| Asset | Level | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Composite | 3,924.40 | +0.03% |
| CSI 300 | 4,494.33 | +0.05% |
| Hang Seng | 24,750.79 | -0.81% |
| TAIEX | 32,518.16 | -1.80% |
| USD/CNY | 6.90 | -0.20% |
| USD/HKD | 7.84 | +0.04% |
| Copper | 5.65 | +3.21% |
| Brent Crude | 103.28 | -8.42% |
| Gold | 4,699.60 | +3.84% |
| Bitcoin | 68,222.98 | +2.30% |
| China 2Y Govt Yield | - | - |
| China 10Y Govt Yield | - | - |
| Data | Prior | Cons | Actual |
|---|---|---|---|
| NBS Manufacturing PMI | 49 | 50.10 | 50.40 |
| NBS Non-Manufacturing PMI | 49.50 | 49.90 | 50.10 |
China Imports Value | Type: macro_line | USD: 3.066 (2025-12-01) | Range: -21.28–50.54 | Trend(5pt): 43.43,0.9165,-7.811,-4.153,3.066
| Data | Prior | Cons | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| RatingDog Manufacturing PMI | 52.10 | 51.60 | 17:45 |
| RatingDog Services PMI | 56.70 | 53.70 | 17:45 |
Mainland China's NBS Manufacturing PMI for March came in at 50.4, surpassing the consensus estimate of 50.1 and previous reading of 49.0, indicating the first expansion in six months driven by improved new orders and production. The NBS Non-Manufacturing PMI edged up to 50.1, beating expectations of 49.9 from a prior 49.5, reflecting a slight recovery in services activity amid ongoing stimulus measures. Shanghai Composite closed at 3,924.40 with a +0.03% gain, while CSI 300 rose +0.05% to 4,494.33, supported by optimism over manufacturing stabilization.
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng index fell -0.81% to 24,750.79, pressured by exporter confidence hitting a two-year low amid trade turbulence. Taiwan's TAIEX dropped -1.80% to 32,518.16, weighed down by geopolitical concerns despite positive semiconductor outlook. USD/CNY weakened -0.20% to 6.90, reflecting mild depreciation, while USD/HKD ticked up +0.04% to 7.84 within the peg range.
Copper prices, a key proxy for China growth, surged +3.21% to 5.65, offsetting Brent crude's -8.42% drop to 103.28 amid Middle East instability.
Mainland China's RatingDog Manufacturing PMI is due at 17:45 ET today, with consensus expecting a dip to 51.6 from the previous 52.1, potentially signaling moderation in private sector activity. The RatingDog Services PMI, scheduled for April 2 at 17:45 ET, is forecasted at 53.7 versus prior 56.7, which could highlight cooling in non-manufacturing amid external pressures. No major data releases are slated for Hong Kong or Taiwan today, allowing focus on mainland indicators.
Investors will watch for any PBOC signals on liquidity following recent reference rate adjustments. Geopolitical developments, including Middle East tensions, may influence cross-strait sentiment. Tomorrow brings no key events, shifting attention to broader global cues.
Mainland China's property sector shows tentative signs of revival with Hong Kong homebuyers piling into new launches despite rate jitters and Middle East tensions, though broader confidence remains fragile. Taiwan's semiconductor industry benefits from strong underlying growth, as evidenced by TSMC's Q4 demand lift, bolstering export outlook amid global AI chip needs. (cont...)
Subscribe to Greater China Macro Daily and get each new issue delivered to your inbox.
Already a member? Visit robomacro.com to log in and manage subscriptions, or use Forgot Password to set a password.
China Exports Value | Type: macro_line | USD: 5.256 (2025-12-01) | Range: -14.55–31.45 | Trend(5pt): 31.45,17.35,-9.164,11.94,5.256
USD/CNY Exchange Rate | Type: market_hloc | Rate: 6.898 (2026-04-01) | Range: 6.841–6.997 | Trend(5pt): 6.996,6.973,6.908,6.911,6.898
Shanghai Composite Index | Type: market_hloc | Price: 3923 (2026-03-30) | Range: 3813–4183 | Trend(5pt): 3969,4123,4132,4133,3923
Taiwan TAIEX Index | Type: market_hloc | Price: 3.252e+04 (2026-03-30) | Range: 2.896e+04–3.541e+04 | Trend(6pt): 2.896e+04,3.176e+04,3.178e+04,3.211e+04,3.334e+04,3.252e+04
Deflationary pressures persist in mainland China, with CPI YoY at -0.10%, underscoring the need for sustained policy support to combat imported inflation risks from fertilizer price spikes due to Iran war shockwaves. Hong Kong's exporter sentiment has plummeted, reflecting global trade turbulence that could hinder recovery. Chinese tech companies are racing to set up in Hong Kong as a springboard for global expansion, while Zhipu AI reported 132% revenue growth but missed estimates in its first post-IPO report.
Beijing's top official outlined three goals for Hong Kong's women's affairs, emphasizing family development in its five-year plan.
Global markets are grappling with surging oil prices from Middle East instability, though Brent crude fell -8.42% to 103.28 yesterday as recession fears outweighed inflation concerns, potentially easing imported pressures for Greater China. Gold jumped +3.84% to 4,699.60 as a safe-haven amid escalating Iran war tensions, which could boost China's political clout via fertilizer supply dynamics. U.S.-China rivalry intensifies supply chain statecraft, with Europe urged to bolster resilience in case trade truces collapse, impacting Taiwan's semiconductor exports and Hong Kong's role as a tech hub.
Bitcoin rose +2.30% to 68,222.98, reflecting crypto volatility that may influence mainland investor sentiment. Futures and yields are falling despite oil surges, signaling recession worries that could dampen demand for Chinese exports. The global economy faces multiple chokepoints, including excessive dependence on single sources, highlighting trade-offs between resilience and efficiency for Greater China's manufacturing base.
Copper's +3.21% gain to 5.65 underscores China demand optimism amid these risks. A couple convicted of stealing trade secrets for China lost U.S. citizenship, underscoring espionage tensions.
A PBOC adviser stated that mainland China has room to handle imported inflation from Middle East instability, though economic risks are rising, supporting a steady policy stance. The PBOC adjusted the USD/CNY reference rate to 6.9194, sparking market analysis on strategic moves to manage depreciation pressures amid global volatility. No immediate rate changes are expected, with focus on liquidity operations and potential RRR cuts to support the 5% GDP target, especially given deflationary CPI at -0.10%.
HKMA maintains the USD/HKD peg at 7.84, with aggregate balance dynamics stable despite mild +0.04% movement, as Hong Kong liquidity improves amid exporter challenges. Taiwan's CBC remains vigilant on FX intervention to stabilize the TWD, linked to robust semiconductor export outlook from TSMC, which saw strong Q4 demand. The CBC's hawkish tilt persists, with no recent rate decisions but emphasis on monitoring geopolitical impacts on trade flows.
(cont...)
Overall, Greater China's central banks prioritize stability amid external shocks, with PBOC leading on stimulus signals.