China: Central Bank Reserve Assets - Foreign Currency

Macro

2026-07-07

Description

China Central Bank Foreign Currency Reserve is published by the People's Bank of China (PBOC) to measure the total amount of foreign currency assets held by China's central bank. Foreign currency reserves are crucial assets used by the central bank to address balance of payments imbalances, stabilize exchange rates, and support financial stability. An increase in foreign currency reserves typically indicates a strong trade surplus and capital inflows, while a decrease may reflect capital outflows or foreign exchange interventions by the central bank to stabilize the exchange rate.

Published by
People's Bank of China (Choice)
Frequency
Monthly
Next Update

AI Data Insight

In Q2 2026 (as of June), China's foreign exchange reserves were reported at USD 3,416.262 billion, declining from the previous value of USD 3,442.238 billion and falling short of the market expectation of USD 3.44 trillion. This pullback was primarily driven by expectations of Federal Reserve rate hikes, which boosted the US Dollar Index and led to a decline in the valuation of both non-US dollar currencies and gold assets. Despite the contraction in total value, the central bank continued to increase its gold holdings for the 20th consecutive month, steadily advancing the diversification of its reserve assets.

AI Data Insight

In Q2 2026 (as of June), China's foreign exchange reserves were reported at USD 3,416.262 billion, declining from the previous value of USD 3,442.238 billion and falling short of the market expectation of USD 3.44 trillion. This pullback was primarily driven by expectations of Federal Reserve rate hikes, which boosted the US Dollar Index and led to a decline in the valuation of both non-US dollar currencies and gold assets. Despite the contraction in total value, the central bank continued to increase its gold holdings for the 20th consecutive month, steadily advancing the diversification of its reserve assets.

Description

China Central Bank Foreign Currency Reserve is published by the People's Bank of China (PBOC) to measure the total amount of foreign currency assets held by China's central bank. Foreign currency reserves are crucial assets used by the central bank to address balance of payments imbalances, stabilize exchange rates, and support financial stability. An increase in foreign currency reserves typically indicates a strong trade surplus and capital inflows, while a decrease may reflect capital outflows or foreign exchange interventions by the central bank to stabilize the exchange rate.

Published by
People's Bank of China (Choice)
Frequency
Monthly
Next Update