The offshore yuan strengthened to around 6.80 per dollar on Thursday, extending its rally for a third straight session and reaching its strongest level since February 2023, as risk sentiment firmed amid growing optimism over a potential diplomatic breakthrough between Washington and Tehran.
Reports indicated that the US and Iran are close to finalizing a one-page memorandum designed to halt weeks of hostilities, paving the way for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, easing disruptions to oil flows, and improving global growth prospects. Investors are also watching a highly anticipated summit next week between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, previously postponed amid heightened geopolitical tensions tied to the Middle East war. Meanwhile, China’s financial regulator reportedly told major lenders to suspend new financing to five refineries sanctioned by the US over alleged Iranian oil ties, contrasting with earlier guidance from Beijing urging firms to ignore US sanctions.
