Weekly buzz: Waking up the Chinese economy

23 June 2023

Share this

  • linkedin
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • email

Want more?

We thought you might.

Join the hundreds of thousands of people who are taking control of their personal finances and investments with tips and market insights delivered straight to their inboxes.

šŸ‰ Chinaā€™s central bank is making moves

Last week, amid concerns about the strength of the economy's recovery, the Peopleā€™s Bank of China (the countryā€™s central bank) lowered key lending rates for both short and medium-term borrowers. (Weā€™ll break down lending rates further in our Jargon Buster section below.) Signs from Chinaā€™s top leaders also signal more monetary policy easing to come.Ā 

Where is the Chinese recovery?

After relaxing its strict COVID-19 restrictions, many expected the Chinese economy to come roaring back to life ā€“ but itā€™s still looking to be in poor health (which was one of our concerns). This is reflected in the so-far anaemic performance of the Hang Seng Index, which includes many of the biggest mainland Chinese companies.

A slew of recent economic data have also pointed towards a more feeble recovery for China. Exports fell by 7.5% year-on-year in May, reflecting weak global demand. Retail sales, meanwhile, showed the recovery in consumption losing momentum. Accordingly, major financial institutions have cut their 2023 GDP forecasts for the country. Now weā€™re seeing why the Chinese central bank is making its policy moves ā€“ think of it as a shot of caffeine for a drowsy economy.

Whatā€™s the bigger picture?

This policy easing is likely just a warm-up; more stimulus from the Chinese central bank may perk up its economy further. Regardless, while Chinaā€™s recovery may still be on-going, itā€™s prudent to take a broader view of things, rather than focus on a single country.Ā 

This highlights the importance of diversification. Being exposed to different regions shields you from individual weaknesses, while allowing participation in broader global growth. Our General Investing portfolios, powered by StashAway or BlackRockĀ®, are diversified across geographies and sectors.

This article was written in collaboration with Finimize.Ā 

šŸšŗ Changing attitudes in womenā€™s investing

Last week, we noted some interesting points in a recent Her World survey on Singaporean womenā€™s shifting relationship with money. It lifted our spirits to hear the news that most women now invest in financial products! Those findings agree with a recent survey by Fidelity that showed how 54% of women across Asia Pacific are actively managing their finances; especially as retirement becomes a rising concern. Despite having primary responsibility over household finances, women tend to be more conservative and risk-averse than men when it comes to investing.Ā 

However, these attitudes appear to be changing ā€“ the study notes that women in Asia Pacific are more willing to learn about investments and personal finances. Women are a rising force in the Asian investing landscape and are projected to hold US$27 trillion in wealth by 2026. In Malaysia, women accounted for more than a third of new stock market investors in 2021. Better access to financial services and knowledge will be crucial to closing the wealth gap between women and men. In the long term, this contributes to greater equality for all.Ā 

šŸŽ“Jargon buster: Lending rates

A lending rate is simply the interest rate charged on a loan ā€“ itā€™s what you pay when you borrow money from a bank. When a central bank adjusts its benchmark interest rate(s), retail banks follow suit. This sends ripples throughout the economy.

Increasing interest rates means less cash in the system, and vice versa. Itā€™s a key lever used to affect the amount of money circulating in the economy, and thus how much people borrow, spend, and invest.

šŸ—“ļø Save the date

Inflation is high, and your favourite plate of Ghuzi does not cost the same as it did a year ago. Conventional solutions like savings accounts and others may also not be the optimal solution to store your cash anymore ā€“ but, there are other ways to make your cash work for you.Ā 

Hear from Joseph, General Manager MENA, StashAway, and Bindu, Senior Portfolio Manager, Emirates NDB Asset Management on:

  • What to do with your cash savings
  • Why cash management solutions are an important part of your investment portfolio
  • Where to invest your cash to earn returns, and how to choose the right option for you

Have any other questions? Weā€™ll be answering them live, so join us!

Reserve your spot

For StashAway General Investing portfolios that are powered by BlackRock, BlackRock provides StashAway with non-binding asset allocation guidance. StashAway manages and provides these portfolios to you, meaning BlackRock does not provide any service or product to you, nor has BlackRock considered the suitability of its asset allocations against your individual needs, objectives, and risk tolerance. As such, the asset allocations that BlackRock provides do not constitute investment advice, or an offer to sell or buy any securities.

BlackRockĀ® is a registered trademark of BlackRock, Inc. and its affiliates (ā€œBlackRockā€) and is used under licence. BlackRock is not affiliated with StashAway and therefore makes no representations or warranties regarding the advisability of investing in any product or service offered by StashAway. BlackRock has no obligation or liability in connection with the operation, marketing, trading or sale of such product or service nor does BlackRock have any obligation or liability to any client or customer of StashAway.Ā 


Share this

  • linkedin
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • email

Want more?

We thought you might.

Join the hundreds of thousands of people who are taking control of their personal finances and investments with tips and market insights delivered straight to their inboxes.