China Economics Update Five issues to watch at the National People’s Congress The annual meeting of China’s parliament, the National People’s Congress, starts on Tuesday. Expectations, as usual, are low. This year though, with a new leadership keen to project an energetic image... 4th March 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Housing still on unsustainable path A slowdown in property construction was the main reason that China’s economy slowed last year. Even so, the sector remains on an unsustainable path. It may be years before policymakers can sensibly... 28th February 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Signs of recovery in Hong Kong, but risks to downside Hong Kong’s economy grew at its fastest pace in nearly two years in Q4, thanks mainly to a pick up in export growth. Prospects for the economy depend largely on the outlook for global demand. As such... 27th February 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update PBC tilts towards tightening Global copper mine supply grew at its fastest rate in eight years in the closing months of 2012 and mine output is likely to grow just as quickly this year. This should enable smelters to raise their... 21st February 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Equity rally stutters This is the first edition of a new publication for clients of our China service. The China Markets Monitor will provide a monthly summary of developments in financial markets in mainland China and... 20th February 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Hooked on credit Four years after China’s economy was rescued by a huge loan-fuelled stimulus, its economic growth continues to be shored up by an unsustainable dependence on credit. 15th February 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Surge in credit causes headache for policymakers Policymakers will pay little attention to last month’s drop in inflation or the acceleration in exports, given the usual volatility around Chinese New Year. But a surge in off-balance-sheet bank... 8th February 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Inflation Monitor (Jan.) The usual rollercoaster around Chinese New Year will have caused inflation to fall in January before sending it soaring this month. Once the seasonal volatility has faded, current evidence suggests... 7th February 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Income inequality is an economic as well as social issue Wide income inequality in China is undermining economic stability as well generating concerns about social tensions. 21st January 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Economy picks up speed, recovery’s durability in doubt Today’s Q4 GDP data confirm the turnaround in China’s economy but they show too that it is reliant on the single engine of investment. Continued policy easing would be needed to prolong the... 18th January 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update China's share of global FDI rising, not falling We are sceptical that published FDI data tell us much about China’s economic outlook. For what it’s worth though – and contrary to the headlines – today’s figures suggest the China is increasing its... 16th January 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Stalling credit growth points to limited economic rebound There were signs of strengthening developed world demand in China’s latest export data. Stronger growth in China is being reflected in rising imports. But with credit growth levelling off, a strong... 10th January 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Stirring property sector reawakens over-investment fears Property construction in China still needs to slow further to return the real estate sector to a sustainable path. Accordingly, the recent pick-up in investment by developers should not be welcomed... 9th January 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Inflation Monitor (Dec.) December’s data will give us the last “clean” view of inflation before price volatility around Chinese New Year obscures the picture. They are likely to show that consumer price inflation is rising... 4th January 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update The view from the ground - Q4 2012 Business confidence in China has recovered slightly though it remains subdued. Banks are eager to lend but firms show little appetite for loans. Meanwhile, households are increasingly optimistic and... 18th December 2012 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Hong Kong's low unemployment no support for domestic demand Hong Kong’s unemployment rate remains low despite the weak economy, as employers have responded to falling demand by cutting wage growth. The result has been a slowdown in consumption. Even if... 18th December 2012 · 1 min read
