In an unprecedented move, the Chinese stock market experienced a rapid 6.16% plunge in the CSI 1000 index, setting off alarm bells and prompting a temporary halt on almost a third of Chinese stocks.
Market Meltdown
The CSI 1000, Star 50, Beijing 50, Shenzhen, and Shanghai Composite indices all suffered significant declines, with the CSI 1000 leading the pack with a 6.16% drop. This sharp sell-off has raised concerns among investors, leading to a two-day pause in trading for state-backed buying to stabilize the market. Despite this intervention, doubts linger about the sustainability of the support and the potential for continued market instability.
State-Backed Buying and the “National Team”
In response to an old market crash in 2015, the Chinese government formed the “national team” – state-backed investors tasked with preventing extreme market fluctuations. Last month, they injected $17 billion into index-tracking funds, and during the recent sell-off, they were actively buying, especially on Friday and Monday. However, analysts warn that such interventions, while providing short-term relief, cannot be sustained and may leave the market unbalanced.
Market Size and Economic Constraints
The scale of the challenge faced by the Chinese government is immense, given that mainland stocks are valued at nearly USD 9 trillion. Analysts highlight that propping up the market with cash may not offer a lasting turnaround, particularly as long as the property sector remains weak, acting as a weight on consumer and investor confidence.
China’s Economic Transition
China’s economy is undergoing a significant shift from infrastructure and property investment towards higher value-added industries. Recent stimulus measures aimed at easing this transition focus on addressing symptoms such as decelerating credit growth and volatile equity markets. However, the market’s response indicates that these policies may have limited impact in the face of fundamental economic uncertainties.
In an attempt to reassure the market, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) pledged to stabilize markets after the recent five-year low in the CSI 300 Index. However, the statement lacked specifics on how the government plans to end the ongoing selloff, which has wiped out more than USD 6 trillion of market value. The pledge emphasized guiding more medium- and long-term funds into the market and cracking down on illegal activities, but it fell short of addressing core confidence issues.
Calls for a Stabilization Fund
Amid the market turmoil, calls for a stock stabilisation fund have gained traction. Liu Yuhui of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences suggests that China should establish a fund with an initial size of USD 300 billion to USD 500 billion, aiming for eventual growth to 10 trillion yuan or more. The proposed fund is seen as a transparent system that differs from interventions by the “national team” and could boost investor confidence.
Market Volatility and Individual Investors
The recent volatile market sessions have triggered concerns over margin calls and forced liquidation, particularly as individual investors express frustration and anxiety on social media platforms. A lack of clarity on the government’s comprehensive strategy has fueled uncertainty, leading to continued sell-offs and wild swings in market indices.
In conclusion, the recent turmoil in Chinese stock markets reflects a complex interplay of economic transitions, government interventions, and market sentiment. While state-backed buying temporarily alleviates the immediate crisis, it does not address the underlying issues, such as the weakening property sector and ongoing economic shifts. Calls for a stock stabilisation fund underscore the need for a transparent, sustainable solution to boost investor confidence.
As China grapples with these challenges, the crux lies in finding a balanced approach that aligns with long-term economic goals while stabilizing the immediate market turbulence. The evolution of this situation will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of one of the world’s largest stock markets.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making related decisions.