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
China Economics Update Shrinking workforce shouldn’t matter much to investors China passed a milestone last year as its working age population fell for the first time in the modern era. Demographic change will have a profound impact on the long-run trajectory of China’s economy... 8th April 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Inflation Monitor (Mar.) Consumer price inflation should have dropped back last month as the seasonal distortion caused by Chinese New Year faded. Looking ahead though, recent falls in pig numbers signal that another pork... 5th April 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update China moves to manage shadow banking risks The latest tightening of rules on wealth management products will help manage risks building up in China’s shadow banking system. But the long-term route to reducing risk is careful liberalisation of... 28th March 2013 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Equity rally reverses China’s equity prices have dropped since late February, bringing to an end the rally that started in early December. Meanwhile, the People’s Bank has resumed large-scale foreign exchange purchases to... 26th March 2013 · 1 min read
