in May, compared to a 20.9% decline in April [8]. Investment Trends - There is a growing interest from foreign investors in the Chinese stock market, particularly in sectors like new consumption, AI, and innovative pharmaceuticals [9]. - Current allocations to China from global active long-term funds are underweight compared to the MSCI Emerging Markets benchmark, suggesting significant potential for increased investment [9]. Future Considerations - The future trajectory of the USD index, China's economic fundamentals, and capital inflows will be critical in determining the RMB's performance [8]. - The ongoing trade negotiations and their outcomes remain uncertain, which could impact market sentiment and currency valuations [8].

1. Report Industry Investment Rating - Not provided in the content 2. Core Viewpoints of the Report - China's foreign exchange reform has gradually established a dynamic equilibrium exchange rate system that emphasizes both market - led pricing and macro - prudential management through a series of reforms from 2015 to 2022 [14] - The RMB exchange rate is affected by international payments, interest rate parity, and relative economic strength. When these three factors are in the same direction, it is more likely to form a trend of appreciation [194] - The offshore RMB market's liquidity is supported by cross - border trade settlement for long - term growth and central bank support and market financing for short - term stability [87] 3. Summary by Relevant Catalogs 3.1 Foreign Exchange Reform - China's foreign exchange reform includes the improvement of the mid - price mechanism in 2015, the introduction of the counter - cyclical factor in 2017, the dynamic adjustment of cross - border financing macro - prudential parameters in 2019, and the strengthening of the foreign exchange risk reserve system in 2022 [14] - The mid - price mechanism combines the previous day's closing price and the change of a basket of currencies, which makes the mid - price close to the market and takes into account external stability [21] - The counter - cyclical factor guides market rational expectations, weakens the self - reinforcement mechanism of pro - cyclical behavior, and enhances the resilience and stability of the exchange rate mechanism [24] - Since the launch of the LPR reform in August 2019, the loan quotation mechanism has become more market - oriented, breaking the "implicit lower limit" of loan interest rates [27] - The adjustment of cross - border financing macro - prudential parameters aims to increase cross - border financing quotas, relieve RMB depreciation pressure, and optimize the asset - liability structure of domestic entities [32] 3.2 Domestic RMB Foreign Exchange Market - The RMB foreign exchange market is divided into the bank - to - customer market and the inter - bank market. The inter - bank market has high liquidity and large trading volume [41] - The inter - bank foreign exchange derivatives market has developed since 2005, with swap transactions being the most important trading method [62] - In the spot market, the willingness of enterprises to settle foreign exchange has weakened, and the demand for purchasing foreign exchange has increased. In the forward market, enterprises tend to lock in the cost of purchasing foreign exchange in advance [66] - Short - term foreign exchange derivatives dominate the market, mainly meeting the short - term foreign exchange capital allocation and risk management needs of banks and enterprises [81] 3.3 Offshore RMB Market - The long - term liquidity of the offshore RMB market is mainly supplied by cross - border trade settlement, and the short - term liquidity is obtained through market financing and official support [87] - The offshore RMB market has various products, including CNH spot, RMB offshore non - deliverable forward, RMB offshore deliverable forward, RMB futures, and RMB futures options [94] - The participants in the offshore RMB market are diversified, and the proportion of non - financial institutional investors has increased, narrowing the gap between the offshore and onshore exchange rates [101] 3.4 QFII, RQFII, and QDII - QFII and RQFII systems have been gradually liberalized, allowing foreign institutional investors to invest in the Chinese domestic capital market. The two systems have been unified [106] - The QDII system allows domestic institutional investors to invest overseas, and its investment scope and scale have been gradually expanded [108] 3.5 RMB Internationalization - RMB internationalization has gone through three stages: using trade settlement as a breakthrough, accelerating investment and financial opening, and enhancing global influence [112] - To promote RMB internationalization, China has promoted RMB pricing in commodities, expanded the opening of the domestic financial market, and strengthened RMB settlement in neighboring and "Belt and Road" countries [122] 3.6 SWIFT and CIPS - SWIFT is the most important cross - border payment system globally, but the increasing use of financial sanctions by the US has made the international community aware of the risks of the US - dollar - dominated system. CIPS is playing an increasingly important role in RMB cross - border settlement [127] - In 2024, CIPS handled a large number of RMB cross - border payment transactions, and the RMB's share in global payments has increased, ranking fourth [132] 3.7 RMB Exchange Rate Analysis - Short - term RMB exchange rate trends are determined by capital supply and demand, market expectations, and policy and external environments [140] - The issuance of offshore central bank bills affects the supply and demand of offshore RMB, and the swap point reflects market expectations for the RMB [169] - The RMB exchange rate is affected by international payments, interest rate parity, and relative economic strength. When these factors are in the same direction, it is beneficial for the RMB exchange rate [194] - The international balance of payments affects the RMB exchange rate. Trade surpluses lead to RMB appreciation, and capital outflows lead to RMB depreciation [195] - Interest rate parity affects capital flow. When the RMB interest rate is higher than the US dollar interest rate, it supports the RMB; otherwise, the RMB is under pressure [195] - Relative economic strength affects market expectations. When China's economic prospects are better than the US, the RMB has the potential to appreciate [197]