Chinese property stocks turn red-hot on sales optimism

Shanghai

A CLEAR winner is emerging among Chinese equities this year, whether in Hong Kong or Shanghai: real estate.

Property firms account for eight of the 10 best performers on MSCI Inc's gauge of offshore Chinese shares in January, while developers have rallied the most among industry groups on the Shanghai benchmark. Shimao Property Holdings Ltd has led the charge in Hong Kong, surging 28 per cent, while China Vanke Co has climbed 22 per cent.