Construction

Knock-on effects of real estate slowdown apparent in related sectors

Prices for cement, steel, and glass are all set to decline in 1H12 due to weak demand from a softening real estate sector as government credit restrictions persist.

Transport investment stalls

The once-firm bond between state banks and state-owned transport infrastructure builders is fraying, throwing a key motivator of economic growth into doubt.

Slowing land sales portend easing fixed-asset investment

Land sales are so central to local government finances that their current slowdown suggests an easing in fixed-asset investment.

Beijing's battle against overcapacity to hold firm before easing

Our survey shows local government officials are acting strongly to implement Beijing's crackdown on excess industrial capacity but several factors are likely to erode the force of the policy several months from now.

Cooling property market to depress steel prices

Real estate transaction volumes have been slowing over the last month and we expect steel and iron ore prices to soften further in coming weeks, though we do not envisage a precipitous slump.

Cooling property market dampens steel futures

Real estate transactions from 21 cities weakened for the fourth consecutive week since further real estate tightening policies were released by the central government on April 17. The ripples have clearly begun to impact the steel industry, significantly dampening expectations of continued price hikes for construction steel and pausing the price recovery that has seen rebar prices grow by over 15% since the start of the year.

Factor inflation shows overheating

An almost across-the-board rise in industrial input prices shows the structural nature of China's inflationary pressures, obliging Beijing to maintain vigilance against overheating.

Harnessing China's domestic demand

Jing Ulrich, managing director and chairman of China equities at JP Morgan, talks on signs of recovery stemming from restored domestic confidence.

The Great GDP Debate: Believers vs Naysayers

A dichotomy is emerging between those that believe Chinese economic growth will rebound quickly and those that think a combination of factors will drag growth down. China Confidential gives its take.

Steel’s dog is set to bark

With fixed asset investment surging and a number of infrastructure projects getting underway, why are steel prices still down in the dumps? China Confidential investigates.

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09 Feb 2012

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