“China’s PMI data show stronger orders, yet job cuts and profit pressures deepen. Markets eye Beijing’s policy pledges as Golden Week begins.”, — write: www.fxempire.com
Monday’s announcement comes at a crucial time, with China’s Golden Week holiday starting on Wednesday, October 1.
US Tariffs Continue to Impact Margins and the Broader Economy Recent labor market and consumer spending data have raised concerns about demand. Retail sales increased 3.4% year-on-year in August, down from 3.7% in July and falling sharply from 6.4% in March. For perspective, Chinese retail sales have historically averaged 12.09%.
US tariffs have affected external demand, creating price pressures. Firms have reduced staffing levels to limit the effect of margin squeezes, weighing on consumer sentiment and curbing private consumption. China’s unemployment rate rose from 5.2% in July to 5.3% in August, while youth unemployment jumped to 18.9%, up from 17.8% in July and 14.5% in June.
September’s PMI data may provide Beijing with little relief, with the Manufacturing sector’s price trends adding to profit concerns. In August, industrial profits rebounded, rising 20.4% year-on-year after declining 1.5% in July. Notably, the August Manufacturing PMI revealed that average selling prices had stabilized. September’s PMI data shows renewed margin pressures.
The Market Reaction to the Services PMI Financial markets initially responded positively to the PMI release, although gains were short-lived as margin concerns resurfaced.
The Hang Seng Index briefly rose to a high of 26,785 before falling to a post-RatingDog report low of 26,712.
On Tuesday, September 30, the Index was up 0.52% to 26,761 for the morning session.