Core Insights - The Hong Kong digital asset ecosystem is experiencing expansion opportunities as regulatory frameworks are being optimized, allowing licensed institutions to broaden their business scope [1][3][4] Regulatory Developments - Hong Kong regulators are loosening restrictions on licensed institutions, with the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) recently approving licensed crypto exchanges to offer staking services upon separate approval [3][4] - The regulatory environment is evolving from strict to more permissive, enabling a wider range of products and services within the digital asset space [3][16] - The principle of "same activity, same risks, same regulation" is being adopted to foster a vibrant and innovative digital asset ecosystem [3][16] Competitive Landscape - The Hong Kong cryptocurrency market consists of three main participants: global exchanges without local licenses (e.g., Binance), licensed exchanges and brokers (e.g., OSL and Futu), and offline stores facilitating small-scale crypto transactions [4][17] - Licensed exchanges and brokers have advantages such as connections with local banks, enhanced customer protection, and the ability to conduct marketing activities in Hong Kong [4][17] - OSL's fee structure for OTC trading is 25 basis points, with comprehensive solutions charging 10-15 basis points, and payment services around 2.5%, which is higher than international peers like Coinbase [4][20] Stablecoins and Their Role - Stablecoins play a crucial role in the Hong Kong digital asset ecosystem, with exchanges facilitating a significant volume of stablecoin-related transactions [5][21] - OSL is applying for stablecoin licenses in the EU and considering applications in Hong Kong and Singapore, emphasizing the importance of sustainable use cases for stablecoin issuance [5][21] - The transition from mainstream stablecoins to Hong Kong dollar-backed stablecoins may face challenges, leading most licensed institutions to operate primarily as stablecoin distributors rather than issuers [5][21][22] RWA Tokenization - The tokenization of Real World Assets (RWA) in Hong Kong is still in its early stages, with OSL providing end-to-end solutions and custodial services [6][23] - Current RWA transactions are conducted in fiat, limiting the potential for 24/7 trading; however, using stablecoins could enable real-time transactions [6][23][24] - The slow development of RWA tokenization presents opportunities for the application of Hong Kong dollar stablecoins [6][24][25] Cross-Border Payment Solutions - OSL is building a global payment network that supports both crypto and fiat transactions, with stablecoins playing a key role [26][30] - The application of stablecoins in payments can significantly reduce transaction times compared to traditional banking methods, which typically take 2 to 5 business days [28][30]

Core Insights - The U.S. stock market is anticipated to remain volatile due to stalled trade talks with China and uncertainty surrounding the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision, prompting a focus on low-beta stocks as a strategic investment approach [1][2] Group 1: Market Conditions - The U.S. stock market is expected to experience volatility as trade discussions with China have stalled, leading to investor uncertainty [1] - Investors are apprehensive ahead of the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision, which may negatively affect borrowing costs and business growth [1] Group 2: Investment Strategy - Creating a curated portfolio of low-beta stocks is recommended as a prudent strategy to navigate market volatility [1][2] - Stocks such as Vipshop Holdings Limited (VIPS), GDS Holdings Limited (GDS), Futu Holdings Limited (FUTU), and Verona Pharma plc (VRNA) are highlighted as potential investment opportunities [2][9] Group 3: Stock Characteristics - Beta measures the volatility of a stock relative to the market, with a beta of less than 1 indicating lower volatility compared to the market [3][4] - A screening criterion for low-beta stocks includes a beta between 0 and 0.6, ensuring less volatility [5][6] Group 4: Company Highlights - **Vipshop Holdings**: Utilizes a strategy called "Made for Vipshop," offering exclusive products from over 200 brands, which are in high demand [7] - **GDS Holdings**: Recently secured a 152 MW AI data center order and plans to expand its 900 MW capacity in key markets, indicating strong demand [9][10] - **Futu Holdings**: A tech-driven company enhancing its platform with Futubull AI, a smart assistant for investment-related queries [11] - **Verona Pharma**: Its drug Ohtuvayre is a novel COPD treatment, combining bronchodilation and