Top of main content

China in Focus: Policy support ramping up

21 October 2024

Key takeaways

  • Large fiscal space, but details yet to come through; stock market tools are now being implemented.
  • Private enterprise promotion law proposed with emphasis on creating fair competition to shore up confidence.
  • We see more fiscal stimulus forthcoming to help reach this year’s growth target.

China data review (Q3 and September 2024)[@source-wind-hsbc]

  • GDP rose by 4.6% y-o-y in Q3 supported by an improvement in domestic activity in September. The key driving force has been the recent rollout of expanded consumer trade-ins and equipment upgrading programs since August, helping to lift growth of industrial production and retail sales both in y-o-y and m-o-m terms.
  • Retail sales grew by 3.2% y-o-y in September with home appliances (+20.5% y-o-y, from 3.4% in August) and autos (+0.4% y-o-y, from -7.3% in August) the key beneficiaries of the consumer trade-in program. Meanwhile, Industrial Production picked up 5.8% y-o-y as manufacturing sector purchases of equipment rose 16.4% year-to-date through September.
  • Property investment declined by 9.4% y-o-y in September, although the pace moderated from the 10.2% y-o-y fall in August. Recent policy easing measures in tier-1 cities have led to stronger sales, while mortgage payment adjustments and extended loan provisions should also provide support.
  • CPI inflation rose a modest 0.4% y-o-y in September, reflecting sluggish consumption trends in prior months. PPI deflation deepened to -2.8% y-o-y due to weak domestic activity, particularly from the property sector, as well as softer global commodity prices.
  • Export growth softened to 2.4% y-o-y in September (from 8.7% y-o-y in August) on the back of extreme weather (e.g. typhoons in the Yangtze River Delta), global shipping events (e.g. US shipping strike) and a high base. Imports, meanwhile, rose by a muted 0.3% y-o-y (from 0.5% y-o-y in August) given a less favourable base and ongoing weakness in domestic demand.

Policy support ramping up

Since 24 September, many departments have held press conferences, with a package of incremental policies covering monetary support, stocks, property sector, private enterprises, people's livelihood, industry and other aspects. We detail key announcements below.

Tackling the challenges

More support measures under discussion

The Ministry of Finance (MoF)’s 12 October press conference was a mixed result for markets. On the one hand, it fell short of announcing a specific fiscal amount but noted that additional bond issuance and fiscal deficit increases were under discussion. Indeed, Caixin reported on 13 October that policymakers are considering issuing RMB6trn of special government bonds to swap local government debt. The upcoming State Council executive meeting and the National People’s Congress Standing Committee meeting will be the key meetings to watch.

Central government may increase its debt limit

On the other hand, the meeting helped to address key issues facing China’s economy: resolving local government debt and stabilising the property market. The Finance Minister stated that “a significant one-time increase in the debt limit will be used for local government debt swaps”, the strongest measure to support resolving local government debt in recent years. There is also the possibility that central government debt could be used to alleviate some of the burden.

Meanwhile, proceeds from special local government bonds (SLGB) will be permitted to acquire land or unsold commercial housing for the first time to stabilize the housing market, which should help improve property developer liquidity and produce positive wealth effects to support consumption.

Rejuvenating the housing market

New policies aimed at boosting the property market

Officials from bodies including the Ministry of Housing and Urban and Rural Development, MoF and People’s Bank of China (PBoC) held a joint press conference on 17 October to introduce two key policies for the property sector: using cash resettlement to renovate 1 million homes in urban villages (i.e. compensating residents financially instead of providing alternative housing or physical relocation), and increasing lending for “whitelist” projects to RMB4trn by year end (from RMB2.23trn), to complete unfinished, partly-sold housing projects.

More policy support is likely on the way

Funding for the program is set to come from a mix of SLGB, policy bank loans and commercial bank loans. Indeed, MoF officials have noted that there is still RMB2.3trn of SLGB available to be used this year, some of which we think could go towards the housing sector. Overall, the policy stimulus measures announced since the end of September should provide tailwinds for growth, but we think that more fiscal support is needed, and a more specific package is likely on the way.

More than just fiscal

New laws being drafted to lift business confidence

Fiscal aside, other policies are rapidly being implemented to shore up the economy and markets. Examples include the PBoC’s new RMB500bn liquidity facility for the stock market, the State Administration for Market Regulation’s measures to strengthen financing support for small and medium enterprises, and the new private economy promotion law from Ministry of Justice and National Development and Reform Commission to address matters including fair competition, financing, and innovation, which is aimed at boosting market confidence.

