PBOC easing and US-China frictions drove USDCNY in Q3 2026
PBOC easing and record liquidity injection The PBOC's easing bias and record liquidity injection early in the quarter pushed USDCNY higher, as more yuan in the system reduced its value. This was the main upward force on the dollar-yuan rate.
This policy move directly increased USDCNY by weakening the yuan.
Record US-China yield gap and Beijing's efforts to curb yuan strength A record 312 basis point yield gap between US and Chinese bonds made dollar assets more attractive, boosting USDCNY. Beijing's attempts to limit yuan appreciation also kept the dollar stronger versus the yuan.
These factors increased demand for dollars over yuan, lifting USDCNY.
PBOC firmer fixings and yuan hits 3.5-year high In late September, the PBOC shifted to firmer daily fixings, allowing the yuan to reach a 3.5-year high ahead of the Xi-Trump summit. This policy change strengthened the yuan, pushing USDCNY lower.
This policy shift directly strengthened the yuan, lowering USDCNY.
Yuan internationalization and offshore market growth Deutsche Bank's yuan clearing role and Hong Kong's growing offshore turnover supported the yuan by increasing its global use. However, weak Chinese credit and Fed hawkishness limited these gains, keeping USDCNY supported.
This shows both downward pressure on USDCNY from internationalization and upward pressure from weak credit and Fed policy.