China’s stimulus message leaves investors despondent but clinging to hope

China’s long-awaited announcement of financial stimulus plans on Saturday was big on scope but low on measurable details that investors need to validate their recent return to the world’s second-largest stock market.

Saturday’s news conference by Finance Minister Lan Foan reiterated Beijing’s broad plans to revive the ailing economy, with promises of significant increases in government debt and support for consumers and the real estate sector.

But for investors hoping to hear authorities say exactly how much the government will commit to the crisis, the briefing was disappointing.