Source: LSEG Eikon

* Past performance is not an indication of future returns

Source: LSEG Eikon. As of 18 October 2024, market close

Achieve your wealth goals with our suite of wealth management solutions

Open an investment account and start your wealth journey with us

Related Insights

Surging exports are providing a powerful boost to growth across much of ASEAN…[8 Oct]
China’s policy focus is shifting to supporting consumption more, following announcements...[18 Sep]
Consumption recovered a touch in July, manufacturing stayed buoyant, but property market...[19 Aug]
Amid all the noise, from elections to geopolitics, ASEAN’s economic performance continues. [1 Jul]

Disclosure appendix

Additional disclosures

1. This report is dated as at 18 October 2024.

2. All market data included in this report are dated as at close 17 October 2024, unless a different date and/or a specific time of day is indicated in the report.

3. HSBC has procedures in place to identify and manage any potential conflicts of interest that arise in connection with its Research business. HSBC's analysts and its other staff who are involved in the preparation and dissemination of Research operate and have a management reporting line independent of HSBC's Investment Banking business. Information Barrier procedures are in place between the Investment Banking, Principal Trading, and Research businesses to ensure that any confidential and/or price sensitive information is handled in an appropriate manner.

4. You are not permitted to use, for reference, any data in this document for the purpose of (i) determining the interest payable, or other sums due, under loan agreements or under other financial contracts or instruments, (ii) determining the price at which a financial instrument may be bought or sold or traded or redeemed, or the value of a financial instrument, and/or (iii) measuring the performance of a financial instrument or of an investment fund.

Disclaimer

This document or video is prepared by The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (‘HBAP’), 1 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong. HBAP is incorporated in Hong Kong and is part of the HSBC Group. This document or video is distributed and/or made available, HSBC Bank (China) Company Limited, HSBC Bank (Singapore) Limited, HSBC Bank Middle East Limited (UAE), HSBC UK Bank Plc, HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad (198401015221  (127776-V))/HSBC Amanah Malaysia Berhad (20080100642 1 (807705-X)), HSBC Bank (Taiwan) Limited, HSBC Bank plc, Jersey Branch, HSBC Bank plc, Guernsey Branch, HSBC Bank plc in the Isle of Man, HSBC Continental Europe, Greece, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, India (HSBC India), HSBC Bank (Vietnam) Limited, PT Bank HSBC Indonesia (HBID), HSBC Bank (Uruguay) S.A. (HSBC Uruguay is authorised and oversought by Banco Central del Uruguay), HBAP Sri Lanka Branch, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited – Philippine Branch, HSBC Investment and Insurance Brokerage, Philippines Inc, and HSBC FinTech Services (Shanghai) Company Limited and HSBC Mexico, S.A. Multiple Banking Institution HSBC Financial Group (collectively, the “Distributors”) to their respective clients. This document or video is for general circulation and information purposes only.

The contents of this document or video may not be reproduced or further distributed to any person or entity, whether in whole or in part, for any purpose. This document or video must not be distributed in any jurisdiction where its distribution is unlawful. All non-authorised reproduction or use of this document or video will be the responsibility of the user and may lead to legal proceedings. The material contained in this document or video is for general information purposes only and does not constitute investment research or advice or a recommendation to buy or sell investments. Some of the statements contained in this document or video may be considered forward looking statements which provide current expectations or forecasts of future events. Such forward looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those described in such forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. HBAP and the Distributors do not undertake any obligation to update the forward-looking statements contained herein, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. This document or video has no contractual value and is not by any means intended as a solicitation, nor a recommendation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument in any jurisdiction in which such an offer is not lawful. The views and opinions expressed are based on the HSBC Global Investment Committee at the time of preparation and are subject to change at any time. These views may not necessarily indicate HSBC Asset Management‘s current portfolios’ composition. Individual portfolios managed by HSBC Asset Management primarily reflect individual clients’ objectives, risk preferences, time horizon, and market liquidity.

The value of investments and the income from them can go down as well as up and investors may not get back the amount originally invested. Past performance contained in this document or video is not a reliable indicator of future performance whilst any forecasts, projections and simulations contained herein should not be relied upon as an indication of future results. Where overseas investments are held the rate of currency exchange may cause the value of such investments to go down as well as up. Investments in emerging markets are by their nature higher risk and potentially more volatile than those inherent in some established markets. Economies in emerging markets generally are heavily dependent upon international trade and, accordingly, have been and may continue to be affected adversely by trade barriers, exchange controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures imposed or negotiated by the countries with which they trade. These economies also have been and may continue to be affected adversely by economic conditions in the countries in which they trade. Investments are subject to market risks, read all investment related documents carefully.

This document or video provides a high-level overview of the recent economic environment and has been prepared for information purposes only. The views presented are those of HBAP and are based on HBAP’s global views and may not necessarily align with the Distributors’ local views. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of its dissemination. It is not intended to provide and should not be relied on for accounting, legal or tax advice. Before you make any investment decision, you may wish to consult an independent financial adviser. In the event that you choose not to seek advice from a financial adviser, you should carefully consider whether the investment product is suitable for you. You are advised to obtain appropriate professional advice where necessary.

