china

US firms bullish on prospects in China

Companies from the United States doing business in China are becoming more optimistic about the China-US business environment despite fears of trade tariffs and political rhetoric. According to the 2018 China Business Climate Survey from the American Chamber of Commerce in China and Bain & Company, about 36 percent of respondents believe relations between the two major trading partners will improve this year, up substantially from just 17 percent in 2017. “Regarding the economy, there is cautious optimism that the ‘new normal' rate of growth is sustainable for the foreseeable future, providing opportunities for business to expand,” said William Zarit, chairman of AmCham in China.

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GSAM: bullish on stocks, especially emerging markets

On Thursday, I had the pleasure of returning to the New York Stock Exchange for the second time in a week. Last Tuesday was for opening bell and this time it was closing bell with the Aussies ringing the bell for Australia Day. Thanks to Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM) for the invite and the insights on their market outlook for 2018. Their tag line for this year is “Pro-growth, Pro-equity, Pro-reality.” They share our view that global growth will continue in 2018 and given the low interest rate environment that means investors should favor stocks over bonds. GSAM is advising its clients that the emerging market bull market is still in the early innings.

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China policy to reshape 21st century economy

Back in 2013, China's President Xi Jinping announced the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative to modernize infrastructure along the ancient Silk Road trading routes. This policy is poised to reshaped the 21st century economy. The project is a potential win win for China and its surrounding neighbors. For China, it seeks to create trade and investment opportunity in infrastructure and construction providing China with a new channel to broaden its export market. For its neighbors, they will benefit from modernized roads and power plants which will help their economies flourish and grow. This rising tide should lift all boats!

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China pushing to be the world leader in AI

While the media is caught up in crpytocurrency mania, the true game changing technology that investors should be focused on is artificial intelligence. From self-driving cars to Dr. Robot, AI is going to change our lives in profound ways in the near future. Russian President Vladimir Putin says, “Artificial intelligence is the future, not only for Russian, but for all of humankind. It comes with colossal opportunities, but also threats that are difficult to predict. Whoever becomes the leader in this sphere will become the ruler of the world.” Many people worry about the risks like robots deciding to destroy humans like in the Terminator or the potential for huge job losses. But I love this quote from futurist Ray Kurzweil:

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Starbucks betting big on China – opens world’s biggest cafe in Shanghai

Starbucks is opening its biggest outlet ever on Wednesday in Shanghai and the company is expecting huge crowds to experience the 30,000 square foot store. The “Starbucks Reserve Roastery” is on Nanjing Road West, the city's most famous shopping street and has been heavily promoted for months on social media. Starbucks has big ambitions in China and this puts the exclamation point on its intentions.

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