Tuesday, 8 September 2009

How China Stocks Work

By Mike Swanson

China has one of the largest economies in the world and has survived the recession well. The Chinese government has had an active stimulus program and the economy is growing. It is little wonder many investors are seeing this emerging market with thoughts of investing in China as the best way to invest in the world. There are a few options international investors rate highly.

The government will not allow a national company to be bought out by foreign investors and setting up your own company can be difficult. Instead joint-venture operations with a Chinese company are the only way to access the enormous market. But these deals are not without their own risks as a number of overseas investors found out last year with a baby formula tainting scandal that brought down a number of large investors.

Investing directly into Chinese Corporations through stocks is another common option. Most industries in China are experiencing growth so there are plenty of opportunities. However the mobile phone market and construction related activities are booming. Stocks are appealing but there are a number of regulations about what sorts of stocks foreigners are permitted to buy with A and B types of stocks for locals and foreigners.

Private Equity Funds focusing on various Chinese sectors are another popular and less risky way to get into the Chinese markets. However firms still have problems getting the right information out of their Chinese based partners to fully understand what is happening on a daily basis and strategically. For this reason many private equity firms actually actively avoid Chinese investments.

Invest in Chinese property. This sector is growing exponentially and many Chinese are now saying with price increases there is no way they can own their own home. The best options exist outside of Beijing and Shanghai where these markets are reasonably saturated.

Investing in China is an option with many advantages and possible good returns. But like any foreign market you need to have some understanding of the subtleties and rules of that market.

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