International

China’s Third Plenum Vows Support for Private Sector, Stable Climate for Foreign Firms

Better protection for private sector rights was among hundreds of reform goals laid out by China’s ruling Communist Party following a key, long-awaited policy meeting.

Better protection for private sector rights was among hundreds of reform goals laid out by China’s ruling Communist Party following a key, long-awaited policy meeting.

In a briefing in Beijing on Friday, July 19, on the outcome of the third plenum, China’s rulemakers vowed to improve the mechanism for private companies to take part in major national projects, support capable firms to lead major technological breakthroughs, and better regulate administrative inspections involving the private sector.

Tang Fangyu, deputy head of the Central Committee’s Policy Research Office, said the pledges were among “more than 300 reform goals” adopted at the plenum. They come amid low confidence in the private sector, where investment dropped by 0.4% last year, while that in the state sector rose by nearly 5%.

China would continue its “opening-up” policy and protect the rights of foreign companies and people in the country, and expand its use of foreign investment, while labelling a recent decline as “temporary”.

U.S. Economy

U.S. Consumer Sentiment Tumbles as ‘Recession-like’ Symptoms Spread among Americans

Consumer sentiment in the U.S. dropped to an eight-month low in July, according to the Consumer Sentiment Index from the University of Michigan.

International

China's July Exports Climbed 7%, Lightly Missing Forecasts, but Imports Grew a Robust 7.2 Percent

China's exports climbed 7.0% in July from a year earlier, a slower pace of growth than in June and missing expectations, but imports rose 7.2%, customs data showed on Wednesday, August 7.

U.S. Economy

No Rate Cuts Yet: Fed Maintains Interest Rate Unchanged at Historic Highs

The U.S. Federal Reserve has opted to maintain the federal funds rate target range at 5.25—5.5%, according to the latest report from the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC).