The Chinese stock market rout deepened on Monday, with another session characterized by wild swings following last week's sharp sell-off. During the first half of the day, benchmark indices such as the Shanghai Composite and Hong Kong's Hang Seng, along with other key indices, saw sharp declines.
Multi-Year Lows For Shanghai Composite, Hang Seng
Both the Shanghai Composite and Hang Seng pared some of the losses towards the end of the session; however, both indices still closed in the red. It is noteworthy that these indices have hit multi-year lows, with the Shanghai Composite now trading around levels last seen in 2019.
Small-Cap Rout Deepens, CSI 1000 Down Over 6%
While the major Chinese indices managed to pare some losses, the CSI 1000, an index comprising 1,000 small-cap stocks, ended the day with a loss of over six percent. Earlier during the day, the CSI 1000 had plunged 8%, causing a halt in nearly 30% of stocks.
Sell-Off Despite Regulator's 'Stability' Vow
Despite the pledge made by The China Securities Regulatory Commission on Sunday to prevent abnormal fluctuations, Monday witnessed a sell-off in China's equity market. The Chinese market regulator announced its intention to channel more medium- and long-term funds into the market while also intensifying efforts to combat illegal activities, such as malicious short selling and insider trading.
$7 Trillion Valuation Decline Since Early 2021
It is important to note that Chinese equity markets have experienced a sharp sell-off in the recent past, contributing to the seven trillion dollar valuation decline since the all-time highs of early 2021. This market rout has been triggered by the ongoing real estate sales slump, weak economic data in the last few years, and heightened tensions with the United States.
Big Challenge To China's President Xi Jinping
The market meltdown poses yet another significant challenge to Chinese President Xi Jinping amidst rising concerns about the health of the Chinese economy.