Is the Recent Surge in China's Stock Market Real or Just a Bubble?

Shernice軒嬣 2000
10-06

Board the ship now, best has yet to come. 

This article is written by Shernice, if you like my article, please hit the like button. 

$KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF(KWEB)$ 

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As we analyze the current atmosphere of the Chinese stock market, a pressing question emerges: Is this rally genuine or merely an illusion? Beyond examining news reports, it’s crucial to assess whether real capital is flowing into the Chinese market.

Since the People's Bank of China introduced aggressive policies on September 24, we’ve witnessed a remarkable surge in Chinese stocks. With trading set to resume on October 8 after the National Day holiday, we’ve already seen significant gains: the Shanghai Composite Index has risen by 21%, the Shenzhen Index by 30%, and the ChiNext Index by 42%. Overall, the market capitalization of A-shares has increased by 10 trillion RMB, resulting in an average gain of about 47,000 RMB per investor. While these figures sound promising, the vital question remains: Are you among those profiting?

The sustainability of this rise is clouded by memories of the 2015 market bubble. Back then, I was a secondary school student listening to my mother lament my father's investments in the Chinese stock market. He initially profited when A-shares soared above 5,000 points, only to suffer substantial losses when the bubble burst. Their arguments nearly led to divorce, but thankfully, they are still together today. While the current numbers suggest a strong rally, we must consider whether this growth is fueled by the same speculative fervor we saw in 2015.

A key difference now is that current leverage levels are significantly lower than during that previous surge. Many financial analysts believe that A-shares do not present the same level of risk today. However, the lingering question is: Does a lack of danger mean it’s safe to dive in? Caution is warranted.

The rapid rise has caught many short-sellers off guard, particularly those on Wall Street who had profited from previous declines in A-shares. These investors, expecting the market to continue falling, now face significant losses as the trend reverses. Some have begun to adjust their positions, acknowledging a potential shift in momentum.

On Wall Street, a phenomenon known as FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is emerging, driving some investors to scramble to buy into the market. However, market analysts advise caution. They recommend focusing on solid Chinese stocks like Alibaba, JD.com, and ICBC, as well as ETFs such as KWEB and FXI, rather than merely speculating on broader Chinese concepts. This is particularly relevant given the growing nationalist sentiments in China that could impact foreign companies like Apple.

Moreover, there’s a noticeable trend of institutional investors reallocating their assets amid uncertainties tied to U.S. economic data and the upcoming presidential elections. Many are shifting funds from U.S. equities to more stable investments, including cash-equivalent funds, which has further fueled interest in Chinese A-shares.

However, this surge is not without its concerns. The Chinese market has been in a downtrend for many years, and the recent rally feels short-lived to many investors still reeling from previous losses. The phenomenon of high-profile executives and major shareholders selling off shares during this upswing raises red flags about market stability. Many investors, burned by past experiences, may hesitate to trust this rally, fearing it could be a fleeting bounce rather than a sustainable trend.

Despite these challenges, some prominent investors remain optimistic about China’s potential. Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, believes that if the People's Bank of China continues to implement robust measures, this moment could become historically significant, akin to the European Central Bank's response during the Eurozone crisis.

Similarly, Michael Burry, known for his market foresight, has been investing heavily in Chinese stocks since late 2022, including Alibaba and JD.com. His substantial profits indicate that savvy investors are beginning to reap the rewards of their faith in the Chinese market.

Looking ahead, predictions from major financial institutions suggest there may still be room for growth in A-shares, estimating potential increases of around 10%. However, the market has already experienced substantial gains, and volatility may arise as traders take profits.


As the market reopens after the holiday (8th October) , investors should stay alert and ready for potential fluctuations. Many companies listed in Shanghai and Shenzhen may hit their 10% upper limit within minutes, leaving retail investors with little time to respond. This momentum will likely spill over to small-cap and micro-cap stocks. Any dips in the coming days or weeks could offer opportunities for investors to accumulate shares. Analysts remain optimistic about continued growth, provided that underlying economic conditions improve. The key question is whether the market can sustain its momentum and attract new capital.

In my view, I do not believe this surge is short-lived. While some investors will certainly take profits as resistance levels like 3,500 and 4,000 on the Shanghai Index are tested—levels at which many have held onto losses for years—there are also millions of young investors born in the 90s and 00s eager to enter the market. Influenced by social media figures on platforms like Douyin and Weibo, these new investors are poised to join the rally.

Moreover, large sovereign funds such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Kuwait Investment Authority, SAMA Foreign Holding, and Norway’s Government Pension Fund Global may inject capital into the market. These funds typically seek long-term investments, making infrequent trades. Once they enter the Chinese market, it could stabilize and fuel the rally, potentially pushing the Shanghai Index back to 5,000.

In conclusion, while skepticism is understandable, the confluence of fresh capital from young investors and institutional players may drive the market higher, suggesting that this rally has the potential to be more than just a fleeting moment. Only time will tell if this surge is a true turning point for China's stock market or another brief episode in its volatile history.

@CaptainTiger  @MillionaireTiger  @Daily_Discussion  @Tiger_comments  @TigerPicks  @TigerStars  @TigerPM  

Modified in.10-06
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Comments

  • koolgal
    10-07
    koolgal
    Thanks for sharing your valuable insights on the Chinese Market.  I also believe that there is still more room for the stocks to go higher.
  • RandyHall
    10-07
    RandyHall

    They have fallen too much so they need to wake up and rise! Definitely not a bubble

  • IceHoney
    10-07
    IceHoney
    Thank you for your insights!
  • A_Isopod
    10-08
    A_Isopod
    fresh capital from young investors and institutional players — hmm~delicious~
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