China unveils major stimulus package to revive economy | OCBC Singapore
Now reading:

China unveils major stimulus package to revive economy

China unveils major stimulus package to revive economy

  • 14 October 2024
  • By OCBC Wealth Management
  • 10 mins read

China has recently implemented a coordinated stimulus package in an effort to address economic risks that have reached Beijing's pain threshold. The package includes rate cuts, lower reserve requirement ratios, property easing measures, and policies to support the equity market. This "whatever it takes" approach suggests a shift in Beijing's strategy to reverse the downward economic spiral.

The announcement of this stimulus package came as a positive surprise for markets, setting off a surge in Hong Kong and China equities and a strengthening of the Chinese yuan. The following day, it was further announced that China would give one-off cash handouts to select groups and potentially inject up to 1 trillion CNY to state banks. This coordinated stimulus blitz indicates that Beijing has reached a critical moment where it is willing to do whatever it takes to stabilise the economy.

There are several factors contributing to this decisive action. Firstly, the deterioration in China's economy and increasing risks of negative feedback loops relating to prolonged systemic deflation, falling confidence, and rising unemployment have reached Beijing's pain threshold. The gradual decline in China's economy since the second quarter of 2024, as indicated by weak domestic demand, declining consumer and housing market demand, and a negative GDP deflator, has raised concerns about a potential downward spiral.

Secondly, with the US Federal Reserve initiating rate cuts, China now has a window of opportunity to ease its monetary policy without setting off excessive currency depreciation risks. In the past, China faced challenges in limiting the weakness of the US dollar against the Chinese yuan, but the current shift in the global monetary policy landscape has turned the currents in China's favour. The Chinese yuan has appreciated to around 7.0 against the US dollar and has remained relatively stable despite significant monetary easing in China.

Thirdly, the timing of this stimulus package is strategic. With the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China approaching, along with the Golden Week holiday and the peak season for home transactions and retail sales, a positive economic momentum now can help bolster China's economy and mitigate any potential adverse impact from the US presidential elections, especially in the scenario of a Trump win with potential tariffs coming into play.

The market implications of this stimulus package are significant. Earlier in May 2024, we turned positive on China and Hong Kong equities due to their distressed valuations reflecting widespread pessimism about the macro outlook. The recent surge in Hong Kong and China equities, as well as the significant net-buying into Chinese equities by global hedge funds, indicate a positive market reaction to the stimulus measures. This rally could potentially last further, although the extreme momentum seen last week could be tested at some point.

Looking ahead, it is important to note that while the recent rate cuts and stimulus measures stabilize the economy, they alone are not sufficient to reverse the broader downturn. Fiscal and political measures will be needed to tackle the remaining challenges and address concerns from the corporate sector. The sustainability of the market rally depends on improvements in economic fundamentals beyond monetary interventions.

However, there are investment opportunities in China amidst these challenges. Quality yield stocks, large-cap internet and platform companies, brokers and the Hong Kong Exchange can stand to benefit. These sectors are expected to benefit from the stimulus measures and the potential for sustained bull market conditions. With further monetary and fiscal policy easing, support for the property market, and initiatives to boost consumer spending, there are opportunities for growth and returns in the Chinese market.

In conclusion, China's coordinated stimulus package signals a "whatever it takes" moment to revive the economy and address economic risks. The timing of this stimulus is strategic, and the market implications are significant. While challenges remain, a positive market reaction and sustained stimulus efforts could pave the way for a medium-term economic recovery. Investors should consider the investment opportunities in quality yield stocks, large-cap internet and platform companies, and brokers/the Hong Kong Exchange. With the potential for sustained bull market conditions and further stimulus measures, the Chinese market offers potential for growth and returns.

Riding the golden dragon
Investing in China has never been easier, with a range of accessible options available to all investors. Whether it’s through a mutual fund or direct equities, adding China to your portfolio can diversify your investments from being US-centric and ride on China’s growth at the same time.

Here are some China ideas you can explore today:

  1. Asian-focused or China-focused unit trusts
    The OCBC app lets you conveniently select unit trusts that invest in China specifically. If you prefer not to put your eggs in one basket, choosing an Asian-focused unit trust will give you a portfolio of investments across the different countries in this fast-growing region while having a professional fund manager research what to invest in and manage the fund’s investments.
  2. OCBC RoboInvest China Growth portfolio
    The China Growth thematic portfolio provides diversified exposure to Chinese equities. Currently, the portfolio is tilted towards Chinese Consumers, Chinese Tech sector, China Internet Sector and non-state-owned enterprises.
  3. Investing in Chinese or Hong Kong equities via the OCBC Online Equities Account
    The Online Equities Account lets you trade across 15 global exchanges, including Singapore, US, China and Hong Kong markets. Grow your portfolio with REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts), shares, ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) and bonds.
READY TO INVEST

