Core Viewpoint - The life insurance industry is at a critical stage of value transformation and service model upgrade in 2026, facing both challenges and opportunities due to new accounting standards, complex market environments, and deepening population aging [1] Group 1: Asset-Liability Management and Investment Capability - Strengthening asset-liability management and enhancing investment capabilities are crucial for life insurance companies to establish a solid foundation for stable operations in 2026 [2] - Companies are focusing on a collaborative development model of "insurance + investment + service" to enhance their competitive edge and build a robust investment foundation [2] - Emphasis on innovation in insurance product service models to alleviate interest spread risk and enhance the supply of pension annuities and long-term care insurance [3] Group 2: Digital Transformation - The life insurance industry is advancing from initial exploration to large-scale application of digital transformation, integrating AI, big data, and cloud computing to enhance operational efficiency and create differentiated competition [5] - Companies are prioritizing digital transformation as a key strategy for high-quality development, with specific goals set for 2026 [5][6] Group 3: Customer-Centric Approach - The industry is shifting from scale-driven to value-driven growth, with a focus on upgrading channels and improving service quality to meet diverse consumer demands [7] - Companies are implementing new marketing models centered around customer needs and enhancing their sales teams to adapt to business transformations [7] - Emphasis on improving service quality through the integration of medical, health, and care services, aiming to enrich service offerings and enhance customer experience [8]

Core Insights - The establishment of private equity funds by insurance companies is increasing, driven by policy encouragement and the need for asset-liability matching in a low-interest-rate environment [1][4][5] Group 1: Recent Developments - Tianjin Lanqin Equity Investment Partnership was recently established with a total investment of 8.601 billion, involving several insurance companies including Taikang Life and China Life [2] - The Huizhi Yangtze River Delta Private Fund Partnership, also established recently, has China Life as its largest partner with an investment of 4 billion [2] - The Taibao War New M&A Private Fund, with a target size of 30 billion, is focusing on key areas of state-owned enterprise reform and modern industrial system construction in Shanghai [3] Group 2: Policy and Market Trends - Policies supporting insurance capital participation in private equity investments have been introduced, promoting long-term capital investment in strategic sectors like integrated circuits and biomedicine [4] - The trend of insurance capital increasing its allocation to private equity funds reflects a shift in asset allocation needs, particularly in response to a declining interest rate environment [4][5] Group 3: Investment Strategy and Focus - Private equity funds are characterized by long investment cycles and high return potential, making them attractive for insurance companies seeking to enhance their yield [6] - Insurance companies are expected to broaden their investment fields within private equity, focusing on hard technology and industries related to public welfare, while enhancing their research capabilities [7] - Companies are emphasizing the importance of investing in high-quality technology enterprises and aligning with national strategies to provide stable funding for innovation and production [7]

