The make-up of Hong Kong's benchmark index, the Hang Seng, shows why most emerging markets are considered geared plays on global growth: they are packed with cyclical stocks.
In the Hang Seng's case, economically sensitive industries comprise around 80% of the index. In Western markets, cyclicals usually account for 60% of the market or less. Hong Kong's financials the biggest sector, accounting for almost 60% of the market oil, industrials, and technology firms are in the cyclical category.
MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
See Tim Bennett's video tutorial: What is an index?
-
Inflation holds steady at 3.8% ahead of BoE meetingThe rate of inflation did not rise in August, but the Bank of England is still expected to keep interest rates on hold tomorrow
-
Thousands of savers with £250k pensions take cash over tax-free money and IHT fearsWith a record £70 billion withdrawn from pensions in the year to March, experts are concerned savers are making knee-jerk decisions without advice that could affect their long term wealth