Grow your wealth with OCBC today

Additional Information

Important notices

This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

  1. Any opinions or views of third parties expressed in this document are those of the third parties identified, and do not represent views of Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited (“OCBC Bank”, “us”, “we” or “our”).
  2. This information is intended for general circulation and/or discussion purposes only. It does not consider the specific investment objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person.
  3. Before you make an investment, please seek advice from your Relationship Manager regarding the suitability of any investment product taking into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs.
  4. If you choose not to do so, you should consider if the investment product is suitable for you, and conduct your own assessments and due diligence on the investment product.
  5. We are not making an offer, solicit to buy or sell or subscribe for any security or financial instrument, enter into any transaction or participate in any trading or investment strategy with you through this document. Nothing in this document shall be deemed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell or subscribe for any security or financial instrument or to enter into any transaction or to participate in any particular trading or investment strategy.
  6. No representation or warranty whatsoever in respect of any information provided herein is given by OCBC Bank and it should not be relied upon as such. OCBC Bank does not undertake an obligation to update the information or to correct any inaccuracy that may become apparent at a later time. All information presented is subject to change without notice.
  7. OCBC Bank shall not be responsible or liable for any loss or damage whatsoever arising directly or indirectly howsoever in connection with or as a result of any person acting on any information provided herein.
  8. Investments are subject to investment risks, including the possible loss of the principal amount invested. The information provided herein may contain projections or other forward-looking statements regarding future events or future performance of countries, assets, markets or companies. Actual events or results may differ materially. Past performance figures, predictions or projections are not necessarily indicative of future or likely performance.
  9. Any reference to a company, financial product or asset class is used for illustrative purposes and does not represent our recommendation in any way.
  10. The information in and contents of this document may not be reproduced or disseminated in whole or in part without the Bank’s written consent.
  11. OCBC Bank, its related companies, and their respective directors and/or employees (collectively “Related Persons”) may, or might have in the future, interests in the investment products or the issuers mentioned herein. Such interests include effecting transactions in such investment products, and providing broking, investment banking and other financial services to such issuers. OCBC Bank and its Related Persons may also be related to, and receive fees from, providers of such investment products.
  12. You must read the Offer Document/Indicative Term Sheet/Product Highlight Sheet before deciding whether or not to purchase the investment product, copies of which may be obtained from your relationship manager.
  13. Any hyperlink to any third party article, or other website or webpage (including any websites or webpages owned, operated and maintained by third parties) is for informational purposes only and for your convenience only and is not an endorsement or verification of any such article, website or webpage by OCBC Bank and should only be accessed at your own risk. OCBC Bank does not review the contents of any such articles, website or webpage, and shall not be liable to any person for the same.

Foreign Currency

  1. Foreign currency investments or deposits are subject to inherent exchange rate fluctuation that may provide opportunities and risks. Consequently, exchange rate fluctuations may affect the value of your foreign currency investments or deposits.
  2. Earning on foreign currency investments or deposits may change depending on the exchange rates prevalent at the time of their maturity if you choose to convert.
  3. Exchange controls may apply to certain foreign currencies from time to time.
  4. Any pre-termination costs will be taken and deducted from your deposit directly and without notice.

Global Equities Disclaimer

  1. Dividend growth is not guaranteed, nor are companies in which you invest obliged to pay dividends;
  2. Companies may go bankrupt rendering the original investment valueless;
  3. Equity markets may decline in value;
  4. Corporate earnings and financial markets may be volatile;
  5. If there is no recognised market for equities, then these may be difficult to sell and accurate information about their value may be hard to obtain;
  6. Smaller company investments may be difficult to sell if there is little liquidity in the market for such equities and there may be substantial differences between the buying price and the selling price;
  7. Equities on overseas markets may involve different risks to equities issued in Singapore;
  8. With regards to investments in overseas companies, foreign exchange rates may move in an unfavourable direction affecting adversely the valuation of investments in base currency terms.

Collective Investment Schemes

  1. A copy of the prospectus of each fund is available and may be obtained from the fund manager or any of its approved distributors. Potential investors should read the prospectus for details on the relevant fund before deciding whether to subscribe for, or purchase units in the fund.
  2. The value of the units in the funds and the income accruing to the units, if any, may fall or rise. Please refer to the prospectus of the relevant fund for the name of the fund manager and the investment objectives of the fund.
  3. Investment involves risks. Past performance figures do not reflect future performance.
  4. Any reference to a company, financial product or asset class is used for illustrative purposes and does not represent our recommendation in any way.
  5. For funds that are listed on an approved exchange, investors cannot redeem their units of those funds with the manager, or may only redeem units with the manager under certain specified conditions. The listing of the units of those funds on any approved exchange does not guarantee a liquid market for the units.
  6. Any indicative distribution rate may not be achieved and is not an indication, forecast, or projection of the future performance of the fund.

