How to play the rise of the Chinese consumer

CHINA

The biggest investment theme today - and in all likelihood for the next ten years - is the rise of the Chinese consumer.

Consumption is the key to any modern-day economy: in most developed countries it accounts for over 60% of GDP. The equivalent figure in China is only just over half this level. China has played catch-up in many ways economically over the past decade. The rise of consumption levels in the economy will be another way it does this. Despite the extensive economic reforms of the last couple of decades, significant policy shifts do not happen without the agreement of the Chinese government. Over the last couple of years, senior Chinese officials have been more vocal in their observations about...