The wealth of Bernard Arnault, chairman of LVMH, skyrocketed by $17 billion in a single day after China unveiled a robust economic stimulus package.
These measures aimed at revitalizing the country’s faltering economy prompted a surge in LVMH stock, which rallied nearly 10% on the Paris exchange.
Arnault’s wealth had dropped by $24 billion earlier this year, but Thursday’s rally significantly boosted his net worth to $201 billion.
This development underscores the critical link between China’s economic health and the global luxury market, as LVMH relies heavily on Chinese demand.
China’s surprise stimulus package has triggered an impressive recovery in its stock markets.
As of Friday, the Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong was up by over 12%, while mainland China’s CSI300 index had climbed by more than 15%, marking their strongest weekly performance since the 2008 financial crisis.
The rebound comes as investors respond to the Chinese government’s renewed focus on fiscal and monetary policies designed to support economic growth, particularly in the property market, which has been a significant drag on the economy.
LVMH’s fortunes tied to China
LVMH’s rally follows months of declining sales in Asia, its largest market. In July, the luxury group reported a 10% drop in revenue from the region during the first half of 2024. With China accounting for 31% of LVMH’s total revenue last year, the slowdown in its economy hit hard.
The recent stimulus has raised hopes for a rebound in demand for high-end goods, especially as consumer sentiment in China begins to recover.
China’s stimulus plan addresses key economic challenges, including sluggish consumer spending and a debt-laden property sector.
This week, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) cut its reverse repo rate from 1.7% to 1.5% and reduced the reserve requirement ratio for banks by half a percentage point, freeing up approximately $142 billion for lending.
These moves are aimed at boosting liquidity and supporting businesses, with a particular focus on stabilising the property market.
China’s economic recovery is not guaranteed
While markets have responded positively to the stimulus, experts caution that China’s economic recovery is not guaranteed.
The property market, which once accounted for nearly 30% of the country’s GDP, remains fragile. Government-led restrictions on developer borrowing, introduced in 2019, caused the sector to contract sharply, and officials must now find ways to encourage sustainable growth without creating new financial risks.
For Arnault and LVMH, the next few months will be critical. While Thursday’s rally boosted Arnault’s fortune to $201 billion, the long-term health of LVMH is closely tied to China’s recovery.
Analysts are optimistic that Beijing’s efforts to revive its economy will renew demand for luxury goods, but much depends on whether the property market stabilizes and consumer confidence improves.
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