Fiscal & Monetary Policy
How China’s property woes test Beijing’s bottom line of no systemic risks
A Post review of midyear financial reports by 18 ‘systemically important’ banks in China finds that more than two-thirds have higher outstanding non-performing property loans.
China’s ‘golden week’ spending and travel surge seen as economic boon
The release of pent-up demand, with travellers and consumers opening their wallets for the long holiday, could help lift China’s economy out of the doldrums.
China’s Xi Jinping appeals to decades-old mantra of reform, eyeing economic jolt
The president addresses some oft-mentioned gripes among the international community, acknowledging that China must do more to open up to the rest of the world.
China vows to strengthen policy support after August profits rebound
Central bank meeting outlines plans for more targeted monetary policies to aid economic recovery.
Economist says T-bills present risk, but holdings already substantially trimmed
At a summit in Shanghai, an academic has echoed some of his peers by recommending the dumping of US Treasuries – a move that they say would help ensure the safety of China’s overseas assets.
Beijing city reassures foreign investors they can take their money with them
China is combating a capital exodus that has depreciated the yuan and contributed to an unpredictable business environment in the country, while investors continue to call for more transparent policies.
High-level officials defend China’s economic prospects at conference
During a briefing on the state of China’s economy, officials from multiple government departments presented a united front against criticism of the country’s recent showing.
Hong Kong is well-placed to tap Asia’s growth, CIC’s advisors say
The former central bank governor also called for global efforts to offset geopolitical and economic headwinds, in an address at an investment forum by China Investment Corporation.
China slashes US Treasury holdings again as rate-hike cycle’s end looms
The world’s second-largest economy offloaded US$13.6 billion worth of US debt in July, but China remains the second-largest foreign holder of US Treasury bills, having been surpassed by Japan in mid-2019
China’s central bank reassures likes of HSBC, Tesla amid investment exodus
As concerns mount over disappointing economic figures, Beijing gathers major firms to remind them of its commitment to their continued success.
US middle class feels it is ‘dying’ while China’s has its own problems
The growth of China’s key middle class is set to be hindered by an ageing population, while in the US, flat wage growth and a drop in university enrolments is hurting the crucial segment of society.
Will China weaponise the yuan? Global finance body throws cold water on idea
Intentionally weakening the yuan would be a boon for cheaper Chinese exports, but on the whole, a devalued yuan could make China’s problems much worse.
Shenzhen to import more integrated circuits, steel itself against US sanctions
Beijing has high hopes for Shenzhen and its role in ensuring that China becomes technologically self-sufficient in the face of crippling US curbs on technology transfers.
Latest China data shows policy pay-off, but no ‘animal spirit’ in private sector
China’s economy showed signs of life in August, with retail sales and manufacturing picking up, but some analysts are still waiting to see if Beijing has a ‘bold reform plan’ up its sleeve, as the road to recovery remains rocky.
China cuts banks’ reserve requirement ratio ahead of August data release
The People’s Bank of China’s second cut to the ratio this year comes as the world’s second-largest economy has struggled to rebound in recent months.
Negative economic sentiment haunts China’s portfolio inflows, FDI to contract
Chinese equities suffered an outflow of around US$15 billion in August, marking the largest monthly outflow on record for Chinese stocks.
As China works through yuan tool kit, weak currency hits traders, travellers
China’s yuan fell to a 16-year low against the US dollar last week, with financial regulators vowing to take action to stem one-sided speculative bets, but exporters are already under pressure to change prices.
China’s financial regulators vow to not hesitate, halt bets on yuan
China’s financial regulators on Monday vowed to take action after China’s yuan fell to a 16-year low against the US dollar last week.
Explainer | ‘Bout of deflation largely transitory’: 4 takeaways from China’s inflation data
China’s consumer prices returned to positive territory in August, while factory-gate prices fell for an 11th consecutive month.
Death and debt in China: when bankruptcy is off the table, so are fresh starts
China’s southern metropolis of Shenzhen is the only mainland city where individuals can apply for bankruptcy, but it’s not easy, as authorities seem to frown on debt forgiveness.