Vi e w p o i n t | 06 Jan 2026 23:20:40 ET │ 13 pages China Economics Could Renminbi Revaluation Lead to Economic Rebalancing? CITI'S TAKE RMB appreciation expectations are accumulating as China's trade surplus surges to a historic >US$1trn. The question goes further to whether a stronger currency will help rebalance the Chinese economy. Perhaps yes for external rebalancing, but certainly not for internal rebalancing, in our view. The latter still calls for more direct stimulus and structural measures to em ...

Summary of the 2026 China Economics Outlook Industry Overview - **Industry**: Chinese Economy - **Focus**: Economic growth, inflation trends, fiscal policy, and investment dynamics Key Points Economic Growth Projections - **Nominal GDP Growth**: Expected to be subdued at **4.1%** in 2026, with a rebound to **4.8%** in 2027 [3][10][11] - **Real GDP Growth**: Projected at **4.8%** in 2026 and **4.6%** in 2027, down from approximately **5%** in 2025 [10][11] - **CPI and Deflation**: CPI is expected to remain low due to property market drag and weak wage growth, with a gradual shift from deflation to lowflation anticipated by 2027 [4][80] Inflation Dynamics - **GDP Deflator**: Expected to be **-0.7%** in 2026, turning slightly positive at **0.2%** in 2027 [80] - **CPI Trends**: Core CPI is projected to remain subdued until **2H26-2027**, with gradual improvements expected as property market pressures ease [80][82] Policy and Fiscal Measures - **Fiscal Policy**: Modestly expansionary with an augmented fiscal deficit expected to widen by **0.5ppt** of GDP, focusing on technology localization and infrastructure [5][55] - **Monetary Policy**: Anticipated policy rate cuts of **10-20bps** and RRR reductions of **25-50bps** in 2026 to support fiscal measures [59] - **Public Spending**: Shift towards public services with growth in public consumption expected to reach **5.3%** in 2026 and **5.5%** in 2027 [25][26] Investment Trends - **Investment Growth**: Real gross fixed capital formation growth projected to remain soft at **2.4%** in 2026 and **2.2%** in 2027, influenced by anti-involution policies and local government financing constraints [31][32] - **Manufacturing Investment**: Expected to grow at low single digits due to overcapacity and deflationary pressures [33][36] - **Property Sector**: Continues to face significant challenges with high inventory levels and weak demand, leading to a contraction in property investment [35][41] Consumption Patterns - **Household Consumption**: Expected to slow to **4.2%** in 2026, with a rebound to **4.4%** in 2027 as labor market conditions improve [15][19] - **Social Welfare Spending**: Gradual increases in social welfare spending anticipated, focusing on education, healthcare, and elder care [18][25] Risks and Challenges - **Economic Risks**: Potential for renewed trade tensions and a US recession could exacerbate supply-demand imbalances and deflationary pressures [6] - **Implementation Challenges**: Central government support for housing may face practical challenges in execution [5][56] Global Context - **Export Dynamics**: Net exports expected to contribute **1.3ppt** to growth in both 2026 and 2027, despite a slight moderation in export growth due to earlier front-loading effects [41][42] - **Global Demand**: Stable global growth projected at **3.1%** in 2026 and **3.3%** in 2027, supporting China's export resilience [43] AI and Technology Investment - **AI-Driven Growth**: Anticipated capex boom in AI-related sectors expected to offset property market drag by **0.2-0.3ppt** of real GDP in 2026-27 [47][48] Conclusion - The outlook for the Chinese economy in 2026 reflects a cautious approach to growth, with a focus on gradual rebalancing and addressing deflationary pressures while navigating global uncertainties and domestic challenges [68][79]

