Replies to post #8428 on The Rising Influence of Rising Affluence

[DewDiligence]

Economic news from China is pretty good (unless one is a cynic who thinks the data are fabricated):

http://online.wsj.com/articles/markets-tied-to-china-get-a-lift-1404300011

Financial markets from Hong Kong to New York are getting a lift from upbeat economic data out of China that is bolstering the outlook for global growth.

Hong Kong shares hit their highest level for the year on Wednesday, and major U.S. stock indexes were on track to reach record highs.

Commodities markets and some currencies have also gotten a boost, as investors bet that China's appetite for raw materials will stay resilient.

…Many markets were rattled earlier in the year by worries that China's slowing growth would turn into a "hard landing," creating a drag on economic activity around the world. But the Chinese government's recent support measures, including targeted credit easing, more spending on railways and business tax breaks, have helped boost investors' confidence.

In addition to factory output, other gauges of the Chinese economy have shown improvement, including exports, industrial production and retail sales.