China Economics Update As good as it gets? Today’s GDP data were squarely in line with expectations. The more interesting development was the slowdown in infrastructure investment in September amid broader signs that the momentum of the... 18th October 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update How long will the Hong Kong peg last? The Hong Kong dollar peg was introduced 30 years ago this week. Although the peg creates a number of problems, it remains the best option. We expect it to remain in place for many more years. 16th October 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update People’s Bank accelerates its foreign exchange purchases The People’s Bank (PBC) has been purchasing foreign exchange at a frantic rate in recent weeks,underlining again how reluctant policymakers are to leave the renminbi in the hands of market forces... 14th October 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Welcome slowdown in credit, but inflation rising The slew of September data released in the last few days reveal a welcome slowdown in broad credit growth and a sharp pick-up in inflation. The latter may look alarming, but on closer inspection it... 14th October 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Inflation Monitor (Oct.) Consumer price inflation probably rebounded last month, thanks to a rise in vegetable price inflation. In general though, inflation in most areas is stable, with no sign that the economy’s summer... 10th October 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Can Shanghai become a global financial centre? The underwhelming launch of the Shanghai Free Trade Zone (FTZ) has led many to reassess the likelihood of the zone becoming a test bed for far-reaching policy reform any time soon. If anything, the... 9th October 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update China’s market rally fades China’s financial markets rallied in early September, but momentum has since faded. Meanwhile, the renminbi has remained stable. 1st October 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Foundations weak for a property turnaround Against the backdrop of a strengthening economy, confidence in the prospects of China’s crucial real estate sector has also been heating up recently. But digging a little deeper in this China Watch we... 30th September 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Service sector reform edges further forward Recently-implemented tax reforms should remove some of the disadvantages that have slowed the growth of China’s service sector and thereby deepened its economic imbalances. 25th September 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update China’s unwelcome rebound Evidence of an economic revival over the summer has settled the nerves of the many China watchers who had been worrying about an imminent crash. Those earlier fears were probably exaggerated, but the... 23rd September 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update The view from the ground – Q3 2013 Investors and policymakers have been sounding more upbeat on China’s economicprospects recently. But sentiment among Chinese businesses appears still to beweakening. Meanwhile, Chinese households are... 18th September 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update How important is the Shanghai Free Trade Zone? The free trade zone about to be set up in Shanghai is intended as a testing ground for new policies, with a focus on liberalising the service sector, and financial services in particular. Successful... 13th September 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Encouraging signs on inflation and foreign demand Today’s inflation data added no additional pressure for monetary tightening while the weekend’s export data provided further evidence of a revival in foreign demand. 9th September 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Inflation Monitor (Sep.) Consumer price inflation stabilised over the summer and, while it is still likely to rise later in the year, the outlook is even more benign than we had anticipated a few months ago. We are lowering... 6th September 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Gains from interest rate liberalisation being overplayed High hopes are being pinned on interest rate liberalisation to inject some vitality into China’s economy. But the full gains from liberalisation will only be realised if the government is willing to... 30th August 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update China bucks Asian market turmoil China’s financial markets have remained stable in August despite the turmoilelsewhere thanks to capital controls and the release of some positive economic data.However, Hong Kong equities have... 29th August 2013 · 1 min read