China Update nr 2 2015 (engelsk version)

Page 1

OCTOBER 2015

China update. Contents • macro

Major challenges ahead as China’s economy changes track By Jan Häggström, Chief Economist

• stock exchange

“Two out of three Chinese stock markets still overpriced” By Mikael Sens, Fund Manager

• currency

Tortuous path to global currency status By Johan Malmenbeck, Currency Strategist

• commodities

Turmoil in China puts pressure on commodities By Martin Jansson, Commodity Strategist

• in brief

Current indicators Everyone in China is talking about …

China update. Handelsbanken was the first Nordic bank to operate in China. With over 30 years’ experience of doing business on the Chinese market, we are still the most widespread Nordic bank in the region today, with a presence in Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong and Taipei. Publisher: Handelsbanken Production by: Baluba Branded Content Printed by: Ineko AB Contact: Maria Tjernqvist matj01@handelsbanken.se Internet: handelsbanken.se/chinaupdate

China_2-2015_eng_lena.indd 1

photo: shutterstock

A long-term perspective

T

he impression of China swings back and forth, but never seems to be really fair. One minute it’s the global locomotive, the next, a restraining anchor. From maximum bull to maximum bear. But the truth is usually somewhere in between. At the time of writing, the Communist Party plenary meeting has not yet been announced, but we don’t anticipate any major deviations from the path towards greater sustainability and consumption-driven growth that was set out in the previous five-year plan. But the situation is precarious because, paradoxically, the role of the Party is increasingly important in the structural transition, as Xi Jinping centralises power. It also raises questions about where Xi Jinping really stands. In the not-too-distant future, at the 19th Party Congress in 2017, much of the old guard will retire, and then we may see the true face of Xi Jinping. But until then, and until Xi Jinping has finally established his power, the priority seems to be not to stir up things too much. So far, however, the restructuring process has worked well in the eyes of the regime. The statistics show that consumption and the service sector are moving in the right direction, in a more sustainable way. But the transition is complex. Market liberalisation has not proceeded as quickly as we thought; for example, the initial

target of currency convertibility within 2–3 years has now been delayed. In the light of the political uncertainty, it is more important than ever to understand the Chinese leadership. The concentration of power – with Xi Jinping taking over chairmanship of the Central Military Commission, the Economic Commission and several key committees – has created a kind of fear of pulling the trigger and making decisions, with everyone waiting for Xi. The turmoil in financial markets is a symptom of this, which also shows that Xi Jinping’s behaviour is less determined by economic considerations than by the leadership’s top priority: the Chinese dream of making a clear imprint on Asia and establishing China as a global superpower. So for European companies, a long-term perspective has become more important than ever. The way forward has become tortuous. But although China doesn’t shine as brightly as before, it is still a very interesting market. The country has great needs which European companies and solution providers are well-positioned to provide solutions in, including the areas of environment technology, health care, civil society and services. We are good in the fields where China has the most needs. Johan Andrén, Branch Manager Handelsbanken Hongkong

2015-10-16 10:50


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
China Update nr 2 2015 (engelsk version) by Baluba Branded Content - Issuu