Business
The End of Jack Ma’s Reign: SoftBank Bids Goodbye to Alibaba
Japanese tech investment giant SoftBank Group and Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba are nearing the end of their long partnership. SoftBank had effectively sold or financed its entire remaining stake in Alibaba, chief financial officer Yoshimitsu Goto told reporters after the group announced its performance on May 11.
As for the portion of Alibaba’s shares that SoftBank still previously held, Goto said the company had financed the shares with cash through financial instruments such as “prepaid forward contracts” and other means. This means that SoftBank has actually sold these shares but has the right to buy them back at a later date.
According to SoftBank, over 23 years, its 7.4 billion yen investment in Alibaba turned into 9.7 trillion yen. Based on the current exchange rate, the investment of $54.5 million turned into $71.5 billion.
When Alibaba Was Unknown
SoftBank’s support of Alibaba for over two decades created an era for Alibaba and the Chinese internet.
Masayoshi Son, SoftBank’s chief executive, first backed Alibaba in 2000 when SoftBank Group invested $20 million in it when it was a small, unknown company less than a year old.
It is widely rumored that Son made the decision within minutes of meeting Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba.
In 2004, SoftBank made an additional investment in Alibaba. After several rounds of adjustments, it holds as much as 34.4 percent of Alibaba’s stock. With SoftBank’s longtime support, Alibaba not only became China’s e-commerce leader but one of the world’s largest technology companies.
Business
China ETFs Celebrate Beijing’s Stimulus Initiative
Chinese stocks experienced their largest single-day gains since 2008 due to aggressive stimulus measures from Beijing, significantly boosting related ETFs and highlighting a potential bull market.
Chinese Stock Market Surge
Chinese stocks experienced their most significant single-day gains since 2008 on Monday, fueled by a flurry of new stimulus measures from Beijing aimed at revitalizing the economy. The domestic A-shares saw unprecedented turnover as investors rushed to join the rally. These developments have also positively impacted exchange-traded funds associated with China, with the KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF achieving its best three-day performance since March 2022.
Significant ETF Growth
The Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF also recorded significant rises, mirroring the three-day strong performance of the KraneShares ETF. The market rally follows aggressive measures from the Chinese government, which included interest rate cuts and support for the struggling real estate sector. This proactive approach reflects a significant monetary policy shift aimed at stabilizing China’s economy.
Record Gains Before Holiday
With a week-long holiday approaching, traders hurried to invest, leading to an 8.5% increase in the CSI300 index, and a five-day gain surpassing 25%. The Shanghai Composite Index reached a total turnover of 1.17 trillion yuan ($166.84 billion), marking an impressive 8.1% rise. The rapid gains suggest the CSI300 is nearing bull market territory following a low in February, with key stocks like JD.com and Alibaba also benefiting from the surge.
Business
From Bubble Tea to Business Partnerships: Exploring China-ASEAN Trade Integration
The CAEXPO in Nanning, China, hosted its inaugural milk tea festival, showcasing over 100 brands and highlighting growing economic ties and trade opportunities between China and ASEAN countries.
A Flavorful Debut at CAEXPO
NANNING, China: Adjacent to the lively exhibition hall of the 21st China-Asean Expo (CAEXPO), a unique milk tea festival is making waves, featuring over 100 esteemed brands from domestic and international markets. Enthusiasts can indulge in a diverse range of chilled beverages, including Thai lemon-infused tea and bubble tea crafted from Vietnamese tapioca, showcasing the vibrant spirit of economic and trade cooperation between China and ASEAN.
Growing Trends Among Tea Lovers
In Nanning, capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, there’s a noticeable trend where locals enjoy milk tea served in traditional plastic bags, inspired by Thai street markets. Shops like Zhang Guiwen’s Thai-style paper bag outlet cater to this demand, offering refreshing options. Chinese milk tea brands, including Mixue and Naixue, have begun expanding into Southeast Asia, eyeing a youth-driven market of 300 million consumers.
Strengthening Ties Through Trade
Recent statistics indicate that China’s new-style tea drink market reached approximately $27.6 billion in 2023, with projections of growing further. Many tea outlets source their ingredients from ASEAN nations, promoting collaboration. Guangxi’s strategic location, coupled with improved logistics, enhances cross-border exchanges in the tea beverage industry, presenting new opportunities for both Chinese and ASEAN markets.
Source : From bubble tea to business ties: a taste of China-Asean trade integration
Business
China Stocks Experience Largest Weekly Surge Since 2008 – The New York Times
Chinese stocks experienced their largest weekly increase since 2008, reflecting significant market optimism and investor confidence amidst economic recovery and supportive government policies.
China Stocks Experience Historic Surge
China’s stock market has witnessed its most significant single-week gain since the 2008 financial crisis. Investors are reacting positively to recent government measures aimed at stabilizing the economy and boosting market confidence. This surge signifies a potential turnaround for the beleaguered market, sparking renewed optimism among traders and analysts alike.
Economic Policies Driving Growth
Several economic policies implemented by the Chinese government have contributed to this growth. These include targeted stimulus measures and incentives to stimulate spending. As a result, projects that had been stalled due to previous economic uncertainty are now showing signs of revival, which further enhances investor sentiment.
Future Outlook
While the recent uptick is promising, analysts urge caution. The foundations of this rally rest on sustained economic recovery and the effectiveness of government interventions. Stakeholders remain vigilant, monitoring the economic landscape for signs of stability to ensure this momentum continues in the coming weeks.
Source : China Stocks Soar in Biggest Single-Week Jump Since 2008 – The New York Times