As I've written elsewhere, China's official GDP growth rate in 4Q2019 was the lowest in 29 years. What does the Communist govt with a pro-population control/one child policy fear more - a flu strain or loss of capital flows owing to foreign concern around the fundamentals of China's economy? Wither China?
Ah, but if the narrative becomes that the economy hits the shoals because of an alleged PANDEMIC, well...that's a GREAT story - "the GDP fall wasn't due to fundamentals. Keep investing."
Now, clearly something bad is happening in China. And I'm not saying for certain that China is taking advantage of a crisis. But there is a LOT that doesn't add up. All I am recommending is that we watch the magician's other hand and not panic.
What doesnt add up?