anti-inflammatory effects, marking a significant advancement in therapy [12]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry or specific companies. Core Insights - The Hong Kong Stablecoin Ordinance will officially take effect on August 1, with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) releasing relevant guidelines and documents [20][22] - The HKMA anticipates issuing the first batch of stablecoin licenses as early as next year, with no limit on the types of currencies or the scale of issuance [27][28] - Continuous improvements in Hong Kong's virtual asset regulatory framework are expected to stimulate market demand and expand application scenarios for stablecoins [24][25] Summary by Sections 1. Regulatory Framework - The HKMA has established a regulatory regime for stablecoin issuers, which includes guidelines on reserve asset management, compliance for issuance and redemption, and financial standards [23][24] - The guidelines emphasize risk management, compliance, information disclosure, and consumer protection [23][24] 2. Sandbox Participants and Use Cases - As of July 2024, three institutions have been announced as participants in the HKMA's stablecoin issuer "sandbox": JD Coinlink Technology, RD InnoTech, and a joint venture involving Standard Chartered Bank, Animoca Brands, and Hong Kong Telecommunications [8][28] - Use cases for these participants include cross-border payments, investment trading, and virtual asset transactions [28] 3. Licensing and Competitive Advantage - Companies that obtain early mover advantages in licensing, particularly for stablecoin issuers and virtual asset trading platforms (VATP), are likely to become major beneficiaries in the industry [25][15] - The report highlights that online brokers with a large customer base and VATP licenses, such as Futu, will have competitive advantages [25][15] 4. Market Demand and Future Outlook - The official launch of Hong Kong dollar-pegged stablecoins is expected to facilitate more efficient cross-border fund flows and extend the application of stablecoins beyond the cryptocurrency ecosystem [24][25] - The report suggests that ongoing regulatory enhancements will activate market demand for virtual assets and broaden their application scenarios [24][25]

Summary of Futu Holdings Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Futu Holdings - **Industry**: Banks & Financial Services Key Points and Arguments 1. **Taxation Clarity**: Recent reports indicate that the taxation of Chinese households' overseas investment income is more favorable than initially expected. Local tax authorities confirmed that gains and losses from overseas stock trading can be offset within the same tax year, and the tax rate is set at 20% [4][5][6] 2. **Impact on Futu**: The favorable tax treatment is seen as a positive development for Futu, especially since approximately 20% of paying clients and around 30% of client AUM are onshore clients. This alleviates concerns regarding the potential negative impact of the new tax regulations on Futu's business [4][5][6] 3. **Investment Thesis**: Futu is positioned as a leading technology-empowered platform providing digitized brokerage and wealth management products. The company is expected to grow its number of paying clients by penetrating existing users and expanding into new markets such as Japan and Malaysia. The fast expansion into wealth management and the launch of a crypto business are anticipated to drive future growth [5][6][8] 4. **Valuation**: The price target for Futu is set at $185.00, based on a PEG valuation methodology, which implies a 21x P/E for 2026 estimates and a projected EPS CAGR of 19% from 2025 to 2028 [6] 5. **Risks**: Downside risks include weakness in China tech stocks, regulatory risks related to compliance with data security laws, and declining Hibor affecting interest income. Upside risks include higher-than-expected growth in paying clients, stronger trading volume growth, and improved operating efficiency [7][8] Additional Important Information - **Market Position**: Futu is viewed as a key beneficiary of Hong Kong's virtual asset initiatives, which may enhance its competitive position in the market [4] - **Client Growth**: The structural driver for Futu's growth is the increase in the number of paying clients, which is expected to be supported by the company's expansion strategies [5] - **Analyst Ratings**: J.P. Morgan maintains an "Overweight" rating on Futu, indicating a positive outlook for the stock [5][6] This summary encapsulates the essential insights from the conference call regarding Futu Holdings, highlighting its favorable tax situation, growth strategies, valuation, and associated risks.

