(Yicai) Jan. 14 -- Investor confidence in Shanghai shifted back into expansionary territory during the fourth quarter of last year, buoyed by a series of supportive policy measures.

The Shanghai Investor Confidence Index reached 106.57 points, up nearly 11 points from the previous quarter and more than eight points higher than a year ago, according to a report released today. A reading above 100 indicates optimism.

The index is based on a survey conducted by the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. It comprises four core indexes measuring the business environment and confidence levels among entrepreneurs, institutional investors, and individual investors. All components rose last quarter except for the entrepreneur investment confidence index.

SUFE Professors Xu Guoxiang and Chang Ning attributed the increase in the aggregate index to China's recent intensive macro policies, which have signaled stable growth and boosted investor confidence in economic development. Additionally, mainland stock markets have rebounded strongly, driven by favorable policies including real estate support measures and reserve requirement ratio cuts, leading to significantly increased investor satisfaction with returns.

The professors also noted that as the global economy gradually recovers and the Federal Reserve shifts its monetary policy, international capital has shown greater interest in the Chinese market, transforming investor expectations from cautious to optimistic.

Looking ahead, Xu emphasized that China needs to focus on strengthening economic growth to maintain investor confidence. He recommended implementing more proactive macro policies, including aggressive fiscal measures and moderately loose monetary policies. Moreover, he suggested the government should shift its focus from expanding domestic demand to supporting consumers. Finally, he stressed the importance of strengthening connections with overseas capital markets to attract more foreign investment into the Chinese market.

Editor: Emmi Laine