Business
Chinese commercial banks fear stimulus measures will do littl…
China’s commercial banks are raising questions about whether the central bank’s recent cut to outstanding mortgage rates will be sufficient to hold back a flood of mortgage prepayments and help protect bank margins.
The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) unveiled new guidance last month requiring commercial banks to lower interest rates on outstanding mortgages for first-home loans. The new rates, which will be effective starting on September 25, aimed at stimulating consumption while also reducing the incentive for households to pay down their mortgages early, which had led to a decline in bank profits.
“Lowering outstanding mortgage rates will help alleviate the interest burden on households,” a spokesperson for the PBOC told local media on Wednesday, adding that the new rules have already led to a decline in prepayments, and will help improve household balance sheets and consumer confidence.
The measure has led at least some homebuyers to reconsider their mortgage prepayments.
Kang Chao, an insurance company employee in Changsha, in southeast China’s Hunan province, told the Post that a new mortgage rate of 4.2 per cent could help his family free up about 1,700 yuan (US$234) each month to cover living expenses.
“[My wife] and I both took out mortgage loans in 2018 and 2019, when the interest rates were as high as 5.15 per cent,” he said. “Each month, we need to pay about 9,800 yuan, and this leaves us no more than 3,000 yuan to spend on everything else.
“So we were under a lot of pressure to pay off our debt quickly, especially after we had a child. At one point, we were even considering selling one of our houses. Now that the new policy is out, we feel somewhat relieved.”
An estimated US$700 billion in mortgages, representing around 12 per cent of the country’s total mortgage balance, has been prepaid since 2022, according to analysts.
China property support spurs buying but sceptics warn of weak demand
China property support spurs buying but sceptics warn of weak demand
Chinese commercial banks could see an earnings decline of up to 5 per cent this year if the prepayment wave persists, according to analysts’ estimates. However, if banks refinance home loans at lower rates, their net profits could also drop by 1 to 5 per cent, a report by Fitch Ratings said.
Early repayment is a behaviour driven by interest rates, and as the gap between new and outstanding mortgage rates narrows, the incentive to pay down mortgages early will start to decrease, said Gary Ng, senior economist for Asia-Pacific thematic research at Natixis.
“However, it does not mean [lowering outstanding mortgage rates] is a panacea for boosting China’s household confidence in properties,” he said. “The confidence issue is complex, and it will take more than rate cuts to repair. Although early repayment will ease, mortgage growth is not likely to see a significant jump.”
A banking analyst at the Beijing branch of a commercial bank echoed this…
Business
Exploring New Ventures and Opportunities in Shanghai at NEPCON China 2025
NEPCON China 2025, held April 22-24 in Shanghai, is the premier B2B electronics assembly event, featuring exhibitions, conferences, and innovative technologies in emerging fields like AI and robotics.
NEPCON China 2025: A Premier Electronics Assembly Event
NEPCON China is the most significant B2B event in the electronics assembly sector, scheduled for April 22-24, 2025, at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center. This leading event unites top industry brands and innovative companies, focusing on advanced IC packaging while integrating essential new resources within key technology areas.
The event features various interactive sessions such as conferences, competitions, and award programs, creating an exceptional platform for business networking. Attendees will gain insights into emerging fields like AI and robotics, with more than 500 exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge technologies, including SMT, testing equipment, and smart factory solutions.
Highlighting industry-specific zones and the NEPCON ∞ SPACE smart car disassembly area, NEPCON China 2025 promises to deliver the latest advancements while facilitating exclusive matchmaking opportunities with international buyers. For more information, visit www.nepconchina.com.
Source : New Business, New Opportunities in Shanghai at NEPCON China 2025
Business
Party City Sent Employees to China for Supplier Meetings Right Before Bankruptcy: ‘You Left Us High and Dry’ | CNN Business
Party City’s product development team abruptly cut their China trip short due to financial instability, leading to bankruptcy and layoffs, leaving employees feeling blindsided and betrayed by management’s lack of communication.
Party City’s Sudden Trip Cancellation
On December 4, 2024, Party City’s product development team found themselves abruptly told to end their trip to China after just two days. Initially intended for twelve days, this visit was crucial for meeting suppliers of party supplies. However, internal communications revealed urgent issues at home, with management urging employees to return due to unpaid vendors and looming bankruptcy threats.
Unfolding Chaos and Confusion
Team members were left in disbelief, demanding clarity that never came. Stranded in a foreign country without support, they struggled to secure their return flights. Employees voiced concerns about safety amidst unresolved debts to suppliers, expressing dismay at being sent on such a risky endeavor without proper guidance.
A Troubling Outcome
Days after their return, the company announced it was filing for bankruptcy and liquidating, leaving employees blindsided. Many staff members now face layoffs and legal battles stemming from the process, articulating feelings of betrayal as they remember promises of a stable future made by their leaders.
Business
US Companies Overlook China as a Viable Business Opportunity Amid Growing Challenges – Organiser
US businesses are increasingly overlooking China as a viable market due to escalating challenges, leading to a shift in focus toward alternative opportunities and partnerships.
Declining Interest in Chinese Markets
US businesses are increasingly viewing China as a less viable opportunity due to a rising number of challenges. Economic uncertainties, regulatory hurdles, and geopolitical tensions are among the key factors that have contributed to this shift in perspective. Companies that once saw China as a prime destination for investment are now reassessing their strategies and looking elsewhere.
Shift in Business Strategies
Many American firms are pivoting their focus to more stable markets. This realignment is driven by the need to reduce risk in their global supply chains and diversify their operations. As a result, countries in Southeast Asia and Latin America are becoming attractive alternatives for US businesses in search of new opportunities.
Long-Term Implications
This trend could have significant long-term implications for both economies. The diminished interest in China might alter the landscape of global trade and investment patterns. As US companies seek to mitigate risks, there could be lasting effects on China’s market growth and its role as a manufacturing hub.
Source : US businesses dismiss China as a business opportunity amid rising challenges – Organiser
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