Key Takeaways from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The report focuses on the **China Economics** sector, specifically analyzing the **3Q GDP** performance and its implications for the broader economy [1][4]. Core Insights and Arguments - **GDP Growth Rate**: The 3Q GDP is projected to slow to **4.5% YoY**, a decrease from **5.2% YoY** in 2Q, indicating a broader economic slowdown [2][9]. - **Infrastructure Investment Decline**: A significant contributor to the GDP slowdown is the decline in **infrastructure capital expenditure (capex)**, attributed to a high base of government bond funding and tighter local government liquidity [2][9]. - **Retail Sales Performance**: Retail sales growth has dropped to a **9-month low of 3.4% YoY**, influenced by slow disbursement and reduced effectiveness of trade-in subsidies [2][9]. - **Industrial Production**: Industrial production growth has moderated, with key sectors like manufacturing and infrastructure showing negative growth rates [5][9]. - **Stimulus Expectations**: There is an expectation for a **Rmb0.5-1 trillion** stimulus package aimed at infrastructure and consumption support, which is anticipated to cushion growth in the short term [3][9]. Additional Important Points - **Structural Reforms**: The report emphasizes that sustained economic reflation will depend on structural reforms to rebalance the economy, with particular attention to the upcoming **4th Plenary Session** for potential signals of such reforms [3][9]. - **Debt Management**: The report notes that **92%** of this year's **Rmb2 trillion** debt swap quota has been utilized, indicating a potential strain on local government finances [2][9]. - **Sector-Specific Trends**: The property sector continues to struggle, with new starts down **18.3% YoY**, reflecting ongoing challenges in the real estate market [5][9]. This summary encapsulates the critical insights from the conference call, highlighting the economic challenges and potential policy responses in the context of China's current economic landscape.

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The focus is on **China's social welfare reform** as a critical component of the upcoming **Five-Year Plan** to address economic challenges such as **debt**, **demographics**, and **deflation** [1][2][3]. Core Insights and Arguments 1. **Social Welfare Reform as a Policy Lever**: The reform is seen as pivotal for rebalancing growth, boosting confidence, and enhancing productivity in the long term, despite potential short-term costs [1][3][5]. 2. **Fragmentation of the Social Welfare System**: The current system is fragmented, leading to high household savings and insufficient risk sharing, particularly between urban and rural residents [3][4][12]. 3. **Reform Roadmap**: The roadmap includes narrowing the urban-rural divide, improving social security for aging populations, and ensuring funding sustainability through state-owned equity transfers and governance reforms [4][18][19]. 4. **Short-term Costs vs. Long-term Benefits**: While more generous benefits may initially slow growth, they are expected to lead to increased consumption and economic stability in the long run [5][20][22]. 5. **Demographic Challenges**: The aging population poses significant fiscal pressures, necessitating reforms to ensure the sustainability of social insurance systems [18][103]. Additional Important Content 1. **High Savings Rate**: China's national savings rate has averaged around **44% of GDP** over the past three decades, with household savings being a significant contributor [25][27]. 2. **Inequality in Pension and Medical Care**: The average annual pension payout for urban employees was **Rmb 44,913** in 2023, compared to **Rmb 2,227** for rural residents, highlighting stark disparities [75]. 3. **Fiscal Transfers**: Current fiscal transfers cover about **25% of social insurance spending**, with annual subsidies reaching **Rmb 2.7 trillion** (approximately **2% of GDP**) in 2024 [104]. 4. **Future Projections**: The national pension fund is projected to face deficits starting in **2028**, with a potential depletion by **2035** if reforms are not implemented [104]. This summary encapsulates the critical aspects of the conference call, focusing on the implications of social welfare reform in China and its potential impact on the economy.

