Japan's investment future seen eclipsing China’s

Corporate and portfolio investors have more opportunities in Japan and investing in Japan-oriented companies than in most other parts of Asia, while the attractions in China are narrowing, says Clint Laurent, founder of Global Demographics in Hong Kong.

His firm’s data suggest the only age group in China that is growing are people aged 40 to 64. Laurent calls this cohort working age empty nesters’, because their one child possibly two has left home, leaving them with a bit of money and leisure time. Younger age groups are going to see their numbers flatline or shrink.

Many of these empty nesters are enjoying rising incomes, as...