BofA strategist: China stock rally may steady after 12% surge, options point to grind

Forex Short News

Bank of America warns the latest surge in Chinese equities is unlikely to replicate last year’s explosive rally, when the CSI 300 Index jumped more than 30% in just weeks on a wave of stimulus-fuelled optimism. The benchmark has risen about 12% since early August to near a three-year high, but further gains may be capped as positioning is already “quite bullish,” says Lars Naeckter, head of Asia Pacific equity-derivatives research.

Info comes via a Bloomberg (gated) report. In brief:

  • Chinese stocks outperformed, underpinned by supportive policies, abundant liquidity, and enthusiasm around artificial intelligence.
  • CSI 300 is toward overbought territory
  • Naeckter suggests investors should expect a “normal” and steady rally rather than another 25–30% burst higher, as many portfolios are already exposed to the trade.
  • He recommends selling out-of-the-money calls to fund positions closer to current levels, a strategy that positions for a grind higher.
  • With many global investors having pared back China exposure in recent years, he adds, the options market remains a relatively cheap way to re-engage without heavy downside risk.

This article was written by Eamonn Sheridan at investinglive.com.