China: Weak Q3 growth amid multiple headwinds

In breve

In Q3 2021, China’s GDP growth diminished to 4.9% yoy, down from 7.9% in Q2. While base effects played a role, the main culprit were the multiple headwinds which brought growth dynamics down to 0.2% qoq. The secondary industry (including mining, manufacturing and construction) was the main driver of the slowing while the service sector weakened only slightly from its already soft pace.

Highlights:

  • China’s Q3 2021 GDP growth diminished to 4.9% yoy and 0.2% qoq. The very weak growth dynamics reflect the multiple headwinds over the quarter, including Covid-19 lockdowns, power outages, the real estate sector woes and regulatory tightening measures.
  • September data releases revealed the marked hit from power cuts on industrial production. Property investment slowed about 2 pp to 4% yoy. Retail sales were soft but surprised on the upside compared to the consensus forecast as Covid-19 lockdowns eased. Export remained strong.
  • Looking ahead, we expect the Q4 yoy growth rate to recede further while quarterly growth dynamics could im- prove a bit, provided Covid-19 lockdowns remain under control and power outages can be minimised. The PBoC recently pledged orderly lending to all sectors, including property and power supply. Nevertheless, more real estate firms are likely to report liquidity problems. Generally, monetary policy has become more difficult against supply shortages. We continue to expect targeted measures (but no broad-based reflation cycle) and stick to our view of a RRR cut as a reassuring signal (albeit with less confidence now). The PBoC’s main policy tool will be liquidity management.

Download the full publication below

China: Weak Q3 growth amid multiple headwinds
Picture

© Generali Investments, tutti i diritti riservati. Questo sito web è fornito da Generali Investments Holding S.p.A. in qualità di holding delle principali società di gestione del risparmio del Gruppo Generali che detengono, direttamente o indirettamente, la maggioranza delle partecipazioni nelle società sotto elencate (di seguito, congiuntamente, "Generali Investments"). Questo sito web può contenere informazioni relative all'attività delle seguenti società: Generali Asset Management S.p.A. Società di gestione del risparmio, Infranity, Sycomore Asset Management, Aperture Investors LLC (inclusa Aperture Investors UK Ltd), Plenisfer Investments S.p.A. Società di gestione del risparmio, Lumyna Investments Limited, Sosteneo S. p.A. Società di gestione del risparmio, Generali Real Estate S.p.A. Società di gestione del risparmio, Conning* e tra le sue controllate Global Evolution Asset Management A/S - incluse Global Evolution USA, LLC e Global Evolution Fund Management Singapore Pte. Ltd - Octagon Credit Investors, LLC, Pearlmark Real Estate, LLC e Generali Investments CEE. *Comprende Conning, Inc., Conning Asset Management Limited, Conning Asia Pacific Limited, Conning Investment Products, Inc. e Goodwin Capital Advisers, Inc. (collettivamente, "Conning").