Goldman’s Waldron sees ‘bumpy’ China reopening curbing growth

GOLDMAN Sachs Group president John Waldron said China’s road to reopening could be “bumpy,” which coupled with the scenario of a mild recession in Europe and the US could lead to a tougher economic climate. 

“That will obviously have some negative implications for growth,” Waldron said via video link at Shanghai’s Bund Summit. 

The remarks underscore how lenders are gauging the impact of China’s pivot from a Covid Zero policy as well as geopolitical tensions and a slump in dealmaking. Global banks are quietly cutting China-focused investment bankers as doubts grow over whether the country will ever become the deal and fee machine once envisaged.

Nevertheless, Waldron said Goldman’s business in China, primarily capital markets, is doing well. The bank also hopes to play a bigger role in China’s asset management industry, he said. The firm gained approval in June to start offering wealth management service through a venture with Industrial & Commercial Bank of China.

“We will continue to be large investors in the country, and we’re excited about the forward opportunity,” he said. BLOOMBERG