China's consumer bulls

If you travel to China from the US or Europe these days, you may feel that you have put more than geographical space behind you. Within hours, a new psychological state seems to seize you. In the west, the economic gloom can feel impenetrable, but here things are lighter, more sanguine, even bright. It’s an elusive emotion to nail down and, if you try to describe it to a non-believer, you may notice a sudden arching of derisive eyebrows. For me, the experience of not being able to find a free table for a Valentine’s night dinner in Wenzhou (a big port city near Shanghai) brought home a feeling that China is set apart from the world's economic cycle. However, anecdotes alone cannot support an investment theme. But our Consumer Survey (see Consumer China), we think, can.

China Confidential Funds

China Confidential Funds, a new research service launched by FT China Confidential, is dedicated to illuminating the mainland fund industry. Our team of fund industry experts in Shanghai search out the interesting trends in fund performance, strategy, interactions with overseas funds, regulatory changes, distribution and management. We also use a proprietary system to track the emerging flows of Chinese money. Click here to find out more.

Other Articles on this Issue

• Forbidden City

  The G20: China’s show

• News In Review

  March 19th – April 1st

• Consumer China

  Young adults and smaller cities are drivers of bullish consumer intentions

  Consumer Survey: Computers

  Consumer Survey: What do you plan to buy?

  Consumer Survey: E-commerce

  Consumer Survey: Travel

  Consumer Survey: Paid-for education

• The Big Call

  Auto sales start to zoom

• The Best of Chinese Commentators

  What lies behind Governor Zhou’s SDR proposal?

  Is it time to buy China?

• In Depth

  China Going Global

• View issue