The effects of the counter-cyclical factor on renminbi co-movements

Abstract

The counter-cyclical factor is a foreign exchange policy instrument employed by the Chinese monetary authority to adjust the central parity rate of the renminbi (RMB). This study examines how this policy tool influences the RMB’s co-movements with other currencies. A novel measure of the counter-cyclical factor’s intensity is derived from a rolling estimation of the RMB two-pillar model, enabling a more precise evaluation of the factor’s role. This measure is then incorporated into a modified Frankel–Wei model to assess the factor’s influence. Empirical results indicate that, although the counter-cyclical factor is applied more intensively during the second implementation phase, it reduces RMB co-movements more significantly during the first phase. Further analysis suggests that the initial implementation induces notable RMB appreciation, which in turn weakens the RMB’s correlations with other currencies.