BEIJING – Chinese residents saw their confidence in the job market and their incomes plunge to new lows, while interest in buying homes also fell as theThe People’s Bank of China’s Employment Sentiment Index – which is based on a survey of households’ outlook for jobs – declined to 33.1 in the last three months of 2022, worse than the prior quarter’s record low dating back to when data began in 2010. Figures below 50 represent a contraction in the sector.
The report’s findings are based on a central bank survey of 20,000 depositors across the country, taken every quarter. But while economic activity is expected to eventually rebound, it’s unclear how quick that will happen given the spread of infections and the weakness in confidence. Unlike advanced economies such as the United States, China has refrained from handing out subsidies directly to residents during the pandemic.