China Economist

Capital Economics is one of the world’s leading independent economic research companies. We provide country and regional research on most of the major developed and emerging economies. We also provide overview services covering the global economy and financial markets, and have dedicated services providing research on commodities and on the property sector.

Founded in 1999, we have gained an enviable reputation for original and insightful research and have built up a wide and distinguished client base. We produce publications for world-wide distribution and offer support to clients in their respective time-zones through our offices in London, Toronto and Singapore.

Overall, more than 1,500 institutions subscribe to our publications. The majority are in the financial sector, including some of the world’s largest investment banks and wealth managers. We also have a growing number of corporate clients, as well as many relationships with governments and central banks, both in developed and emerging economies.

The Singapore team currently consists of seven full-time staff based in our office at CapitaGreen (near Telok Ayer and Raffles Place). It is vital that you are happy to work in a small, close-knit unit. You will also be involved in frequent discussions with the wider global team.

The Role

A macroeconomist working within our highly-regarded China team, reporting to the Head of China Economics. This person will possess strong analytical skills, be willing to challenge the consensus and have the ability to express themselves in English with clarity and concision. You’ll have an opportunity to contribute across the range of our work on China and to discussions about China’s impact on the world.

• Help formulate views on the outlook for China’s economy and monetary/fiscal policy. Try to identify where consensus expectations for policy and for key economic and financial indicators are wrong.
• Produce frequent pieces of written analysis on these views. At one end of the spectrum, this would include responses to events, data releases and policy decisions, which are sent to clients within a few minutes. At the other, you would be writing on themes that are likely to shape China’s economy over several years.
• As your expertise grows, you would present these views directly to clients, whether in person, on the telephone or conference calls, or at seminars. You would also be encouraged to build your own profile, including through media appearances.

• A strong academic background with, at least, a good undergraduate degree in economics or a related discipline.
• The ability to read policy statements and financial news in Chinese. Non-native speakers will be assessed for language ability.
• At least two years’ experience analysing macroeconomic issues within the public sector, a financial institution or a research/news organisation. Previous experience covering China would be an advantage but is not essential.
• The ability to communicate in an engaging and authoritative manner. You will be expected to contribute to internal debates and present the company's views to external parties, including clients and the media. The hiring process involves delivering a presentation.
• Above all, strong writing skills. Most of our output is written, so the ability to structure a written argument in English and express it clearly and concisely is a must. The hiring process includes a writing assessment.

Please send a CV with a short cover letter explaining why you want to work for Capital Economics and why you are suited to the role. In addition, please send a sample piece of written work published in your name.

At Capital Economics, we are striving to create a diverse workforce and inclusive environment, which we believe are critical to help us make better decisions for the company, our employees, and our clients. A diverse and inclusive workplace makes for more innovative, engaged, and empowered employees, from whom business strength can be derived. This is particularly important in macroeconomic research, which relies on a diversity of views and opinions to be relevant and insightful.

Capital Economics is committed to equality, inclusion, and diversity. We encourage applications from all candidates regardless of ethnicity, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or gender identity. If you need reasonable adjustments to be made to the application process to ensure you are not at a disadvantage to other candidates, please include this in your cover letter. This is applicable if you have a disability or if you are neurodiverse/hold neurodiverse traits.

• Good annual leave (24 days plus your birthday)
• Long-service leave
• Volunteer leave
• Health Assured (Employee Assistance Programme)
• Hybrid working
• Flexible working policy
• Enhanced parental leave benefits
• Internal training and development
• Active social committee.