A better way to make billions from China

Investors can ask which companies will be disrupted - or receive unexpected windfalls - as Chinese firms rush abroad.

- Shuli Ren

China's fast economic growth is over. The government has been talking about stimulating the economy for three months - with few actions to follow through. Meanwhile, stock moves have been so sharp and volatile that by the time foreign investors figure out what's going on and decide to buy into the rally, chances are they will be left holding the bag. The era of making easy money from China seems behind us.

Nonetheless, the country's sheer scale and prominence in the global supply chain means economic dynamics there can affect investment portfolios that don't have direct exposure. What happens in China doesn't just stay in China.

One prominent lasting trend is that Chinese companies are keen to explore overseas markets, where they see higher profit margins. However, by running away from nagging deflation and fierce competition at home, they can become disruptive forces in developed economies, posing existential threats to some while creating unexpected windfalls for a few others.