Chinese renminbi (RMB)
Book notes: The Tides of Capital, by Julia Leung
This “stimulating read” offers a unique perspective on how Asian countries have developed economically over the past 20 years. More interesting is Leung’s unintentional revelation that they still have a long way to go
Surprise RMB strengthening prompts unwinds
"A lot of long [US$] positions were unsustainable and had to be re-evaluated," says forex structuring head
PBoC and HKMA announce Bond Connect scheme
The current phase only allows overseas institutional investors to invest in China's bond market
Book notes: Gaining Currency, by Eswar Prasad
A detailed study into the renminbi’s journey to becoming the reserve currency, taking a close look at the hurdles it has overcome and what obstacles remain in its way to competing on the global stage
China forex reserves inch higher in March
PBoC figures show increase of $3.96 billion, resulting in second consecutive monthly reading above $3 trillion
Singapore to work with China on capital market development, MAS’s Loh says
“Wider suite” of risk management tools needed to stem risks rising from capital market liberalisation; opportunities to coordinate on other Chinese initiatives
HK researchers ask how much markets affect RMB fixing
Researchers test China’s assertion the exchange rate is now determined more by markets, finding mixed evidence
Russian central bank opens first overseas office in Beijing
Russian and Chinese authorities announce a collaboration on payment systems and money laundering prevention
Swift records 29.5% decline in renminbi payments
Canadian dollar overtakes renminbi to become fifth most used for international payments; latest data shows slowdown of Chinese economy as well as volatility in exchange rate could be to blame
Policy tensions in China to become ‘more stark’ in 2017 – Menon
MAS head says China's authorities will have to use a fair amount of “policy dexterity” this year to deal with likely US rate rises and volatile international markets
Bitcoin exchange halts service after PBoC clampdown
BTC123 becomes first exchange in China to halt services due to ongoing investigation by government agencies into virtual currency; cuts rates on wealth products
Some way to go for renminbi as reserve currency – Bundesbank's Thiele
Chinese investment markets should be opened up to foreign investors, Thiele says
Malaysia has work to do to improve renminbi hub status – assistant governor
Adnan Zaylani Mohamad Zahid says deepening Malaysian renminbi markets is a priority, and the central bank has plans to offer support
Renminbi drops to six-year low
Figures from Safe show a net $44.7 billion worth of payments in the currency left China in November
HKMA expands offshore renminbi liquidity scheme
List of banks provided with liquidity for offshore renminbi market-making grows, with extra measures designed to boost transparency
IMF amends SDR calculation method
Exchange rates used to calculate SDR to be obtained from a commercial provider by the Bank of England, in effort to make methodology more “robust”
Philippines central bank adopts renminbi as reserve asset
Central bank joins a cohort of countries adopting the Chinese currency as a standalone asset; governor says it is an important development for a nation so dependent on Chinese trade
Mexican deputy supports more currencies in global system
Calafell says monetary system with more international currencies could result in “periods of turbulence”, but would be stronger than the current system
Inclusion of renminbi in SDR is ‘symbolic’, says Bernanke
Former Fed chair sees inclusion of renminbi in SDR basket as a ‘symbolic’ gesture rather than a major shift; Eswar Prasad argues currency will never be a safe haven
IMF lauds renminbi SDR launch, but some see momentum stalling
Fund officials praise China’s proactive approach to meeting SDR goals, but others warn progress on renminbi internationalisation may be slowing
PBoC faces the ‘most challenging work of all central banks’ – HKU’s Xiao
The People’s Bank of China needs to meet short-term goals of exchange rate and price stability to achieve longer-term structural and financial reform, says Hong Kong University professor Xiao Geng
China to create own version of FX code
A newly established Chinese FX Committee is working on creating a Chinese version of the Global Code of Conduct, for domestic and foreign banks operating in the onshore market
PBoC gives World Bank green light as China’s first SDR bond issuer
World Bank to issue China’s first bond denominated in special drawing rights, in “landmark” step towards opening up Chinese bond market
IMF changes method for calculating SDR currency amounts
IMF will switch to new SDR basket in October, including renminbi for the first time; calculation will use new rounding methodology aimed at minimising deviation from weightings