Rich more optimistic about China's future - Rupert Hoogewerf

Rupert Hoogewerf

China's high-net-worth individuals are more optimistic about the country's economic development compared to last yet, says the Hurun Chinese Luxury Consumers Survey 2018, released on Wednesday, according to the China Daily. Rupert Hoogewerf, founder and chief researcher of Hurun, said that although China's GDP growth rate was 6.9 percent last year, which is slightly up from the 6.5 percent estimated by the central government at the beginning of 2017, it is enough to make a difference.

The China Daily:

The Shanghai-based Hurun Research Institute, which conducted the study, said that only 6 percent of the respondents were pessimistic on prospects, while that number was 9 percent a year ago. 

Rupert Hoogewerf, founder and chief researcher of Hurun, said that although China's GDP growth rate was 6.9 percent last year, which is slightly up from the 6.5 percent estimated by the central government at the beginning of 2017, it is enough to make a difference. 

As a result, 72 percent of the respondents－up from 65 percent last year－expected that China and the United States will run neck and neck in terms of economic development in the next decade. About 37 percent said that China is likely to overtake the US in 10 years, which is up from 28 percent a year ago. 

It is the 14th consecutive year that Hurun has released this list. About 58 percent of the surveyed high-net-worth individuals this year, who have not immigrated yet, expressed no such plans, a historic low since 2011. In addition, overseas investment dropped out from the top five personal investment channels. As explained by Hoogewerf, it reflects the rich individuals diverse interests in the domestic market. 

Liquor band Kweichow Moutai is the only Chinese brand that figures in the top 10 favorite brands for gifting. According to Hoogewerf, wealthy individuals' preference of brands for gifting has consolidated over time, which means that they are extremely loyal to certain brands and will not opt for a substitute easily even if the new products are a hit in the market. 

In terms of recreation and activities, sailing took the second spot among the activities that Chinese high net worth individuals want to try in the next three years, next to equestrianism.

More in the China Daily. Rupert Hoogewerf is a speaker at the China Speakers Bureau. Do you need him at your meeting or conference? Do get in touch or fill in our speakers' request form.

Are you looking for more experts on luxury goods at the China Speakers Bureau. Do check out this list.

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