China Approaches Policy Change

Filed in archive Investing on August 20, 2008

In a Reuters release today, it is reported that Asian stock markets edged higher, rebounding from a two-year low.

Chinese shares surged on hopes for policies from Beijing to jumpstart growth, though many analysts said it was a long shot. Although world stock markets slid to the lowest since September 2006 on Tuesday, most Asian indexes turned higher as cheap valuations proved irresistible, especially with markets rife with chatter about fiscal stimulus in China.

"Bargain hunters have returned to the market on talks that a rescue package is on the way," said Francis Lun, general manager from Fulbright Securities in Hong Kong. "We are all waiting for a miracle," Lun added.

Despite the sudden turnaround in Asian stocks, apprehension about the earnings outlook was rife, according to Reuters, especially after the Bank of Japan on Tuesday described the world's second-largest economy as "sluggish" - a term it has not used since the Asian financial crisis a decade ago.