Asking the Right Questions
Chinese GDP data surprises, in line with expectations…..
Chinese third quarter GDP data surprised everyone, coming out right in line with market expectations. The economy grew by an annual rate of 6.7% in the third quarter, providing comfort that Chinese authorities have steadied the ship. The central planners remain committed to their…
“Declaring war on China’s currency? Ha Ha”….
Last week was another challenging week for mainland Chinese shares, with the Shanghai Composite Index of mainland shares falling -6.14%, bringing the decline in January to -22.65%. The index is now down -47.01% from the bubble high reached in June 2015. Efforts by the…
Weekly Market Update: January 25th 2016
Market Recap After a difficult start to the week, most of the major equity indices ended the week in positive territory. As expected, ‘Super Mario’ Draghi came to the rescue for markets with reassuring comments that fuelled hope of more aggressive monetary policy from…
The Chinese, a great bunch of lads!
British Prime Minister, David Cameron, did his best to woo the Chinese President, Xi Jinping, last week on his state visit to the United Kingdom. The Chinese President was treated to pints of ale, fish and chips, and a tour of Manchester City’s football…
Market Recap: Week of July 27th 2015
Market Recap Global equity markets were in the red last week, with the sharp slide in commodity markets providing a worrying signal on the outlook for global growth. In Europe, the FTSE Eurofirst 300 closed down 2.77% for the week, similar to the declines…
Market Recap: Week of July 13th 2015
Market Recap Global equity markets were mixed last week. There were strong gains in Europe on the prospect of a deal being reached between Greece and its creditors, as the Greek government appeared ready to concede to save their position in the single currency….
Investing in local Chinese Equities; akin to riding a moped in China
Investing in local Chinese equities is a bit like riding a moped in China, crowded and very dangerous! Last week, the Shanghai Composite Index of mainland Chinese equities fell 13.3%, the worst weekly decline since 2008. This is the second time this year we’ve…
China’s central bank joins the easing party…
Adding to the euphoria in equity markets on Friday was the surprise cut in interest rates from China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China. The one-year benchmark lending has been cut 40bps to 5.6% while the equivalent deposit rate was cut 25bps to…
Xi – Abe Handshake: Awkward!
There is much written on the importance of a good handshake, a ritual that for some can speak volumes of a person. In a world where first impressions are imperative, a handshake can leave a lasting impression. The worst has to be the “dead…
China Meets GDP Target: Boosted by Stimulus and Credit Growth
I suppose it is no surprise really that the official release from China confirmed that GDP growth met market expectations, expanding at a slightly faster than expected rate of 7.5%. Market participants, and it would seem the Chinese hierarchy, are not willing to accept…
