Global hedge funds snapped up Chinese equities following the politburo meeting this week, buying at their fastest pace since October 2022. The buying spree came after the politburo meeting signaled that China’s government is committed to supporting the country’s capital markets.

The report by Goldman Sachs said that the higher inflows were led by mainland A-shares and then Hong Kong-listed shares, while U.S.-listed Chinese American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), mainly internet companies, saw smaller inflows.

The report did not give any further details on the volume, but highlighted that inflows were driven by long-buys and to a lesser extent short covers.

Sectors including consumer discretionary, staples, financials, materials and industrials attracted the largest purchase by hedge funds tracked by Goldman Sachs.

The buying spree came after the politburo meeting, which signaled that China’s government is committed to supporting the country’s capital markets. The meeting also hinted at the possibility of more easing measures to boost the economy.

The recent buying by hedge funds is a positive sign for Chinese equities, which have been underperforming global markets so far this year. However, investors should still be cautious, as there are still some risks to the Chinese market, such as the slower-than-expected economic recovery and renewed Sino-U.S. tensions.

The Politburo Meeting

The politburo meeting, which was held on July 15-16, 2023, was the first major economic meeting of the year. The meeting was attended by top leaders of the Chinese Communist Party, including President Xi Jinping.

The meeting discussed a number of economic issues, including the country’s economic growth, the property market, and the capital markets. The meeting also issued a number of policy directives, including a commitment to supporting the capital markets.

The Impact of the Politburo Meeting

The politburo meeting had a positive impact on Chinese equities. The Shanghai Composite Index, which tracks the performance of stocks listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, rose 3.2% on July 18, 2023, the day after the meeting. The Hang Seng Index, which tracks the performance of stocks listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, also rose 3.2% on the same day.

The buying by hedge funds is a sign that investors are starting to see value in the Chinese market. The politburo meeting’s signal of support for the capital markets and the possibility of more easing measures have helped to boost investor confidence.

Risks to the Chinese Market

Despite the recent buying, there are still some risks to the Chinese market. The economic recovery is still fragile, and there is a risk of a renewed slowdown. Sino-U.S. tensions remain a risk, and there is a possibility of further tariffs or other trade restrictions.

Investors should carefully consider these risks before investing in Chinese equities. However, the recent buying by hedge funds is a positive sign, and the politburo meeting’s signal of support for the capital markets is a welcome development.

Conclusion

The recent buying by hedge funds is a positive sign for Chinese equities. However, investors should still be cautious, as there are still some risks to the Chinese market. The politburo meeting’s signal of support for the capital markets is a welcome development, and it is possible that we will see more easing measures in the coming months.