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The report focuses on the **China Economics** sector, particularly addressing the **deflationary trends** and economic growth challenges in China as of August 2025 [1][5]. Core Insights and Arguments - **Growth Slowdown**: There was a sharper-than-expected growth dip in July, with real GDP growth projected to slow to **4.5% YoY** in Q3, down from **5.2% YoY** in Q2. This slowdown is attributed to a decline in infrastructure capital expenditure by **7.3 percentage points** and a drop in durable goods sales due to weather disruptions and a pause in consumption trade-in subsidies [2][3][7]. - **Future Projections**: While a mild rebound in year-over-year growth is anticipated for August, driven by fading weather disruptions and resumed trade-in subsidies, a further slowdown is expected in September due to the payback of export front-loading and a higher fiscal spending base [3][7]. - **Policy Measures**: Incremental policy moves are expected to provide a floor for the economy. The Chinese government is implementing a measured anti-involution push and accelerating consumption support, which is seen as a constructive response to the "3D" challenges facing the economy. A supplementary budget of **Rmb0.5-1 trillion** is anticipated to mitigate the growth slowdown [4][7]. Important Data Points - **July Activity Indicators**: - Industrial Production (IP) growth was **5.7%** in July, down from **6.8%** in June. - Manufacturing sector growth decreased to **6.2%** from **7.4%** in June. - Fixed Asset Investment (FAI) showed a year-to-date growth of **1.6%**, with a year-over-year decline of **5.2%** in July [6]. - **Retail Sales**: Nominal retail sales growth was **3.7%** in July, down from **4.8%** in June, with auto sales declining by **1.5%** [6]. Other Noteworthy Content - The report emphasizes the importance of monitoring the **property sector**, which continues to face challenges, with sales down **7.2%** and new starts down **9.1%** in July [6]. - The analysis suggests that while the economic outlook remains cautious, the government's proactive measures could help stabilize the market narrative and support growth in the medium term [4][7].

Report Industry Investment Rating - Not provided in the given content. Core Viewpoints of the Report - Despite a 25 - 30pt increase in VNKRLEs year - to - date, the valuation is still undemanding with upside potential due to SZ Metro's support and Vanke's manageable offshore debt maturities, so the buy recommendation on VNKRLEs is maintained [8]. - The recommendation on YLLGSP is changed to neutral from buy because of its unappealing valuation, although Yanlord is still considered a survivor in the sector [10]. - China's macro - policy is shifting towards economic rebalancing, focusing on boosting household consumption and addressing supply - side competition. The policy implementation window may open in 4Q25, and it may positively impact bond yields, RMB exchange rates, and Chinese stocks [14]. Summary by Relevant Catalogs Trading Desk Comments - Yesterday, in KR, LGENSO 26 - 35s tightened 6 - 12bps after LG Energy signed a USD4.3bn battery supply contract with Tesla. In Chinese IGs, CNOOC/JD 39 - 50s long - end was 0.4 - 0.7pt lower. ZHOSHK 28 tightened 8bps. In financials, MIZUHO/SUMIBK Float 30 - 31s tightened 1bp. In insurance, NSINTW 34 and SHIKON 35 widened. Some AT1s and perpetual bonds rose. In HK, new bonds like LIFUNG 29 and LASUDE/LIHHK 26 increased. In Chinese properties, Yanlord repurchased USD46.65mn of YLLGSP, VNKRLE 27 - 29s decreased, and Vanke got a new loan from SZ Metro [1]. - This morning, LGENSO 27 - 35s widened 2 - 3bps, ZHOSHK 28 tightened 1bp, BBLTB 34 - 40s tightened 2 - 5bps. New CNH CB 30/35/55 were 0.1 - 0.3pt lower. VNKRLE 27 - 29s were 0.3 - 0.4pt lower [2]. Outside Properties - EHICAR 26/27 were up 0.4 - 1.2pts, 1.7 - 2.8pts higher week - to - date. In SE Asia, ADSEZ 27 - 31s were up 0.1 - 0.2pt, and other Adani complex bonds had a 0.1pt decrease to 0.2pt increase. VLLPM 29 lowered 0.8pt [3]. CNH Space - New CNH CCAMCL 29/30 were 0.2 - 0.6pts lower. New CNH