China
China bond laws 'a problem' for investors
Economic reforms in China have gathered pace in recent years. But the country’s bond markets remain hampered by significant structural problems, including state-administered interest rates and a murky legal system subject to government interference.
Repayment fears over China's local government debt
China’s local governments have channelled their debt through off-balance sheet financing vehicles that leave creditors little recourse to repayment in the event of default. Calls to reform this system could result in the formation of a municipal bond…
Tocom relaxes market rules to ease foreign trade
The Tokyo Commodity Exchange has eased rules for foreign commodity brokers wanting to trade on its platform in a move that is expected to boost volumes, Katie Holliday reports
Tiger or pussycat? The emergence of China's sovereign wealth fund
Ever since its launch in 2007, China Investment Corporation, China’s sovereign wealth fund, has attracted widespread fear and suspicion. But its potential to move markets may have been overplayed.
Russia to benefit most from China's energy demand - report
Russia will benefit more than its competitors from China's growing energy appetite, says private investment bank Troika Dialog
China's Sinopec: gas production up 40% as demand grows
China’s state-owned energy giant Sinopec reveals natural gas production soars by 40%, as proven reserves ebb lower, suggesting heightened imports are on the horizon
China’s CDM trade threatened by uncertain carbon legislation
Investment in CDM carbon credits in China may slow because of the prolonged uncertainty over global climate change legislation, analysts say
China’s drop in oil demand is "warning sign’"
Alarm bells hit the market after China’s oil demand slump signals a possible unexpected slowdown in energy demand growth
Managed account platform gives new hope for investors seeking alpha in China
Currency restrictions, tight investment rules and concerns about asset segregation have made it difficult for foreign investors to gain alpha from mainland China investments. But a new managed account platform offering access to China ‘sunshine funds’…
Dealers ready their resources for Asia commodities push
The bounce in the commodities sector following the financial crisis put a number of dealers on alert about money-making opportunities in Asia. Many leading dealers are amassing their resources in the region, particularly in the physical arena. But do…
Bumpy ride for freight market
Bumpy ride
China beefing up derivatives master agreements; possible Isda friction?
Efforts by Nafmii to bolster the definitions of China’s over-the-counter derivatives master agreements should help market development. But there are concerns about potential copyright infringement related to Isda master agreements.
New China regulations raise questions for QFII derivatives
Since its launch in 2002, China’s qualified foreign institutional investor (QFII) programme has been a boon for investment banks. But new regulations issued in September 2009 raise significant issues for the derivatives market. Jill Wong reports
Asia Risk 15: Commodity derivatives grow dramatically but Asia still not setting prices
Asia is now the largest buyer of raw materials and its companies face significant hedging challenges to manage price volatility. But the fragmented nature of the region’s economies has hampered the exertion of meaningful influence in global commodity…
Asia Risk 15: Jack Lin, Janus Capital
The development of mainland Chinese markets may mimic what has already occurred in Taiwan, according to Jack Lin, co-chief executive officer of Janus Capital International in Hong Kong, but the role of sovereign funds and the quantum of scale indicate…
Asia Risk 15: David Li, Bank of East Asia
Chairman and chief executive of Bank of East Asia, David Li Kwok-po, is a consummate relationship banker who has expanded the Hong Kong family bank’s footprint into mainland China. But he places high importance on quantitative risk management. By…
Asia Risk 15: Wang Lili, ICBC
Chinese banks have radically reformed their risk management practices since 2003. Wang Lili, executive director of the world’s largest bank, ICBC, describes the remarkable journey and highlights some of the challenges and risks ahead
Asia Risk 15: James Sheu, Chinatrust
Chinatrust is one of Taiwan’s leading financial groups with businesses spanning venture capital, asset management, securities broking and commercial banking. Its growth has taken place alongside the development of the island’s financial markets, says…
China's gold market liberalisation may boost derivatives take-up
China's new guidelines for developing the gold market could result in more gold derivatives in the country.
China's bond laws remain a 'quagmire' for foreign investors, warns advisory firm
Investors in Chinese corporate bonds may struggle to recover their money in the event of a bankruptcy, according to FS Asia Advisory.
Q&A: Dr James Markowsky, US Department of Energy
Clean slate for coal
US wrap: HSBC offers single-country exposure to emerging markets as issuance surges
Structured products issuance in the US public market has undergone a revival with a sudden flood of accelerated growth products
SGX and LME partner on metals futures launch
The London Metal Exchange (LME) and the Singapore Exchange (SGX) have joined forces to launch cash-settled mini monthly metals futures contracts to be traded and cleared on the SGX
Mongolia: Investors weigh risk in promising market
Following a $3 billion investment agreement made for a copper-gold mine last year, and the recent tender for $10 billion of infrastructure investment, Mongolia seems to be the new land of opportunity, but there are risks. Alex Davis reports