Why China is more important to European stocks than the ECB

Beijing’s Q4 gift to the markets

Kathleen Brooks

Research Director UK

Join Kathleen Brooks on our Youtube Channel at 12pm BST today to find out what is moving markets now. Why China is more important to European stocks than the ECB and what may come next for commodities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrvEZ50oULc

The Chinese authorities managed to surprise the market on Thursday, with a large stimulus plan that exceeded expectations. The PBOC has thrown the kitchen sink at its sluggish economy and unloved equity market. It announced cuts to short-term interest rates and reserve requirements, which are now at their lowest level since 2020. It also eased mortgage rates to the tune of $5.3trn and eased the ability to purchase second homes. In a surprise move, the PBOC also announced $113bn of liquidity support for equities, and Asian indices have surged on Tuesday.

Tune it and join the discussion.

Kathleen Brooks is XTB's UK research director with over 20 years of experience working across financial markets. She started specialising in the foreign exchange market before moving into retail trading. Her analysis is widely respected, and she is City AM's Analyst of the Year 2026. Kathleen's analysis is regularly featured across print, digital and broadcast media. She is frequently on BBC, Sky News, LBC and other global media outlets. Her analysis on the economic impact of Brexit, major IPOs, and global economic trends has positioned her as one of the UK's top financial analysts and commentators.

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