Thomson Reuters, HKEx Ally on RMB Indexes

The indexes are calculated hourly using the WM/Reuters rates, with the weight of each currency determined by calculating the volume of trade between its issuer and mainland China, based on public data from UN Comtrade, the United Nations' database of international trade statistics.

"In view of China's internationalization and RMB's increasing presence as a global trading currency, it is a great opportunity for us to partner with HKEx to provide a series of indices that will use global standards to help market participants make better-informed investment decisions and manage risks. At a time when Chinese currency movements and market volatility can be observed, it makes sense for two trusted and independent names to launch these indices to capitalize on the significance of RMB's internationalization," says Stephan Flagel, global head of indexes at Thomson Reuters.

"As Chinese capital goes global over the next 30 years and more international equities and commodities are priced in RMB, our RMB indexes will become a useful basis for products to help investors manage currency risk," adds HKEx chief executive Charles Li.