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Investing.com -- Chinese property stocks jumped on Monday as fresh measures in Shanghai to spur home purchases added to hopes of further government support for the struggling sector.
The HS Mainland Properties index, which tracks Chinese developers listed in Hong Kong, closed 2.7% higher Monday.
Gains came after Shanghai authorities waived property taxes for some first-time buyers and relaxed limits on how many homes can be purchased in the city’s suburban districts. Similar steps were introduced in Beijing earlier this month.
Analysts noted that while the easing is unlikely to deliver a big lift to sluggish sales, it reinforces expectations of more policy help.
“It’s a sign that the Chinese government is acknowledging there might be some pressure for the sector in the second half, and the market may have more hopes for more stimulus in the near future,” Daiwa analyst William Wu said in a note seen by the Wall Street Journal.
China Vanke (HK:2202) led the rally, soaring 10% to HK$5.68 and heading for its best day since April, even after reporting weaker first-half results.
“Vanke’s rally may reflect investors’ optimism on the firm’s liquidity profile, as it continues to receive funding support from largest shareholder Shenzhen Metro and financial institutions,” said Jeff Zhang, an equity analyst at Morningstar.
The developer disclosed last week that Shenzhen Metro has provided about 24 billion yuan ($3.35 billion) in loans. Vanke has also repaid 24.39 billion yuan in public debt and faces no offshore maturities before 2027. Still, Zhang said the company is unlikely to return to profit before that year.
Vanke acknowledged its challenges but pointed to an improving policy backdrop, saying government “policies have continuously shown positive signals, promoting the recovery and stabilization of the real estate market.”
Other developers also advanced, supported by brighter market sentiment amid growing expectations of U.S. interest rate cuts. Sunac China (HK:1918) gained 6.6%, Sino-Ocean Group (HK:3377) added 6.8%, Ke Holdings (HK:2423) rose 6% and Kaisa Group (HK:1638) climbed 7.95%.
Longfor Properties (HK:0960) was up 6.7%.
HSBC analysts said much of the sector’s recent rebound reflects shifting policy expectations, the Journal reported, though some stocks have also re-rated on improving fundamentals and signs of earnings recovery.