China Boosts Investor Confidence By Earlier Positive Data

Facing the slowing economy, China is trying a new approach to manage public perception. They’re releasing positive economic data earlier than usual with the aim to boost investor confidence as well as paint a more optimistic outlook.

This tactic debuted in January when Premier Li Qiang preempted the official announcement of China meeting its 2023 growth target. He made this declaration at a forum in Switzerland, a day before the official figures were released. This move aimed to showcase China’s ability to achieve economic goals without resorting to major stimulus measures.

Vice Finance Minister Liao Min recently followed suit. During a press conference, he highlighted the positive aspects of the budget data before the official report’s release. This downplayed potentially concerning details and instead emphasized the fastest budget spending in nearly five years.

These early releases reflect China’s efforts to address declining confidence due to the economic slowdown.