Cross-Border Market Disclaimers

  1. General: The document provided by Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited, Singapore (“OCBC Singapore”) is for general information only and is not intended for anyone other than the recipient. It does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person, and does not constitute an offer or solicitation by OCBC Singapore to buy or sell or subscribe for any security or financial instrument or to enter into a transaction or to participate in any particular trading or investment strategy nor an advice or a recommendation with respect to such financial products. This document may not be published, circulated, reproduced or distributed in whole or in part to any other person without OCBC Singapore’s prior written consent. This document is not intended for distribution to, publication or use by any person in any jurisdiction, where such distribution, publication or use would be contrary to applicable law or would subject OCBC Singapore and its related corporations, connected persons, associated persons and/or affiliates to any registration, licensing or other requirements within such jurisdiction.
  2. Brunei: This document has not been delivered to, licensed or permitted by the Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam, the authority as designated under the Brunei Darussalam Securities Markets Order, 2013 and the Banking Order, 2006; nor has it been registered with the Registrar of Companies, Registrar of International Business Companies or the Brunei Darussalam Ministry of Finance. The products are not registered, licensed or permitted by the Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam or by any other government agency or under any law in Brunei Darussalam. Any offers, acceptances, sales and allotments of the products shall be made outside Brunei Darussalam.
  3. Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC): OCBC Singapore is not a financial institution licensed in the Dubai International Financial Centre ("DIFC") or the United Arab Emirates outside of the DIFC and does not undertake banking or financial activities in the DIFC or the United Arab Emirates nor is it licensed to do so. This material is provided for information purposes only and it is general information not specific in any way to any particular investor, investor type, strategy, investment need or other financial circumstance. As such this information is not financial advice or a financial promotion, nor is it intended to influence an investor's decision to invest. It is not to be construed as an offer to buy or sell or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any financial instruments or to participate in any particular trading strategy in any jurisdiction.
  4. Hong Kong: The document provided by OCBC Singapore is for general information only and is not intended for anyone other than the recipient. It does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person, and does not constitute an offer or solicitation by OCBC Singapore to buy or sell or subscribe for any security or financial instrument or to enter into a transaction or to participate in any particular trading or investment strategy nor an advice or a recommendation with respect to such financial products. This document may not be published, circulated, reproduced or distributed in whole or in part to any other person without OCBC Singapore’s prior written consent. This document is not intended for distribution to, publication or use by any person in any jurisdiction, where such distribution, publication or use would be contrary to applicable law or would subject OCBC Singapore and its related corporations, connected persons, associated persons and/or affiliates to any registration, licensing or other requirements within such jurisdiction.
  5. Indonesia: The offering of the investment product in reliance of this document is not registered under the Indonesian Capital Market Law and its implementing regulations, and is not intended to constitute a public offering of securities under the Indonesian Capital Market Law and its implementing regulations. According, this investment product may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, within Indonesia or to citizens (wherever they are domiciled or located), entities or residents, in any manner which constitutes a public offering of securities under the Indonesian Capital Market Law and its implementing regulations. In compliance with the Indonesian Capital Market Law and Regulation of the Indonesian Financial Service Authority No. 30/POJK.04/2019, the investment product in this document may not be distributed in Indonesian or to any Indonesian citizens (wherever they are domiciled or located), entities or residents. The investment product in this document has not been and will not be registered or filed with to the Indonesian Financial Service Authority.
  6. Japan: The information contained in this document is for general reference purposes only. It does not have regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, risk tolerance and particular needs. Nothing in this document constitutes an offer to buy or sell or an invitation to offer to buy or sell or a recommendation or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities or investment. You acknowledge that nothing in this document constitutes investment or financial advice or any advice of any nature.
  7. Malaysia: OCBC Singapore does not hold any licence, registration or approval to carry on any regulated business in Malaysia (including but not limited to any businesses regulated under the Capital Markets & Services Act 2007 of Malaysia), nor does it hold itself out as carrying on or purport to carry on any such business in Malaysia. Any services provided by OCBC Singapore to residents of Malaysia are provided solely on an offshore basis from outside Malaysia, either as a result of “reverse enquiry” on the part of the Malaysian residents or where OCBC Singapore has been retained outside Malaysia to provide such services. As an integral part of the provision of such services from outside Malaysia, OCBC Singapore may from time to time make available to such residents documents and information making reference to capital markets products (for example, in connection with the provision of fund management or investment advisory services outside of Malaysia). Nothing in such documents or information is intended to be construed as or constitute the making available of, or an offer or invitation to subscribe for or purchase any such capital markets product.
