China Economics Update The view from the ground - Q2 2013 Businesses remain relatively confident about the economy overall but, when it comes to their own situation, they have recently turned much more downbeat. Meanwhile, Chinese households are as reluctant... 21st June 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Cash crunch signals policymakers’ credit concerns Short-lived cash crunches in China are not unusual. But the fact that the People’s Bank has allowed the current crunch to persist so long when economic growth remains weak signals the depth of its... 19th June 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Rebound remains elusive The key message from China’s May data is that there is no clear evidence of an economic rebound getting underway. Most of the commentary has focused on the impact on exports of more stringent controls... 10th June 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Inflation Monitor (May) Consumer price inflation was probably little changed in May, but it is likely to pick up over the rest of the year as pork prices look to have bottomed out. 5th June 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Signs of new momentum in economic policy reform Six months after China's leadership transition there are encouraging signs that policymakers are embracing the need for significant economic policy reform. In this China Watch we review the progress... 29th May 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Property stocks lead rebound again China’s equity prices have recovered somewhat this month. Meanwhile, the renminbi has been allowed to appreciate at a faster pace. 27th May 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Renminbi surge undermines case for capital account opening The recent surge in the renminbi may have been an attempt by policymakers to lay the groundwork for a loosening of capital controls. But it has ended up demonstrating why such a move will be difficult... 24th May 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Still subdued in April Today’s data releases suggest that domestic demand remains weak despite a strong expansion in credit in recent months. 13th May 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Growth in Hong Kong to remain lacklustre GDP figures for Q1 released today show growth in Hong Kong remained lacklustre in y/y terms, while in q/q terms the pace of expansion slowed sharply. Looking ahead, with global demand set to... 10th May 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Calendar effects inflate trade data The acceleration in both export and import growth last month was simply the result of there being more working days in April this year than last. It does not point to strengthening demand either at... 8th May 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Inflation Monitor (Apr. 13) Consumer price inflation probably picked up last month, due to a rebound in vegetable prices. Further increases lie ahead. 7th May 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Wider renminbi trading band would be empty gesture A wider trading band for the renminbi is a likely next step in currency policy reform. But it may not happen as soon as many think and, in any case, would probably make little difference to the... 2nd May 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Equities fall further China’s equity prices have declined further amid renewed worries about the country’s economy. Meanwhile, the People’s Bank has tolerated recent gains in the renminbi. 30th April 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Consumption stimulus should not be welcomed Talk in China of new subsidies to boost household spending is an unwelcome sign that officials may have been diverted by the recent disappointing growth numbers towards thinking of short-term fixes... 18th April 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Hopes for sustained recovery fade Today’s weak GDP data shocked consensus expectations. The most striking detail is the degree to which growth remains dependent on an overstretched property sector and on policy support. 15th April 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Exports slow but imports accelerate China’s exports cooled last month, correcting the surprisingly strong growth seen earlier this year. By contrast, imports beat expectations, and the increase appears to have been driven by stronger... 10th April 2013 · 1 min read