China Sends Positive Signal to Global Markets

Chinese Stocks Soar on Positive Trade Data

Chinese stocks experienced a rally today, driven by positive trade data and new signs of support for the real estate sector.
Despite the Federal Reserve’s mixed messages regarding future interest rate cuts that impact the dollar and global financial markets, investors are closely monitoring China’s path to recovery.

Impact of Chinese Macroeconomic Data on Markets

Any macroeconomic data related to China has effects on global stock markets.
Today’s key news is the release of solid Chinese import/export results.
Chinese stocks played a significant role in boosting market sentiment in an otherwise mixed trading session for the region.
Key indicators of Chinese stocks listed in Hong Kong rose by as much as 1.7%, reflecting hopes of a recovery in the world’s second-largest economy gaining momentum, following better-than-expected export and import figures for April.

The decision of a major eastern city to lift restrictions on home purchases also contributed to the optimism.
This move is part of Beijing’s efforts to revive a deeply troubled real estate sector.
The Bloomberg index tracking Chinese developers surged by 8.1%.

Specifics of Chinese Trade Data

In detail, Chinese exports and imports rebounded in April after a contraction the previous month, according to customs data released on Thursday.
This signals an encouraging improvement in both domestic and foreign demand, supporting a shaky economic recovery.
Chinese shipments grew by 1.5% year-on-year last month, in line with expectations from a Reuters survey of economists.
Chinese imports in April surged by 8.4%, exceeding the anticipated 4.8% increase and reversing March’s 1.9% decline.

Zhang Zhiwei, Chief Economist at Pinpoint Asset Management, stated, “Exports have been a bright spot for the Chinese economy so far this year.
Weak domestic demand has led to deflationary pressures, increasing the competitiveness of Chinese exports.”

According to CNBC’s calculations based on official data, Chinese imports from the United States, the European Union, and Russia increased last month, despite a decrease in exports to all three.
Chinese imports from the US rose by 9% compared to a year ago, while exports dropped by nearly 3%.
The US remains China’s top trading partner on a country-by-country basis, while the Association of Southeast Asian Nations is the main regional trading partner.

Exports to ASEAN countries from China grew by 8% in April compared to the previous year, with imports rising by 5%.
Chinese exports to the EU dropped by approximately 3.5%, while imports increased by almost 2.5%.

Chinese exports of automobiles, LCD displays, and household appliances increased in volume, while cellphone exports slightly decreased.
Ship exports also declined.
Chinese imports of crude oil, natural gas, steel, plastics, medicines, machinery, and automatic data processing components saw an increase.