China signals tolerance for stronger renminbi
Central bank fixes currency at highest level against dollar in 15 months
Central bank fixes currency at highest level against dollar in 15 months

PBoC makes it cheaper for traders to bet on weakening currency amid concerns about rapid appreciation

A steady appreciation would boost domestic consumption and improve trade relations

If renminbi settlement becomes cheaper and more trade migrates, firms will have less need to generate or hold US currency

Appreciation would suit Beijing’s global ambitions for the currency

Chamber of commerce warns that fall of tightly managed Chinese currency risks prompting trade retaliation

Beijing’s push will speed moves to multi-polar monetary system, analysts say