China’s Stock Market: An Excitable Dog on a Leash?

Market Overview & Liquidity - The market's recent behavior is viewed as a reality check rather than a broad reflection of underlying issues [2] - The narrative of liquidity driving the market has been disconnected from fundamentals [1] - Excess savings are estimated to be around ¥6 to 7 trillion, which is smaller than many anticipate [8] - The migration of these savings into the equity market is slower than expected, with only approximately ¥300 billion in July and August [9] Policy & Regulation - Policymakers are providing guardrails rather than brakes, indicating a more targeted and earlier intervention approach compared to previous boom-bust cycles [10] - Potential policy moves, including monetary and fiscal policies, are seen as cyclical tools to cushion the economy [2] - Structural moves to encode reflation and rebalance are tied to the upcoming Fourth Plenum and the Five-Year Plan [3][4] - The need for significant stimulus measures may be lessened by the rally in Chinese equities [3] Economic Outlook & Challenges - High-frequency data, including housing exports and physical impulse, indicate soft prints in August [2] - Deflation is expected to be persistent, potentially lasting until the end of next year [12][14] - The second half of the year is forecasted to be softer, with subdued nominal growth [12][14] - Achieving a full pull-through to wages and employment for inflation is challenging [9][16] Sector-Specific Insights - The solar sector is identified as Exhibit A for anti-evolution, with a consolidation plan financed by industry funds to absorb inventory [12] - GreenTech, EVs, power storage, smart manufacturing (AI, industrial robotics), and "new productive forces" (humanoid robots, self-driving cars) show micro-level positivity, particularly in Shenzhen [15]