Last week, I had the honor to attend the CICC #Investment Forum 2024. This year’s theme was “New Macro, New Regime”.
Together with Shanquan Li of Invesco Ltd., John Rogers of Fudan University, Kai Shao of Zhong Ou Asset Management, Wenlang Zhang of CICC and Zhao Li, we had a panel discussion on investment trends of major #asset classes.
I had the pleasure to share the long term investment values of Chinese #equities in a well-diversified global #assetallocation model. My key points are as follows:
✔️ Attractive #Valuation: The valuation of Chinese equities remains attractive from both absolute and relative perspective. As of May, the MSCI #China Index has risen by 31% since its low in late January, outperforming most developed and emerging markets. During this period, the index's PE ratio increased from 7.9 times to 10.5 times, reflecting some valuation recovery. In comparison, the valuation of the American and Indian stock markets, for example, are currently over 20 times.
✔️ Sign of #Recovery: Beyond valuation recovery, certain sectors are showing positive trends in earnings. Benefiting from the increased in investment in manufacturing and infrastructure, China’s economic data for March led the first-quarter GDP growth to exceed expectations, boosting market confidence in China's economic recovery. Additionally, many companies continue to increase buybacks and dividends, with the earnings of the MSCI China Index showing year-on-year growth for the first time since early 2021.
✔️ Value-Up Reforms: The shift from a financing market toward an investment market is the key. China’s "New Nine Guidelines" emphasize improving the quality of listed companies, increasing delisting rigor, encouraging dividends, and encouraging companies to issue regular dividend. Currently, the dividend payout ratio of Chinese listcos is only about 30%, much lower than the 50% and 60% levels as seen in the US and European markets, suggesting huge room for improvement.
✔️ Unique Sectors: China is home to many globally competitive companies in sectors like new #energy (solar and wind), electric vehicles and battery, and the internet. Moreover, China's vast population base, and the depth and breadth of Chinese #consumption, provide irreplaceable opportunities for consumer companies.
✔️ #Diversification: The bull and bear cycles of China’s stock markets do not align with those of other major economies, providing unique investment opportunities at different stages of the economic cycle. This can diversify and balance risks in an investment portfolio.
In summary, we believe the China’s equity markets (both A-shares and H-shares), with attractive valuations, economic recovery, increased investor returns, unique opportunities, and diversification benefits, present a rewarding opportunity for global investors seeking long-term investment return.
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