WSJ:China Yuan Down Late On Euro Weakness; Market Shrugs Off Trade Surplus
Vs Parity Previous
USD/CNY Central Parity 6.3048 6.3021
USD/CNY OTC 0830 GMT 6.3115 +0.11% 6.3085
High 6.3128 +0.13%
Low 6.3062 +0.02%
SHANGHAI (Dow Jones)--China's yuan fell against the U.S. dollar late Tuesday, tracking the euro's weakness against the U.S. unit, despite China's announcement of an unexpected trade surplus for March.
On the over-the-counter market, the dollar was at CNY6.3115 around 0830 GMT, up from Monday's close of CNY6.3085. It traded in a range of CNY6.3062 to CNY6.3128.
Demand for the dollar rose in the afternoon following the euro's losses. Around 0830 GMT, the euro was at $1.3094, down from $1.3105 late Monday in New York.
China posted a surprising trade surplus in March after a hefty deficit in February, with its exports rising 8.9% over a year earlier, stronger than economists' median forecast of 7.2%.
"This suggests that the yuan can still be allowed to appreciate a bit, as Beijing may be somewhat less concerned about competitiveness of its exporters," said Dariusz Kowalczyk, an economist with Credit Agricole CIB.
The yuan has fallen 0.3% against the U.S. unit since the start of this year.
Though the onshore market shrugged off the data Tuesday, the yuan may have room to rise if China continues to post trade surpluses in the coming months, said a Shanghai-based foreign bank trader.
The People's Bank of China set the dollar-yuan central parity rate at 6.3048 Tuesday, up from Monday's 6.3021.
Offshore, one-year dollar-yuan nondeliverable forwards rose to 6.3380/6.3440 from 6.3310/6.3360 late Monday, implying a 0.5% fall by the yuan against the dollar over the next year.
In the offshore yuan market in Hong Kong, where the Chinese currency floats freely, the dollar was at CNY6.3118 late Tuesday, up from 6.3130 late Thursday.
-Wynne Wang contributed to this article, Dow Jones Newswires; (86-21) 6120-1200; wynne.wang@dowjones.com