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Mixed July Activity Follows Softer Data Run & Lowered Growth Expectations

CHINA

Today's mixed China data is unlikely to shift the narrative around the challenging growth backdrop. We have seen a better tone to local equities, with the CSI 300 holding +1% higher at this stage. However, this comes after we made early lows under 3300, which were levels last seen in February this year.

  • Prior to today's data, the Citi China activity surprise index was sitting comfortably in negative territory and around lows back to September last year. Indeed the index has been in negative territory since mid June of this year, see the chart below where this index is overlaid against J.P. Morgan's growth forecast revision index for China. This index has also edged down with recent negative data surprises.
  • The consensus forecast for 2024 GDP growth sits at 4.9%, down slightly from YTD highs of 5.0%, per the latest Bloomberg survey.
  • Today's data outcomes showed a slight upside surprise on retail sales, while IP and fixed asset investment were both marginally below expectations. There was little turn around in property related indicators.
  • Less deterioration on the consumer front may be aiding market sentiment at the margins, but most the discussion is likely to remain on the need for further stimulus.
  • Outside of equities, USD/CNH sits off session highs, last near 7.1570. Earlier we got to 7.1620.

Fig 1: Citi China EASI & J.P Morgan China Growth Forecast Revision Index


Source: Citi/J.P. Morgan/MNI - Market News/Bloomberg

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