China’s Yuan Hits Its Weakest Level in Over a Month

Reuters and

August 28, 2016, 11:21 PM ET

BEIJING, CHINA: TO GO WITH STORY: ASEAN-forex-economy-China (FILES) In this file picture taken 22 July 2005 in Beijing, Former top Chinese Communist Party leader Mao Zedong peers from China's biggest single-currency note, a 100 Yuan (or Renminbi) bank note. Southeast Asian economies have emerged unscathed after China's decision 21 July 2005 to revalue the yuan, thanks largely to Beijing's calibrated move of allowing only a modest appreciation, analysts said. Key regional currencies have strengthened against the US dollar in line with the yuan, but initial fears of disruptions in the region's financial systems have not materialised. AFP PHOTO/Frederic J. BROWN/FILES (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)FREDERIC J. BROWN/ AFP/ Getty Images

China’s yuan weakened on Monday morning to its lowest level in more than one month on broad dollar strength after Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen’s upbeat comments on the U.S. economy and traders raised their bets on an interest rate hike.

Spot yuan opened at an intraday low of 6.6850 per dollar, its weakest level since July 20, hovering around that area in early trade.

The dollar index, which tracks the greenback against a basket of six rivals, was underpinned by Yellen’s comments and was steady on the day at 95.551, not far from Friday’s high of 95.594, its loftiest level since Aug. 16.

For more on China’s yuan, watch Fortune’s video:

Reflecting the dollar’s strength, China’s central bank set the midpoint rate at 6.6856 per dollar prior to market open, the official guidance rate’s weakest level since July 25.

About the Authors

By Reuters

See full bio

By Michelle Toh

See full bio