Survey shows strong consumer demand

Urban middle income group – a Nokia, a Volkswagen and an eye on investments

The mid-income group, numerically the largest urban cohort, participates in investment significantly more than the low income group and almost half are planning to buy a car.

Urban upper income group – big spenders, international tastes

The biggest spending cohort is also the most bewitched by famous brands, the most international and the most aggressive in their spending plans.

Rural migrant workers – buying domestic brands

Migrant workers are seeing strong wage increases this year, creating sales impetus for the emerging domestic brand electronics, clothing and cosmetics that they buy.

Rural discretionary consumer family – emerging from subsistence

Often regarded as economically inert, rural areas are flourishing and the beneficiaries include an estimated 100m new discretionary rural consumers.

Urban low income group – self-improvers on the lowest urban rung

The cohort of 200m expects income to stay roughly the same but see expenditure increasing. Over 70% plan to take paid-for education in the next 12 months.

Paid-for education – demand for English language tuition remains buoyant

Strong demand for paid-for education, particularly English language tuition among younger age groups throughout China is expected to support providers such as New Oriental with a strong presence across the region.

Mobile phones – Nokia losing share to Blackberry and Apple

Nokia stays on top with strong brand recognition but is losing share to competing smartphones such as Apple and Blackberry with high income groups.

Health insurance – popularity of 'supplementary' insurance boosts key firms

Growing demand for supplementary health insurance is expected to spur growth of medical device manufacturers and domestic pharmaceutical makers that target treatment of severe diseases not covered by the national basic insurance scheme.

Cars – high-end models thrive as low-end stall

Robust demand among upper income groups is expected to drive strong sales of overseas brands such as Audi, Volkswagen, Mercedes Benz and BMW.

Laptops and white goods – Apple gains on Lenovo, Haier strong in white goods

Laptops are in hot demand with China's youth and high earners, while lower tier cities are driving demand for white goods.

Select financial charts

A selection of key financial data.

Credit powers consumer activity

Negative real deposit rates and expectations of further inflation are driving consumers to take out credit card loans at unprecedented rates.

Is car production reaching overcapacity?

Car manufacturers have been rushing to expand capacity on robust demand over the last 18 months. Commentators argue whether the move has been badly co-ordinated and will result in overcapacity.

China's vacant housing

Should the government levy a tax on China's vacant urban housing to deter speculative buying?

China's losers from healthcare reform

Jonathan Zifferblatt, managing director of General Biologic, talks on the challenges facing China's healthcare and pharmaceutical industry following the implementation of healthcare reform.

Flows to Taiwan falter

Flows to Taiwan have moderated significantly in recent weeks as weaker than expected growth in key export markets deters investors.