A Trip to China
In managing our clients’ NZ and Australian investments it is critically important to have a clear view on what is happening in China. China is not only the world’s second largest economy, it is also Australia’s and New Zealand’s largest trading partner (c. 20-30% of both countries’ exports) and its economic performance influences investor sentiment in both the New Zealand and Australian share markets.
Portfolio Manager Tama Willis, who has researched China for over 15 years, recently spent a week in Beijing, Shanghai and Tangshan attending presentations and talking to companies and commodity experts. His visit came at a time of surging Australasian commodity exports, however set against a backdrop of slowing global growth and perceived challenges with China in areas such as security (China Sea), technology (Huawei) and direct investment.