Core Viewpoint - The cautious entry of insurance funds into the gold market, despite the potential for significant investment, reflects a careful strategy rather than the anticipated aggressive buying behavior [1][5][10]. Group 1: Policy and Market Entry - The pilot program for insurance funds to invest in gold was officially launched on February 7, 2025, allowing ten insurance companies, including major players like China Life and PICC Property and Casualty, to participate [3][7]. - Six out of the ten approved insurance companies have completed the membership process with the Shanghai Gold Exchange, marking their entry into direct gold investment [1][3]. - Initial transactions were completed by several companies, with China Life and PICC Property and Casualty executing the first trades shortly after gaining membership [3][4]. Group 2: Investment Strategy and Behavior - Despite the theoretical investment limit of nearly 200 billion yuan, actual investments by insurance companies remain low, indicating a cautious approach to gold investment [5][8]. - Many insurance firms are still in a trial phase, with some reporting minimal gold investment proportions, reflecting a strategy of "testing the waters" rather than aggressive accumulation [5][6]. - The overall sentiment among insurance companies is one of prudence, as they navigate the complexities of gold investment amidst market volatility and high prices [6][10]. Group 3: Challenges and Professional Barriers - The investment in gold presents challenges due to its volatile nature and the need for specialized knowledge, which many insurance companies currently lack [8][9]. - Regulatory requirements impose strict limits on the proportion of total assets that can be allocated to gold, further constraining investment strategies [7][9]. - There is a recognized need for insurance companies to enhance their professional capabilities in gold market analysis and risk management to effectively engage in gold investments [8][9]. Group 4: Long-term Perspectives - Long-term, insurance companies are beginning to recognize the strategic value of gold in their asset allocation, particularly as a hedge against inflation and market volatility [10][11]. - The shift towards including gold in investment portfolios is seen as a response to the limitations of traditional fixed-income assets in the current low-interest-rate environment [10][11]. - Future expectations suggest that insurance companies may gradually increase their gold investment ratios, although current market conditions and high prices necessitate a cautious approach [12].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Positive" investment rating for the industry [7] Core Insights - The non-bank financial sector has shown weak overall performance this week, with a recommendation to seize allocation opportunities in the brokerage sector as market trading has slightly declined but remains at historical highs. In the insurance sector, the long-term outlook is optimistic due to improved return on equity (ROE) and valuation recovery potential, suggesting a positive allocation strategy for insurance stocks [2][4] - The report continues to recommend stable dividend-paying stocks such as Jiangsu Jinzhong, China Ping An, and China Pacific Insurance, which exhibit strong profitability and market positions. Additionally, it highlights companies like New China Life, China Life, Hong Kong Stock Exchange, CITIC Securities, Dongfang Caifu, Tonghuashun, and Jiufang Zhitu Holdings based on performance elasticity and valuation [4] Summary by Sections Market Performance - The non-bank financial index decreased by 0.6% this week, with an excess return of +0.7% relative to the CSI 300, ranking 20th out of 31 sectors. Year-to-date, the non-bank financial index is down 1.1%, with an excess return of -1.4% compared to the CSI 300, ranking 29th out of 31 [5] - The average daily trading volume in the two markets was 24,066.54 billion yuan, down 21.43% week-on-week, with a daily turnover rate of 2.36%, down 60.83 basis points [5][35] Insurance Sector Insights - In December 2025, the cumulative insurance premium income reached 61,194 billion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 7.43%. Life insurance premiums increased by 8.91%, while property insurance premiums rose by 3.92% [20][21] - The total assets of insurance companies reached 41.31 trillion yuan, with life insurance companies holding 36.39 trillion yuan, representing 88.09% of the total [25][26] Brokerage and Investment Business - The brokerage business is experiencing a gradual recovery in profitability, with the average daily trading volume exceeding the 2025 average. The report notes that the commission fee rates are stabilizing, which is expected to support the profitability of the brokerage sector [35][41] - In January 2026, the equity financing scale rebounded to 134.86 billion yuan, up 103.4% month-on-month, while bond financing decreased by 15.6% [45] Asset Management and Fund Issuance - The report indicates a recovery in the issuance of collective asset management products, with January 2026 seeing a new issuance of 9.104 billion units, up 40.1% from the previous month. The new fund issuance also increased to 1,094.51 billion units, reflecting a 41.3% month-on-month rise [47][49]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "recommend" rating for the insurance industry, indicating a positive outlook for the sector's fundamentals and expected performance exceeding the benchmark index [6]. Core Insights - The insurance industry experienced a robust premium income growth in 2025, with life insurance companies achieving a nearly double-digit growth rate. The strong performance is expected to continue into 2026, particularly in the bancassurance channel, where new premium income is anticipated to double [1][6]. - Property insurance companies showed moderate growth in premium income, with a total of 17,570 billion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 3.9%. The non-auto insurance segment is expected to improve profitability due to the implementation of "reporting and operation integration" [1][6]. - Overall, the insurance industry reported a total premium income of 61,194 billion yuan in 2025, with a year-on-year growth of 7.4%. The total assets of the industry reached 4,131.45 billion yuan, marking a 15.1% increase from the beginning of the year [1][6]. Summary by Sections Life Insurance Companies - Cumulative premium income for life insurance companies reached 43,624 billion yuan, with a year-on-year growth of 8.9%. December alone saw a premium income of 2,152 billion yuan, up 6.0% year-on-year. The main driver of growth was the life insurance segment, which recorded a premium income of 16,830 billion yuan, growing by 10.1% [7]. - Health insurance premiums decreased by 5.8%, while accident insurance premiums fell by 14.4%, indicating ongoing pressure in these segments [1][7]. Property Insurance Companies - Cumulative premium income for property insurance companies was 17,570 billion yuan, with a stable growth rate of 3.9%. In December, the premium income was 1,413 billion yuan, reflecting a 4.4% increase year-on-year. The auto insurance segment generated 9,409 billion yuan, growing by 3.0% [7]. - Non-auto insurance premiums reached 8,161 billion yuan, with a notable growth of 5.0%. The agricultural insurance segment saw a dramatic increase of nearly 200% due to a low base effect from the previous year [1][7]. Overall Industry Performance - The insurance industry maintained a steady premium growth rate, with total premium income of 61,194 billion yuan, a 7.4% increase year-on-year. The total assets of the industry were reported at 4,131.45 billion yuan, up 15.1% from the start of the year [1][6]. - The report emphasizes that the "slow bull" market trend in the stock market is favorable for insurance companies' asset returns and supports the sales of floating income-type dividend insurance products [1][6].

