RMB rate expected to follow a two-way fluctuation path in 2018

The yuan's exchange rate is expected to follow a two-way fluctuation path this year, facing little disturbance from trade talks between China and the United States unless "actual conflicts occur" in the future, according to a former senior official with China's foreign exchange regulator.

"Trade frictions between the two nations have not had a noteworthy impact upon the exchange rate of the yuan," said Guan Tao, a senior researcher with China Finance 40 Forum and former head of the balance of payments department of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange.

"Whether trade issues, whose impact is not likely to cease in the short run, will impose downward pressure on China's economic fundamentals in the second half of the year deserves attention.