Understanding Evergrande's Struggles and China's Economic Slowdown

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This chapter explores the recent developments in the Chinese property developer Evergrande and the concerns surrounding its survival. It delves into the regulatory changes in China's housing market, the impact on Evergrande's struggles, and the hesitation among Chinese buyers and consumers to invest in property and durable consumer goods. The chapter also discusses the role of China's central bank in responding to the economic slowdown, the challenges faced by local governments in implementing stimulus measures, and questions the source of stimulus if not from the central bank.

During past economic downturns, officials have been both swift and bold. This time not so much—because their hands are tied by knotty internal politics. We ask why Latin America makes for such a useful playground for Russian spies (10:07). And remembering Fernando Botero, a Colombian artist who never deviated from his not-quite-comically plump figures (18:16).

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