China’s February PMI to test historic low of 38.8, says ANZ Research

China’s manufacturing PMI for February is expected to reach an historic low of 38.8. The impact of the virus outbreak will see PMI drop further than the previous low in Q4 2008, according to the latest report from ANZ Research.

However, the biggest risk facing the economy is the breakdown of the liquidity chain. We estimate a shortfall of CNY2.6 trillion in cash flow in the corporate sector.

The virus outbreak has caused lack of cash revenue given the demand shock; mismatch of accounts receivable and payable; and insufficient cash to service loan and interest payments.

If the authorities cannot address the cash flow issue effectively, the outcome for bad loans, defaults, bankruptcy, and employment will be severe, the report added.