China's Cosmetics Contain Legal Levels Of Toxic Chemicals

In China, some skincare products contain toxic chemicals in amounts within regulated limits, according to the Beijing Consumer Association. Results of the study conducted by the group revealed some of the products contained antiseptics, arsenic, mercury, formaldehyde, and other toxic substances. Mercury is commonly found as an active ingredient in skin-whitening lotions and was found in samples of Sekkisei Supreme Revitalizing Cream I, Watsons Collagen Moisturizing and Whitening Facial Lotion, as well as in lip balms manufactured by Guerlain, Givenchy, and Shu Uemura.

"Cosmetics in China contain 'acceptable' levels of mercury, arsenic", Want China Times, March 26, 2015

Demand For Korean Cosmetics In Chinese-Speaking Countries Keeps Rising, Study Shows

Nielsen said 40 percent of consumers in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Singapore who bought Korean beauty products were planning to spend more in the next months. Results of the market research firm's survey of 1,900 women in these countries revealed six of 10 consumers have only recently discovered Korean beauty brands in the past two years. Data also revealed that among the respondents, the leading reason for the popularity of Korean cosmetics was the perception that Korean-made beauty products were “new and trendy.” Consumer preference for buying cosmetics from conventional outlets, such as department stores and duty-free stores, has made South Korea a top travel destination among Chinese-speaking consumers.

"No Sign of Letup in Chinese Demand for Korean Cosmetics", Wall Street Journal, March 25, 2015

China's Economy In 2015 Mirrors U.S. In 2008

Economic conditions in China in 2015 look like those in the United States in 2008, according to market analysts. In March, China's government lowered its 2015 GDP growth target to around 7 percent, its lowest in 11 years, compared with 7.4 percent in 2014. A slowdown in the real estate market, overcapacity at factories, and growing local debt are weighing down China's economy. China's central bank cut interest rates twice since November 2014, and allowed its banks to increase lending volumes. According to Gabriel Investments managing partner Richard Vague, the country is forecast to have its largest budget deficit since the international financial crisis this year.

"China looks 'a lot like the U.S. in 2008'", Yahoo! Finance, March 23, 2015

Chinese Search Engine Plans U.S. IPO In 2015

Sohu.com Inc.'s web search engine business Sogou Inc. is preparing a $3 billion initial public offering in the United States. According to unidentified sources, the company could sell shares by the second half of 2015. Sogou reported revenue rose 70 percent to $119 million in the fourth quarter of 2014, compared with the same period in the previous year. It accounted for 6.9 percent of web search queries in China during the same period, compared with rival Baidu's 74.4 percent.

"China’s ‘Search Dog’ Said to Plan IPO at $3 Billion Value", Bloomberg Business, March 20, 2015