The accuracy and/or completeness of any third-party information obtained from sources which we believe to be reliable might have not been independently verified, hence Customer must seek from several sources prior to making investment decision. 

The following statement is only applicable to HSBC Mexico, S.A. Multiple Banking Institution HSBC Financial Group with regard to how the publication is distributed to its customers: This publication is distributed by Wealth Insights of HSBC México, and its objective is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as an offer or invitation to buy or sell any security related to financial instruments, investments or other financial product. This communication is not intended to contain an exhaustive description of the considerations that may be important in making a decision to make any change and/or modification to any product, and what is contained or reflected in this report does not constitute, and is not intended to constitute, nor should it be construed as advice, investment advice or a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any service, product, security, merchandise, currency or any other asset.

Receiving parties should not consider this document as a substitute for their own judgment. The past performance of the securities or financial instruments mentioned herein is not necessarily indicative of future results. All information, as well as prices indicated, are subject to change without prior notice; Wealth Insights of HSBC Mexico is not obliged to update or keep it current or to give any notification in the event that the information presented here undergoes any update or change. The securities and investment products described herein may not be suitable for sale in all jurisdictions or may not be suitable for some categories of investors.

The information contained in this communication is derived from a variety of sources deemed reliable; however, its accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. HSBC México will not be responsible for any loss or damage of any kind that may arise from transmission errors, inaccuracies, omissions, changes in market factors or conditions, or any other circumstance beyond the control of HSBC. Different HSBC legal entities may carry out distribution of Wealth Insights internationally in accordance with local regulatory requirements.

Important Information about the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, India (“HSBC India”)

HSBC India is a branch of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited. HSBC India is a distributor of mutual funds and referrer of investment products from third party entities registered and regulated in India. HSBC India does not distribute investment products to those persons who are either the citizens or residents of United States of America (USA), Canada or New Zealand or any other jurisdiction where such distribution would be contrary to law or regulation.

The following statement is only applicable to HSBC Bank (Taiwan) Limited with regard to how the publication is distributed to its customers: HSBC Bank (Taiwan) Limited (“the Bank”) shall fulfill the fiduciary duty act as a reasonable person once in exercising offering/conducting ordinary care in offering trust services/ business. However, the Bank disclaims any guarantee on the management or operation performance of the trust business.

The following statement is only applicable to PT Bank HSBC Indonesia (“HBID”): PT Bank HSBC Indonesia (“HBID”) is licensed and supervised by Indonesia Financial Services Authority (“OJK”). Customer must understand that historical performance does not guarantee future performance. Investment product that are offered in HBID is third party products, HBID is a selling agent for third party product such as Mutual Fund and Bonds. HBID and HSBC Group (HSBC Holdings Plc and its subsidiaries and associates company or any of its branches) does not guarantee the underlying investment, principal or return on customer investment. Investment in Mutual Funds and Bonds is not covered by the deposit insurance program of the Indonesian Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS). 

Important information on ESG and sustainable investing

Today we finance a number of industries that significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. We have a strategy to help our customers to reduce their emissions and to reduce our own. For more information visit www.hsbc.com/sustainability.

In broad terms “ESG and sustainable investing” products include investment approaches or instruments which consider environmental, social, governance and/or other sustainability factors to varying degrees. Certain instruments we classify as sustainable may be in the process of changing to deliver sustainability outcomes. There is no guarantee that ESG and Sustainable investing products will produce returns similar to those which don’t consider these factors. ESG and Sustainable investing products may diverge from traditional market benchmarks. In addition, there is no standard definition of, or measurement criteria for, ESG and Sustainable investing or the impact of ESG and Sustainable investing products. ESG and Sustainable investing and related impact measurement criteria are (a) highly subjective and (b) may vary significantly across and within sectors.

HSBC may rely on measurement criteria devised and reported by third party providers or issuers. HSBC does not always conduct its own specific due diligence in relation to measurement criteria. There is no guarantee: (a) that the nature of the ESG / sustainability impact or measurement criteria of an investment will be aligned with any particular investor’s sustainability goals; or (b) that the stated level or target level of ESG / sustainability impact will be achieved. ESG and Sustainable investing is an evolving area and new regulations are being developed which will affect how investments can be categorised or labelled. An investment which is considered to fulfil sustainable criteria today may not meet those criteria at some point in the future.

THE CONTENTS OF THIS DOCUMENT OR VIDEO HAVE NOT BEEN REVIEWED BY ANY REGULATORY AUTHORITY IN HONG KONG OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION. YOU ARE ADVISED TO EXERCISE CAUTION IN RELATION TO THE INVESTMENT AND THIS DOCUMENT OR VIDEO. IF YOU ARE IN DOUBT ABOUT ANY OF THE CONTENTS OF THIS DOCUMENT OR VIDEO, YOU SHOULD OBTAIN INDEPENDENT PROFESSIONAL ADVICE.

© Copyright 2024. The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

No part of this document or video may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, on any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited.

Notes