Core Insights - The article highlights the career transition of Xue Zhonglan from a corporate executive to a rising star in the insurance industry, emphasizing her motivations and achievements in her new role at Xinhua Insurance [1][5]. Group 1: Personal Experience and Motivation - Xue Zhonglan's personal experience with her mother-in-law's prolonged hospitalization, which cost over 800,000 yuan due to lack of commercial insurance, underscored the necessity of insurance [4]. - After recognizing the importance of insurance, she sought out Xinhua Insurance products, leading to her eventual career shift [4]. Group 2: Industry Perspective - Xue Zhonglan identified the insurance industry as a sustainable growth sector with zero investment and zero loss, appealing to the essential financial management needs of families [5]. - She believes that risk management and investment planning are necessary for all social strata, regardless of wealth or profession [6]. Group 3: Achievements and Recognition - Xue Zhonglan has consistently ranked among the top ten in premium collections at the Dongying branch for four consecutive years and has received the IDA International Dragon Award for three years from 2023 to 2025 [7]. - In January 2023 alone, she achieved over 2 million yuan in premiums, showcasing her ability to cater to a diverse clientele, including both high and low premium policies [6]. Group 4: Resilience and Future Plans - Despite facing numerous rejections and setbacks, Xue Zhonglan remains determined to succeed in the insurance industry until the age of 70, demonstrating her resilience [9]. - She aims to expand her team, which currently consists of over 40 members, by leveraging her existing network and fostering collaboration [9].

Core Viewpoint - Domestic insurance stocks experienced a collective rise in the afternoon trading session, indicating positive market sentiment towards the sector [1][3]. Group 1: Stock Performance - China Life Insurance (02628) increased by 4.93%, reaching HKD 35.36 [1][3]. - Ping An Insurance (02318) rose by 4.67%, trading at HKD 72.85 [1][3]. - China Pacific Insurance (02601) saw a gain of 3.53%, with a price of HKD 39.90 [1][3]. - New China Life Insurance (01336) climbed by 3.31%, priced at HKD 62.45 [1][3].

Core Viewpoint - The insurance stocks in China have seen a significant rise, driven by strong new premium growth in the insurance sector, particularly through bank insurance channels, indicating a positive outlook for the industry. Group 1: Stock Performance - China Life (02628) increased by 5.4%, reaching HKD 35.52 [1] - Ping An (02318) rose by 4.89%, reaching HKD 73 [1] - China Pacific Insurance (02601) gained 4.77%, reaching HKD 40.38 [1] - New China Life (01336) climbed by 3.39%, reaching HKD 62.5 [1] Group 2: Industry Growth - In January 2026, 79 life insurance companies achieved a total new premium scale of RMB 212.6 billion, marking a year-on-year growth of 27.6% [1] - The pandemic has led to excess savings among residents, with insurance products gaining popularity due to their yield, low volatility, and health protection features [1] Group 3: Market Outlook - Changjiang Securities suggests that the stock market's slow recovery and stable interest rate expectations may lead to improved interest margins, benefiting the industry [2] - If the new premium growth remains strong, it could accelerate the recovery of interest margins, enhancing profitability and driving continuous improvement in industry valuations [2]

Core Viewpoint - The insurance stocks in China have seen a significant rise, driven by strong performance in the insurance premium market, particularly through the bancassurance channel, indicating a positive outlook for the industry [1] Group 1: Stock Performance - China Life (601628) increased by 5.4%, reaching HKD 35.52 [1] - Ping An (601318) rose by 4.89%, reaching HKD 73 [1] - China Pacific Insurance (601601) grew by 4.77%, reaching HKD 40.38 [1] - New China Life (601336) saw a 3.39% increase, reaching HKD 62.5 [1] Group 2: Premium Growth - In January 2026, 79 life insurance companies achieved a total new premium scale of CNY 212.6 billion, marking a year-on-year growth of 27.6% [1] Group 3: Market Insights - According to research from Kaiyuan Securities, the advantages of insurance products in terms of yield, low volatility, and health protection have become more prominent due to the concentration of excess savings during the pandemic [1] - Yangtze River Securities noted that the stable stock market and expectations of steady interest rates could lead to improved interest spreads, benefiting the industry [1] - Continued strong growth in new premium income is expected to accelerate the recovery of interest spreads, enhancing profitability and driving ongoing improvements in industry valuations [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong insurance stocks experienced a collective surge, with significant gains observed across major companies in the sector [1] Group 1: Company Performance - China Life and Ping An Insurance both rose over 5% [1] - China Taiping increased by 4.8% [1] - China Pacific Insurance saw a rise of 4.5% [1] - China Insurance, New China Life, and China Property & Casualty Insurance all gained over 3% [1] - AIA Group experienced an approximate increase of 3% [1]