Global Macro Research
China

China's lacklustre growth set to Drag-on

Q4 GDP and December’s monthly data still imply activity has firmed from the summer trough. But real estate continues to pose a major challenge to 2024 growth. Markets may also be sensitive to the upcoming US election, implying a high bar for the return of animal spirits.

Authors
Robert Gilhooly
Senior Emerging Markets Economist
Emerging Markets Economist
China flag

Duration: 1 Min

Date: 19 Jan 2024

Key Takeaways

  • 2023 GDP growth was marginally below consensus expectations, but, at 5.2%, it expanded slightly above the government’s growth target (5%).  
  • That said, the reopening boost at the start of the year – combined with base effects from the lockdown- induced stress in 2022 – meant that this was an exceptionally low bar.
  • China’s December data releases at least provided further evidence that policy easing to date is gaining traction, even if activity remains shaky in parts. 
  • The property sector remains a major concern. Key metrics now point to a continued slide, rather than the tentative stabilisation indicated a couple of months ago. A faster pace of price falls also implies that households are staying on the sidelines.
  • Policy continues to ease, as illustrated by robust government debt issuance and strengthening infrastructure investment. And the rumoured ‘ultralong’ debt issuance could further loosen financial conditions.  
  • But the desire to hold the line on de-risking is still resulting in a targeted and incremental approach.  
  • The Taiwanese election at least has passed without incident (thus far anyway). The potential for the US election to usher in greater US-China risk is however another reason for investors to stay away. 
  • We remain somewhat cautious about the Year of the Dragon and our 2024 growth forecast stays at 4.4%.

     

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