China Economics Update Should China force a renminbi depreciation? A sizeable depreciation of the renminbi against the dollar would be provocative during a global slump and might do little to help China’s economy. 4th December 2008 · 1 min read
China Economics Update China slashes interest rates With credit quotas lifted, China’s aggressive rate cuts today should ensure that the flow of credit to the economy is sustained. But the government’s hopes that the banking sector will finance much of... 26th November 2008 · 1 min read
China Economics Update China abandons credit quotas to support growth The quiet lifting of credit quotas, confirmed in Chinese media over the weekend, is arguably the most significant step taken so far by the authorities as they attempt to limit China’s economic... 4th November 2008 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Botching the slowdown in China In focusing too narrowly on supporting the economy over the short term, China risks undermining its successes in making growth more sustainable over the long term. 22nd October 2008 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Trying, and failing, to make sense of China’s slowdown The sharp slowdown in Chinese GDP growth in the third quarter is hard to square with detail showing still healthy growth in spending across the economy. Nonetheless, officials will err on the side of... 20th October 2008 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Capital outflows now affecting China too The latest data suggest that investors have been pulling money out of China in recent weeks. After dealing with hot inflows of nearly $200bn in the first half of 2008, officials will be glad for the... 14th October 2008 · 1 min read
China Economics Update China tries to stem the equity slide, again Chinese share valuations are now at their lowest in more than a decade. Yet government attempts today to give them a boost through a tax cut and direct share purchases may be more harmful than helpful... 18th September 2008 · 1 min read
China Economics Update China shifts stance with surprise rate cut Today’s unexpected rate cut in China is intended as a sign that the government is willing to act preemptively to guarantee continued strong economic growth. But there will also be suspicions that the... 15th September 2008 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Policy rethink ahead in China as inflation subsides Today’s trade and inflation data from China open the door to a series of policy adjustments, including to fuel pricing, but an end to currency appreciation is unlikely to be among them. 10th September 2008 · 1 min read
China Economics Update China’s economy can do without a fiscal stimulus Market speculation that China’s government is lining up a big fiscal package is likely to prove unfounded. With the economy still in good shape, there is no immediate need for a stimulus. Nonetheless... 21st August 2008 · 1 min read
China Economics Update Chinese consumers on top of the world With consumer spending outpacing expectations, China will this year contribute twice as much to growth in real global consumption as the US, euro-zone and Japan combined. (See Chart 1.) This should... 18th August 2008 · 1 min read