The boom generation

By Global Times – China Business News Source:Global Times – China Business News Published: 2015-4-26 18:38:01

Xiaoyu (left), a junior college student in Wuhan, Hubei Province, discusses her stock market investment plans with her roomate.Photo: CFP

When she gets back to her dorm, Xiaoyu logs online to check on the stocks while her roomate does homework. Photo: CFP



 

Xiaoyu often writes notes on investment tips.Photo: CFP



 

She even checks on the stock market on her phone while walking.Photo: CFP



 

Xiaoyu's iPad is a convenient tool for her to check on the stock market. Photo: CFP





"I thought I was going to lose money, but at the end of the day, the stock market came around."

After investing 10,000 yuan ($1,615) in the stock market in February, Xiaoyan often posted such status on social media.

He had waited two months before jumping in. He wanted to wait until the market stabilized before investing, unlike many of his peers, who dived in last year.

Chinese stocks, which had underperformed for the three years prior, showed the strongest gains of any major market in 2014. Many, seeing the rising tide of fast money, have joined an army of stock market investors. Recent data show that in March, an average of 22,100 people opened stock trading accounts everyday.

Among these, the post-1990 generation is a powerful force.

Some are still in school. One student told a reporter that she checks on her stocks in between classes. Most of her classmates' investment money comes from their parents.

This newborn generation of investors is strongly attracted by the lure of investment riches.

Compared to some of his coworkers, Li Yong's 150,000 yuan of profit doesn't seem like much. But he made enough to quit his job last year and focus on investing.

"I earned more than my salary," he said.

The same fever rose in 2008, when China's stock market rose to a high of 6,124.04 points. But it was followed by an unprecedented fall. Millions lost heavily, and some people even committed suicide after becoming bankrupt.

Even though there has been speculation the same might happen to this year's stock market, many still have faith. 

Xiaoyan says he wants to invest some more. The original 10,000 yuan of investment had given him a return of 1,500 yuan, but "That's not enough to buy a house," he said.

Global Times - China Business News

Posted in: In-Depth

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