The Chinese Communist Party broadcasted a dramatic shift in its zero Covid policy late last year. Long-time investors who read the signal benefited greatly. The China Internet ETF (KWEB) rose by over 100% from its 52-week low.
Weibo (WB), Alibaba (BABA), New Oriental Education (EDU), and Didi Global (DIDIY) are notable examples of stocks that soared. EDU and DIDIY stock are relatively more attractive: neither firm has any government overhang. New Oriental pivoted out of the non-profit online education market long ago.
Didi delisted its stock from the NYSE. The ride-hailing firm never received Chinese government approval after the IPO. The listing to Hong Kong satisfies such scrutiny. The stock is listed as DIDIY on the over-the-counter markets.
Catalyst In-Play
In addition to the economic re-opening, China’s harsh regulatory crackdown on the technology sector is a catalyst. It allowed Alibaba’s Ant Group, previously known as Ant Financial, to raise $1.5 billion in capital on Jan. 3. To make it happen, billionaire Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma gave up control of Ant.
Risks
China’s diminished real estate sector is a risk. Evergrande, a property developer, is still halted. The bankrupt firm is negotiating with domestic and foreign investors re-structuring its debt.
Watch for China to relax its rules further against the property market. This will keep its stock prices from falling from here.
