News

Market Performance: The HSI closed up 44 points (0.17%) at 26,629, while the HSCEI fell 8 points (0.1%) to 9,114. The HSTECH rose 16 points (0.28%) to 5,762, with a total market turnover of HKD234.86 billion.
Chip Stocks Rally: Following a rally in memory chip stocks, ASMPT surged 6.3% to HKD108.2, while other chip makers like SMIC and HUA HONG SEMI also saw gains, reflecting positive sentiment in the sector.
Tech Stock Movements: BIDU-SW increased by 4.1% after JPMorgan raised its target price, while TENCENT and MEITUAN-W dipped slightly. BABA-W and JD-SW experienced modest gains.
Automotive and AI Stocks: BYD edged up 0.7%, while XPENG and SERES saw declines. AI stocks like UNISOUND and FOURTH PARADIGM dropped significantly, indicating volatility in the tech and automotive sectors.

Stock Performance: XPeng (XPEV.US) and other automotive stocks like BYD and Geely Auto are rated as "Buy," with varying target prices and short selling ratios indicating market activity and investor sentiment.
Market Predictions: CICC forecasts changes in the Hang Seng Index, suggesting new constituents like ZIJIN GOLD INTL and BEONE MEDICINES, while Standard Chartered may replace Hang Seng Bank.
Industry Insights: UBS highlights high growth targets for the Chinese auto industry, focusing on exports and intelligence, while JPMorgan anticipates a slow start for auto sales in the first quarter.
Sales Forecast Adjustments: Citi has revised its sales forecast for Li Auto, projecting a decrease for 2026-27, while maintaining a hold rating for both Li Auto and Nio.

CMBI's Sales Forecast: CMBI maintains a forecast for a 0.1% YoY decline in retail sales and a 2.9% YoY increase in wholesale sales of passenger vehicles in China, influenced by disappointing sales data from late last year.
New Energy Vehicles Adjustments: The growth forecast for new energy vehicles has been revised down to 12.6% for retail and 15.1% for wholesale sales due to stricter trade-in subsidy requirements.
Earnings Forecast Changes: CMBI has lowered its 4Q25 earnings forecasts for several automakers, including GWMOTOR, XPENG-W, LEAPMOTOR, and GAC GROUP, due to poor sales performance.
Positive Outlook for BYD and Others: Conversely, CMBI raised earnings forecasts for BYD, NIO, and LI AUTO, while maintaining its forecasts for GEELY AUTO, which it selected as a top pick with a Buy rating and a target price of HKD25.

UK-China Business Dialogue: The UK and China are set to revive the "Golden Era" business dialogue during Prime Minister Keir Starmer's upcoming visit to China, with participation from major companies from both nations.
Participating Companies: Notable UK companies involved include AstraZeneca, BP, and HSBC, while Chinese firms include Bank of China and BYD Company.
Impact of US Politics: US President Donald Trump's comments regarding Greenland may influence Starmer's visit, highlighting the interconnectedness of international relations.
Visit Details: The UK is expected to announce specifics about Starmer's itinerary and visit arrangements soon, following the recent approval of a new site for the Chinese Embassy in the UK.

China's Auto Industry Challenges: UBS highlights that despite a 19% sales growth target for China's auto industry, challenges such as reduced stimulus, increased taxes, and rising commodity prices may hinder domestic demand and profit margins.
Focus on Export and Technology: Investors are advised to target companies with overseas expansion capabilities and strengths in intelligent technology, as the export market becomes vital for growth, especially with agreements on EV pricing with the EU and reduced tariffs from Canada.
Company Strategies for Growth: GWMOTOR plans to export 600,000 cars in 2026, while SINOTRUK aims to enter the Brazilian and European markets, reflecting a strategic shift towards international markets.
Investment Preferences: UBS favors companies involved in autonomous driving and intelligent technology, such as WERIDE-W, PONY-W, and HESAI-W, as well as automakers like BYD and GWMOTOR with strong global market presence.
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