An intelligent and accessible overview of one of the world's fastest growing and most important stock markets. China's stock market has reached a critical stage in its development. After 16 years since the first shares were traded in Shanghai, it is now recognised as the developing world's most important stock market. Already the third largest in Asia, its impact on international finance is rapidly gaining significance. All the large Western banks and investment firms have a strong presence in Shanghai. And with China's recent membership to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the growth of the Chinese stock market is being eagerly watched. This is an informative and accessible guide to China's stock market. It will explain the creation of the market and how it has developed since the 1980s. Key policies will be examined; major scandals recounted; and the different types of investors, institutional and individuals, analysed. Finally, the book will map out the likely development of China's stock market over the next 10 years, and examine the opportunities and risks involved for foreign investors.