China’s yuan has tumbled to its lowest level in a year, just days after the country’s central bank doubled its trading range against the dollar.
The Chinese currency weakened 0.5% Thursday to 6.23 yuan per dollar. So far this year, the yuan has fallen 2.6% against the dollar, a trend analysts think could continue for several months.
For years, investors had viewed the continued strengthening of the Chinese currency as a very safe bet. Indeed, it’s gained about 9% since the middle of 2010.
But the days of steady, constrained appreciation are now over.
The yuan has been allowed to move within a wider band this week, following a decision by China’s central bank to double the trading range for the yuan to 2% in either direction of a rate set daily by the government. The new policy lets the yuan, also called the renminbi, move up and down in value more than it had before.
Experts have applauded the central bank’s move as a necessary step for the government to achieve financial reforms.
The Chinese government has historically maintained a tight grip on the yuan. Doing so has allowed Beijing to curb money flows in and out of the country, and favorable exchange rates have helped to boost exports and manufacturing.
Some investors were caught off guard by the bank’s decision to introduce depreciation and allow more volatility.
via CNN
This article is for general information purposes only. It is not investment advice or a solution to buy or sell securities. Opinions are the authors; not necessarily that of OANDA Corporation or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, officers or directors. Leveraged trading is high risk and not suitable for all. You could lose all of your deposited funds.