  8. Myanmar: The provision of any products and services by OCBC Singapore shall be solely on an offshore basis. You shall ensure that you have and will continue to be fully compliant with all applicable laws in Myanmar when entering into discussion or contracts with OCBC Singapore.
  9. Oman: This document does not constitute a public offer of investment, securities or financial services in the Sultanate of Oman, as contemplated by the Commercial Companies Law of Oman (Royal Decree No. 18/2019), Banking Law of Oman (Royal Decree No. 114/2000) or the Capital Market Law of Oman (Royal Decree No. 80/1998) and the Executive Regulations of the Capital Market Law (Ministerial Decision No. 1/2009) or an offer to sell or the solicitation of any offer to buy non-Omani investment products, securities or financial services and products in the Sultanate of Oman. It is being provided to a limited number of sophisticated investors solely to enable them to decide whether or not to make an offer to invest in financial products mentioned in this document, outside of the Sultanate of Oman, upon the terms and subject to the restrictions set out herein and may not be reproduced or used for any other purpose or provided to any person other than the original recipient. Additionally, this document is not intended to lead to the making of any contract within the territory or under the laws of the Sultanate of Oman. The Capital Market Authority of Oman and the Central Bank of Oman take no responsibility for the accuracy of the statements and information contained in this document or for the performance of the financial products mentioned in this document nor shall they have any liability to any person for damage or loss resulting from reliance on any statement or information contained herein.
  10. Saudi Arabia: The Bank has not received authorization or licensing from the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency or any other governmental authority in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to carry on banking business within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Bank does not hold itself out as carrying on, and does not carry on banking business.
  11. South Korea: The document provided by OCBC Singapore is for general information only and is not intended for anyone other than the recipient. It does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person, and does not constitute an offer or solicitation by OCBC Singapore to buy or sell or subscribe for any security or financial instrument or to enter into a transaction or to participate in any particular trading or investment strategy nor an advice or a recommendation with respect to such financial products. This document may not be published, circulated, reproduced or distributed in whole or in part to any other person without OCBC Singapore’s prior written consent. This document is not intended for distribution to, publication or use by any person in any jurisdiction, where such distribution, publication or use would be contrary to applicable law or would subject OCBC Singapore and its related corporations, connected persons, associated persons and/or affiliates to any registration, licensing or other requirements within such jurisdiction.
  12. Thailand: This document has not been, and will not be, registered or filed with the Office of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Thailand. Accordingly, this document and any other information in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of the products, may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the products be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to the public or any members of the public in Thailand, except to the extent permitted otherwise by applicable laws and regulations. Neither OCBC Singapore nor any of its affiliates outside Thailand have any intention to solicit your investment or subscription in the products.
  13. The Philippines: The information contained in this document is not intended to constitute a public offering of securities under the Securities Regulation Code of the Philippines.
  14. UAE (Outside FFZ): The information contained herein is exclusively addressed to the recipient. The offering of certain products in this document has not been and will not be registered with the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates or the Securities & Commodities Authority in the United Arab Emirates. Any products in this document that are being offered or sold do not constitute a public offering or distribution of securities under the applicable laws and regulations of the United Arab Emirates. This document is not intended for circulation or distribution in or into the UAE, other than a) to persons in the UAE to whom such circulation or distribution is permitted by, or is exempt from the requirements of the applicable laws and regulations of the United Arab Emirates, or b) by persons who are duly licensed or authorized by the relevant UAE regulatory authority to distribute this document in the UAE and only as permitted under their license or authorization. This document is provided for information purposes only and contains general information which is not specific in any way to any particular investor and, the information contained herein does not constitute financial advice, nor is it intended to influence an investor’s decision to invest and is it not a recommendation for a recipient to buy or sell or hold any particular investment or participate in any particular trading strategy. The distribution of the information contained herein by the recipient is prohibited.
  15. United Kingdom: In the United Kingdom, this document is being made available only to the person or the entity to whom it is directed being persons to whom it may lawfully be directed under applicable laws and regulations of the United Kingdom (such persons are hereinafter referred to as ‘relevant persons’). Accordingly, this document is communicated only to relevant persons. Persons who are not relevant persons must not act on or rely on this document or any of its contents. Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to relevant persons and will be engaged in only with relevant persons. Relevant persons in receipt of this document must not distribute, publish, reproduce, or disclose this document (in whole or in part) to any person who is not a relevant person.