(Yicai Global) Dec. 18 -- The People's Bank of China raised the yuan-dollar central parity rate by 15 basis points this morning, lowering the redback's value against the dollar.

The China Foreign Exchange Trade System, the interbank trading and foreign exchange division under the central bank, set the rate at 6.8869 against the greenback, 58 basis points stronger than the closing price of 6.8927 yesterday.

The CFETS sets the benchmark on the morning of each business day. Spot rates may deviate 2 percent above or below the figure.