Cheap Chinese banks may offer value in 2012

After being shunned by investors for the past two years, there is finally a glimmer of hope that China’s banks may once again offer an attractive opportunity.

However, investors are being drawn back by cheaper valuations and more accommodative government policies, rather than any fundamental improvement in China’s banking businesses.

China’s recent monetary policy loosening has created an opportunity to recoup losses suffered during 2011, according to J.P. Morgan Asset Management, which is particularly optimistic about investments in the Chinese banking industry, despite a fair amount of concern over the sector.

“There is a meaningful prospect for earnings per share upgrades, especially as analysts...