AFTY ETF

Chinese companies are being encouraged to return cash to shareholders - and are finding good reasons to do so. Regulators are encouraging companies to focus on shareholder returns, and changing macroeconomic conditions are making it easier for Chinese companies to pay dividends. Given the risks, we think an active investing approach is especially important when investing in high-dividend Chinese stocks.

The People's Bank of China kept the one-year medium-term lending facility rate unchanged at 2.5% today, in line with market expectations. We believe that in conjunction with today's data releases and the start of rate cuts in other central banks such as the European Central Bank and Bank of Canada, the odds of a PBoC rate cut in the coming months have risen.

Key economic indicators are mixed in China and, in fact, were mostly weaker than expected last month. So, policymakers are now stepping up support for the property sector in particular.

The PBOC held the 1-year medium-term lending facility (MLF) rate at 2.5% in March. The PBOC remains on a dovish tilt, but depreciation pressure on the RMB limits room for monetary easing in China before global central banks start to cut rates.

China and Hong Kong markets had a humbling 2023 with equities down more than 10%. Beijing has also begun stepping up tourism and travel promotions, granting visa-free entry to 11 countries, with Singapore and Thailand the latest to be included.

Why China May Need To Do More To Boost Investor Confidence

The Chinese economy is stabilising, but the only fireworks will come from the new year celebrations, which begin on February 11, as momentum remains weak. China's GDP growth for the fourth quarter rose from 4.9% year-on-year to 5.2%, bringing 2023 full-year growth to 5.2% YoY, exceeding the 5% growth target set at last year's Two Sessions.

While recent policy announcements and data surprises have generated some optimism, we maintain a cautious stance on China's economic prospects. We believe weak consumption trends, a downbeat labor market and continuing property sector headwinds should all weigh on the economy in the coming quarters.

China's government is finally moving to stimulate the economy after its sluggish post-COVID reopening.