Global Data Pod Research Rap: China’s policy shift
Oct 10, 2024
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Haibin Zhu, Chief Economist for China at J.P. Morgan Global Research, shares his insights on China's recent policy changes. He discusses the imminent 2 trillion yuan fiscal stimulus package and its implications for economic growth. The conversation also examines the challenges in the housing market, highlighting high inventory levels and declining prices. Zhu emphasizes the critical need for effective policies to support the vulnerable real estate sector and stimulates growth, while considering how external factors might influence China's economic trajectory.
China's coordinated monetary and fiscal policies mark a significant shift, aiming for economic revitalization while addressing long-term challenges ahead of 2025.
The effectiveness of the anticipated 2 trillion yuan fiscal package hinges on its composition, particularly the level of direct consumer support to boost economic growth.
Deep dives
Significant Policy Shifts in China
China is experiencing a major policy shift characterized by coordinated monetary easing, fiscal stimulus, and structural rebalancing. Recent measures by the People's Bank of China (PBOC) included noteworthy rate cuts and support for the housing market, shifting away from previous incremental adjustments. This coordinated effort has elicited comparisons to the extensive stimulus packages from the global financial crisis era, although the current policies, while significant, may not yet match their magnitude. Expectations are set for further stimulus announcements to clarify the actual impact on China's economic growth beyond the current optimism surrounding these measures.
Anticipated Fiscal Package Implications
The expected announcement of a 2 trillion yuan fiscal package is anticipated to have significant implications for China's economic growth outlook. Analysts are particularly interested in the breakdown of this package, as a substantial portion allocated toward consumer support could result in a more favorable revision of growth forecasts. However, there are concerns that much of the new stimulus may relate to local government refinancing rather than direct consumption incentives, which could limit the macroeconomic impact. Thus, the precise details of the package will be crucial in determining its overall effectiveness in enhancing economic activity.
Challenges in the Housing Market
The housing sector remains a critical challenge for China's economy, with ongoing issues such as oversupply and declining home prices exacerbating economic woes. Despite recent policy easing measures aimed at revitalizing demand, concerns persist regarding their effectiveness in reversing the current negative cycle of weak sales and falling prices. The inventory levels of unsold properties have surged, creating a significant barrier to recovery unless more aggressive, effective actions are taken to stimulate homebuying. Without substantial changes, including potential fiscal subsidies to stabilize prices, the housing market is likely to continue facing headwinds in the near term.
Haibin Zhu and Nora Szentivanyi discuss China’s latest policy easing measures and what to expect in coming weeks and months. Three aspects of the upcoming fiscal announcement will be important to watch: magnitude, composition and forward guidance. We do not expect the October fiscal package to exceed 2 trillion yuan, with only modest direct support for consumers, but additional fiscal easing is likely further down the road. Accommodative fiscal policy is important not only in the near term, but also into 2025 when the Chinese economy may face a series of adverse shocks.