Keeping it Simple with Simplify Asset Management cover image

Keeping it Simple with Simplify Asset Management

Keeping it Simple | Ep. 44: Cosmic Latte

Jan 13, 2025
Leland Miller, co-founder of the China Beige Book and an expert on China's economy, joins the hosts to share invaluable insights. They delve into the challenges of interpreting China's economic data and the skepticism surrounding official figures. Miller highlights the shift toward economic stability over high growth rates and discusses recent trends in corporate borrowing. The conversation touches on the complexities of the auto industry, especially with electric vehicles, and examines the geopolitical tensions around Taiwan. Transparency in financial regulations also takes center stage.
01:03:28
Creator website

Episode guests

Leland Miller

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The China Beige Book provides a critical alternative perspective on the Chinese economy by offering insights beyond potentially manipulated official statistics.
  • China's economic model is shifting focus from rapid GDP growth to sustainable, balanced growth in response to national security and supply chain vulnerabilities.

Deep dives

The China Beige Book's Data Collection

The China Beige Book is recognized as the largest private data collection operation focused on the Chinese economy. The organization aims to provide a more nuanced picture of the economic realities in China, moving beyond official statistics that can often mislead or be manipulated. By surveying thousands of firms across various regions and sectors, it tracks a wide array of metrics—including inflation, credit, and labor market trends—to reveal the diverse narratives within the Chinese economy. This comprehensive approach is intended to highlight discrepancies that exist between state-run data and the actual experiences of businesses on the ground, thereby offering richer insights into China's economic conditions.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner