PBOC is expected to set the USD/CNY reference rate at 7.3097 – Reuters estimate

People's Bank of China USD/CNY reference rate is due around 0115 GMT.

The People's Bank of China (PBOC), China's central bank Central bank A central bank is a financial institution that manages a country's monetary policy, and that often also includes issuing and/or monitoring the currency and regulating the money supply. Central banks also typically act as a lender of last resort to banks in times of financial crisis, and may also supervise and regulate banks and other financial institutions. Examples of central banks include the Federal Reserve in the United States, the European Central Bank, and the Bank of Japan.The chief task A central bank is a financial institution that manages a country's monetary policy, and that often also includes issuing and/or monitoring the currency and regulating the money supply. Central banks also typically act as a lender of last resort to banks in times of financial crisis, and may also supervise and regulate banks and other financial institutions. Examples of central banks include the Federal Reserve in the United States, the European Central Bank, and the Bank of Japan.The chief task Read this Term, is responsible for setting the daily midpoint of the yuan (also known as renminbi or RMB). The PBOC follows a managed floating exchange rate system that allows the value of the yuan to fluctuate within a certain range, called a "band," around a central reference rate, or "midpoint." It's currently at +/- 2% and some think it could widen to 3% this year.

How the process works:

• Daily midpoint setting: Each morning, the PBOC sets a midpoint for the yuan against a basket of currencies, primarily the US dollar. The central bank takes into account factors such as market supply and demand, economic indicators, and international currency market fluctuations. The midpoint serves as a reference point for that day's trading.
• The trading band: The PBOC allows the yuan to move within a specified range around the midpoint. The trading band is set at +/- 2%, meaning the yuan could appreciate or depreciate by a maximum of 2% from the midpoint during a single trading day. This range is subject to change by the PBOC based on economic conditions and policy objectives.
• Intervention: If the yuan's value approaches the limit of the trading band or experiences excessive volatility, the PBOC may intervene in the foreign exchange Foreign Exchange Foreign exchange (forex) represents the practice of exchanging or converting a specific country’s currency into another country’s currency. A popular example includes the conversion of the Australian dollar (AUD) into US dollars (USD), and/or vice versa. There are a variety of mediums this can occur over. In its most basic form, the exchange of currencies can be handled over a physical counter, such as in an airport or currency exchange.This can also take place over the internet through the use Foreign exchange (forex) represents the practice of exchanging or converting a specific country’s currency into another country’s currency. A popular example includes the conversion of the Australian dollar (AUD) into US dollars (USD), and/or vice versa. There are a variety of mediums this can occur over. In its most basic form, the exchange of currencies can be handled over a physical counter, such as in an airport or currency exchange.This can also take place over the internet through the use Read this Term market by buying or selling the yuan to stabilize its value. This helps maintain a controlled and gradual adjustment of the currency's value.

Note that the PBOC's management of the yuan's exchange rate has been a source of controversy, with some arguing that the central bank undervalues the currency to gain a trade advantage. However, in recent years, China has been moving towards a more market-oriented exchange rate system and has allowed greater flexibility in the yuan's value.

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Earlier on China today:

• China cut only one Loan Prime Rate, and less than expected - here's why

Pan Gongsheng, People's Bank of China Governor