Domestic investors remaining cautious

Source: Xinhua | 2017-06-21

CHINESE investors are expected to remain conservative this year as most of their investments are allocated to traditionally defensive asset classes, according to an investment survey released yesterday.

The survey, conducted by Legg Mason, a US-based asset management firm, said more than 68 percent of investments are allocated to traditionally defensive asset classes — cash (23.8 percent), fixed income (27.5 percent), investment real estate (10.7 percent) and gold or precious metals (6.4 percent).

Most investors are bullish on domestic assets and support the country’s measures to strengthen China’s economy.

“A significant portion of Chinese investors are bullish on domestic assets. Besides local business investment, Chinese investors also believe domestic stocks offer the best opportunities over the next 12 months,” said Freeman Tsang, director of business development of Legg Mason Global Asset Management.

Up to 44 percent of Chinese investors endorse ongoing reforms, 42 percent agree with efforts to support strong international trade, and 38 percent support continued infrastructure spending.

“Chinese investors are more interested in domestic investment than other investors. Around 88 percent of Chinese investors hold investments in their own country, compared with 80 percent of Asian investors and 76 percent of global investors,” Tsang said.