(Yicai Global) Jan. 17 -- The People's Bank of China weakened the yuan by 71 basis points against the US dollar this morning, fixing the central parity rate at 6.8878.

The onshore yuan market closed at 6.8850 to a dollar yesterday, appreciating 21 basis points during the day.

The China Foreign Exchange Trade System, the interbank trading and foreign exchange division under the central bank, sets the benchmark on the morning of each business day. Spot rates may deviate 2 percent above or below the figure.

Editor: Emmi Laine