Donald Trump is reason behind rise in Chinese stocks prices? Here's what we know so far
Donald Trump's wide-ranging trade war rouses fears of recession, global investors have found an unlikely new sanctuary: Chinese equities. Hong Kong's benchmark Hang Seng Index — where many major Chinese companies are listed — is up 17 since Trump entered the White House in January. That compares to an about 9 per cent drop in the S&P 500, which has also shed $4 trillion in market value from record highs last month, Reuters reported.
Trump's erratic pronouncement on tariffs and moves to slash federal government spending have challenged assumptions about the appeal of U.S.
stocks, which have vastly outperformed most of their global counterparts since 2021. Investors have moved from believing in «TINA» — There is No Alternative to U.S. assets — to «TIARA» — There Is A Real Alternative — said Andy Wong, a senior Hong Kong-based executive at Pictet Asset Management, as per the report.
Much of the Chinese rally has been led by technology shares that have risen 29 per cent so far in 2025, hitting their highest level in more than three years last week.
Like many of the new China equities bulls, Wong said he sees opportunities in tech, defense and consumer-facing plays.
A key reason for the optimism: Chinese stocks are cheap, trading 30 per cent under their 2021 highs. The Hang Seng Index is priced at 7 times its projected 12-month earnings — a commonly used metric to value stocks — compared to 20 times for the S&P 500, according to LSEG data.
To be sure, Chinese equities traded cheaply for a reason.