TEMASE 30/35/55 and CHMEDA 30/35 closed 0.1 - 0.6pt lower. KCGZIG priced a 3yr CNH1.4bn bond at par. There were two - way interests in some CNH and USD new issues. SPICPD Perp was up 0.1pt [4]. Last Trading Day's Top Movers - Top performers included GWFOOD 3.258 10/29/30 with a 2.5pt increase and EHICAR 7 09/21/26 with a 1.2pt increase. Top underperformers included JMUDIV 6.9 05/30/27 with a 1.3pt decrease and MTRC 5 1/4 04/01/55 with a 1.0pt decrease [5]. Macro News Recap - On Wednesday, S&P was down 0.12%, Dow was down 0.38%, and Nasdaq was up 0.15%. The US Fed kept the benchmark interest rate unchanged. US Jul '25 ADP Non - farm employment was + 104k, higher than expected. US 2Q25 GDP was + 3.0% qoq, higher than expected. Trump mentioned a possible tariff on India, and UST yield was higher [6]. Desk Analyst Comments - Vanke obtained a secured loan of up to RMB869mn from SZ Metro with a 2.34% funding cost. Cumulatively, SZ Metro has provided RMB22.7bn in loans, about 59% unsecured. VNKRLE 3.975 11/09/27 and VNKRLE 3 1/2 11/12/29 are trading at YTM of 13.8% and 11.6% respectively [8]. - Yanlord further repurchased USD46.65mn of YLLGSP 5 1/8 05/20/26, reducing the outstanding amount to USD379.66mn. It had previous repurchases in Apr '25 and early Jul '25. YLLGSP is trading at a YTM of 5.2% [10]. China Policy - The Politburo meeting signals a shift towards economic rebalancing, focusing on boosting consumption and reducing supply - side competition. China may boost consumption through multiple measures and address supply - side issues by eliminating local protectionism, etc. The policy implementation window may open in 4Q25 [14]. Offshore Asia New Issues - No new offshore Asia issues were priced today. There is a pipeline issue from Chengdu & Europe Industrial Zone with a 3 - year tenor, a 7.3% pricing, and an unrated status [22][23]. News and Market Color - Yesterday, 66 credit bonds were issued in onshore primary issuances with an amount of RMB38bn. Month - to - date, 2,033 credit bonds were issued, raising RMB2,110bn, a 12.8% yoy increase [25]. - There are various corporate news, such as Moody's outlook revision for AAC Technologies, HSBC's subsidiary NPL change, JD's acquisition plan, etc. [25].

Investment Rating - The report does not provide a specific investment rating for the RMB or related assets Core Insights - The RMB is unlikely to appreciate significantly due to persistent deflationary pressures and the need for accommodative monetary policy [6][9] - Historical parallels between Japan's currency appreciation in the 1980s and the current situation in China are drawn, but the report argues that the RMB will not follow the same path [3][6] - Significant RMB appreciation would exacerbate deflation rather than alleviate it, and sustainable economic rebalancing requires more than just currency appreciation [6][10] Summary by Sections Currency Appreciation and Trade Tensions - Currency appreciation alone is insufficient to resolve complex trade tensions between the US and China, which involve multiple issues beyond currency [10][11] - Historical instances of RMB appreciation did not lead to a narrowing of China's trade surplus with the US [12][13] Deflationary Pressures - China is currently facing intense deflationary pressures, and significant currency appreciation would further harm corporate profits and aggregate demand [23][25] - The report highlights that exporters, particularly SMEs, would suffer from translation losses due to currency appreciation [24][25] Economic Rebalancing - Achieving sustainable economic rebalancing in China requires structural changes in growth models rather than just currency appreciation [41][42] - Policymakers in China prefer investment-driven growth, which complicates the shift towards consumption-led growth [41][42] Historical Context - Japan's experience with currency appreciation in the 1980s led to a loss of export competitiveness and did not result in sustainable economic rebalancing [32][46] - The report emphasizes that Japan's currency appreciation did not lead to a significant increase in private consumption as a share of GDP [54][53]