Its actually happening now. The official data show Chinas economy is slowing. What difference does it make to British investors? Well, there are companies listed on the FTSE 100 that are exposed to Chinese growth.
Two companies I am going to look at today are Standard Chartered (LSE: STAN) (NASDAQOTH: SCBFF.US) and BHP Billiton (LSE: BLT) (NYSE: BBL.US). First though, heres the latest on China in as brief a way as I can manage!
Slowing Chinese economy
Last week China announced its lowest growth rate in 24 years: the economy grew 7.4% in 2014. Thats down from 7.7% in 2013.
Theres more to come,too. Just look at the downside risks. Chinas property market has remained largely unresponsive to policy support. Indeed, lending data from the banking system shows signs of chronic weakness there. At the same time, there are also worries regarding local government debt which, of course, is intertwined in the property market.
Policymakers also are concerned about the steep fall in energy prices and industrial overcapacity.
The number crunchers at UBS arent terribly impressed by any of this and see Chinese GDP growth falling as low at 6.8% in 2015.
Ultimately, China wants to transition its economy into being a consumer-led economic powerhouse but that will take time.
Standard Chartered losing its grip in China
Heres the long and the short of it. Standard Chartered, like many banks, lends money to companies. Unfortunately, many of the companies its recently lent money to have been overly exposed to falling commodities prices (particularly oil and copper). According to the South China Morning Post, analysts are naturally getting quite concerned about the quality of the lenders loan book especially with regard to those companies using commodities to back their debt loads.
So just how bad is it? Lets break it down. Credit Suisse says Standard Chartered has about $32.6 billion directly tied up with commodity traders. Its also got another $28 billion or so with a whole bunch of energy, agriculture, metals and mining firms. To put all that in perspective, the banks total assets stand at around $690 billion. Sound okay? Credit Suisse doesnt think so: the investment firm says the banks total global commodities exposure may require additional provisioning.
The bottom line? City analysts expect Standard Chartereds full-year earnings per share to fall 17.3% from last year. Ouch.
BHP Billiton digging its own hole
BHP Billiton is also starting to sniff the foul stench of falling commodities prices. Okay, thats a bit dramatic, though lets not forget iron ore prices fell over 40% last year, and most analysts dont see that trend reversing in 2015. BHP is also exposed to the falls in the prices of oil and copper.
So just how big a bite is this commodities bear market going to take out of BHP? The company made $5.82 in earnings per share in fiscal 2014. Since then earnings per share have fallen to $4.80. According to analysts, earnings-per-share are expected to fall 27% in fiscal 2015 to $3.89 per share. Some indicators already have it lower than that.
Standard Chartered and BHP Billiton still long-term income plays
Has that depressed you enough yet? There you have two stocks that looked positively rosy 5 years ago, but now look a little saggy. Believe it or not Im not actually trying to depress you, in fact I may even have some light at the end of the tunnel for you.
You see the thing is that BHP Billiton and Standard Chartered have both lost value over the past 6 months and, as such, their valuations have fallen. Their lower price-to-earnings multiples therefore look about right now, but they both have dividend yields of between 5% and 6%. So while they may have lost their sex appeal in the short-term, in the long-term, they still look relatively attractive as income or dividend plays. Then again, most half-decent companies look good over the longer run.
It’s tricky this share investing business, isn’t it? One minute you’re on to a winner, then the next you’re wondering what went wrong. The Motley Fool feels your pain, which is why we’re inviting you to take cover under ourexperienced wings.
Click on this report, 7 Simple Steps For Seeking Serious Wealth, and you’ll be invited to explore the Fool’s 7-point plan to help YOU work towards getting seriously rich from your investments.
Click here for your copy. You can relax knowing there’s no obligation to do anything further and the report is 100% FREE.
Get FREE Issues of The Motley Fool Collective
Get straightforward advice on whats really happening with the stock markets, direct to your inbox. Help yourself with our FREE email newsletter designed to help you protect and grow your portfolio wealth.
By providing your email address, you consent to receiving further information on our goods and services and those of our business partners. To opt-out of receiving this information click here. All information provided is governed by our Privacy Statement.
David Taylor has no position in any shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. We Fools don’t all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.