China Inc by BBW

A New EU Probe, and a Used Car IPO

The EU has launched a new probe after European firms complained of restricted access to China's huge medical equipment procurement market. Is the EU getting more aggressive on China's trade practices? And used car specialist Autostreets applies for a Hong Kong listing, touting a coming boom in Chinese used car sales. Why have Chinese traditionally preferred new cars, and what's changed now, if anything?

Construction Material Woes, and a New Bull Market

Much has been said about China's suffering property developers, but construction material makers are also in trouble. Will the government come to their rescue? And offshore China stocks enter bull territory with a 25% rally for the Hang Seng Index. What's driving this sudden surge, and will it last?

Ping An Trust Misses a Payment, and SAIC Sells Down Its India Venture

Ping An Trust has missed a $100 million payment on a wealth management product tied to Zhenro, a property developer. Does this show the woes afflicting China's trust industry are creeping up the food chain to top-tier names like Ping An? And leading automaker SAIC has sold 51% of its India venture to local partners for $624 million. Is this purely a commercial move, or is it also motivated by concerns about recent China-India tensions?

A Fitch Downgrade, and New Steps to Bring Back Global Tourists

Fitch has lowered its outlook on China's sovereign rating to "negative," citing economic uncertainty. What does this mean for investors, and what's the likelihood of an actual ratings downgrade? And China has ordered all hotels rated three stars or higher to accept foreign credit cards. Will this help to bring back foreign travelers after three years of Covid isolation?

China EVs Under Attack, and Alibaba’s Sputtering Split-up

China accuses US of unfair EV subsidies at the WTO. Will the US fight back with a counter claim against Chinese EVs? And Alibaba cancels an IPO for its Cainiao logistics unit. Is its bigger plan to break up the company falling apart?

Relaxing Data Requirements, and a Big Dividend

China exempts most foreign firms from worrisome data requirements. But will it change its mind later? And a leading fintech lender offers a massive dividend. But shareholders worry more about its rapidly shrinking size.

Japanese Auto Cuts, and a Drugmaker's Fall

Nissan and Honda weigh major cuts of up to 30% in their China car production. What's driving the trend, and is it likely to speed consolidation in the over supplied industry? And shares of drugmaker CStone fell 40% after it was booted from the Hang Seng Index and China stock connect program due to drops in its stock price. Was the selloff the result of technical issues, loss of investor confidence, or both?

A China Bull Market, and Bottled Water Under Fire

After two years of suffering, Chinese stocks are showing some new signs of life. But is this fledgling bull market for real? And China's leading bottled water brand, Nongfu, has come under attack from nationalists for its red bottle caps said to look like the Japanese flag. How big a risk are such attacks, and is the problem worsening?

US Targets China EVs, and the Passing of a Beverage Tycoon

President Joe Biden has launched an investigation into whether Chinese new energy vehicles could pose a national security threat. Does that mean the end of the road is near for Chinese NEVs in the world's largest economy? And beverage tycoon Zong Qinghou is dead at the age of 79. Why was he so controversial, and why does China no longer churn out this of colorful, outspoken entrepreneur?

Foreign Investor Flight, and Coffee Is King

Foreigners are putting a pause on their China investments, as a new AmCham survey shows a record 40% of respondents won't make any new investment in the next three years. Has the bloom finally come off the China investment rose? And Bamboo Works' 2023 annual review shows that new energy and e-commerce were the hottest topics for China stock buyers last year, while coffee was the keyword of the year. Are these areas investors should consider when putting their money into China stocks?