Mixed Reactions in Chinese Markets as Stimulus Plans Fail to Rally Traders

The resurgence in onshore Chinese stocks following a week-long holiday was short-lived as traders expressed doubts about Beijing’s commitment to introducing additional stimulus measures, resulting in a decline in shares in Hong Kong and a sharp decline of gains in mainland stocks.

Initially, the benchmark CSI 300 Index surged by almost 11% in the opening minutes of trading on Tuesday, but the rally diminished rapidly with only a modest 2% increase within the first hour. Prior to the Golden Week break, the index had recorded gains for nine consecutive sessions until September 30. Conversely, a gauge of Chinese stocks listed in Hong Kong plummeted by nearly 10% after soaring by close to 11% during the onshore markets’ closure. The Hang Seng Index dropped more than 6%.

A conference held on Tuesday by China’s principal economic planner, the National Development and Reform Commission, to present a set of policies intended to stimulate economic growth failed to significantly impact the market. Despite indications of increased trading turnover on the Shanghai Composite Index reaching 1 trillion yuan, the market response was underwhelming.

 

The China state planner chairman announced several key points regarding the policy package:

  • Intensifying counter-cyclical adjustments and enhancing policy coordination
  • Accelerating fiscal expenditure to bolster the economy
  • Supporting state banks in fortifying their core capital
  • Enforcing essential reforms disclosed at the party plenum
  • Enhancing efforts to attract foreign investments
  • Enhancing the policy framework to support childbirth
  • Expediting the issuance of special bonds by local governments
  • Continuing the issuance of special treasury bonds next year
  • Promoting sustained, stable, and healthy economic progress in 2024 and 2025
  • Focusing on expanding domestic demand and prioritizing consumption
  • Striving to invigorate capital markets
  • Facilitating economic recovery efforts