Core Insights - The report by Futu highlights a robust IPO market in Hong Kong for the first half of 2025, with Hong Kong reclaiming the top position globally in terms of IPO fundraising [1][2] - The report indicates a strong demand for consumer sector IPOs, with significant interest from both institutional and retail investors [2][5] Hong Kong IPO Market - In H1 2025, Futu acted as an underwriter for 19 Hong Kong IPOs, collaborating with notable projects such as Mixue Group and Blooko [1] - The total fundraising amount in the Hong Kong IPO market reached a significant level, with 54.8% of companies achieving over 100 times subscription rates [1][2] - The consumer sector led the IPO market, while healthcare, industrial, and information technology sectors are expected to gain traction in the latter half of the year [1][2] Subscription Trends - The report notes a high subscription sentiment in the Hong Kong IPO market, with 23 companies achieving over 100 times subscription and 5 companies exceeding 1,000 times [2] - The "money-making effect" from new stocks has created a positive feedback loop, with 30 companies seeing a high first-day closing price, a significant increase from 19 in the previous year [2][5] A+H Listings - Seven A-share companies listed in Hong Kong during H1 2025, contributing over HKD 77 billion, which accounted for 72.2% of total fundraising in the Hong Kong market [8] - There are over 50 A-share companies planning to pursue IPOs in Hong Kong, indicating a continuation of the A+H listing trend [8] US IPO Market - The number of Chinese concept stocks listed in the US increased to 40 in H1 2025, up from 25 in the previous year, although total fundraising decreased to USD 880 million [9] - The first-day performance of Chinese concept stocks improved, with only 32.5% of companies falling below their offering price, a decrease from 44% in the previous year [9] Futu's Market Position - Futu has provided IPO services to over 327 companies across various sectors, maintaining a leading position among Hong Kong tech brokers [10] - The platform's subscription amount accounted for over 20% of the market, with 40 companies achieving more than 40% of the market's subscription amount [10]

Group 1: Market Trends - The paper sector continues its upward trend, with Nine Dragons Paper (02689.HK) leading the gains, rising over 9% after announcing a price increase of 30 CNY/ton for corrugated paper and recycled cardboard starting August 1, reflecting an optimized supply-demand structure in the industry [1] - The brokerage sector saw collective strength, with major Chinese brokerages like Dongfang Securities (03958.HK) and Zhongyuan Securities (01375.HK) rising over 6% and 5% respectively, indicating significant capital inflow into the sector [1] - Urban Beauty (02298.HK) surged 13% as its online GMV for 2024 is projected to reach 1.57 billion CNY, marking a 100% year-on-year increase, showcasing the effectiveness of its new retail transformation [1] Group 2: Company Performance - China Duty Free Group (01880.HK) soared 17% after Macquarie's report indicated a narrowing year-on-year revenue decline from 19.5% in Q4 2024 to 11% in Q1 2025, with a stable gross margin of 33% [1] - The gaming sector experienced a broad increase, with companies like 澳博控股 (00880.HK) and 银河娱乐 (00027.HK) rising over 3%, supported by UBS data showing Macau's average daily gaming revenue in July at 683 million MOP, a 14% year-on-year increase [2] - 雍禾医疗 (02279.HK) saw a 13% increase after forming a strategic partnership with Meituan Health to build a medical-grade hair health service system [2] Group 3: Real Estate and Financing - The Hong Kong real estate sector collectively strengthened, with Country Garden (02007.HK) leading with nearly a 10% rise, driven by improved financing conditions as indicated by the People's Bank of China's report showing a recovery in real estate loan growth [3] - Meilan Airport (0357.HK) rose 10% as CITIC Securities highlighted the significance of Hainan's trade opening, which is expected to benefit the local tourism industry [3] Group 4: Gold Sector Decline - The gold sector faced pressure, with companies like 潼关黄金 (00340.HK) and 大唐黄金 (08331.HK) dropping over 4%, attributed to a decline in spot gold prices below 3,380 USD/oz, driven by reduced safe-haven appeal due to easing trade tensions [4] Group 5: US Market Highlights - Futu Holdings (FUTU.US) rose 2.82% after announcing a long-term strategic partnership with Huaxia Fund to promote the integration of traditional finance and blockchain technology [5] - Japanese automotive stocks surged, with Toyota (TM.US) and Honda (HMC.US) rising over 13% following news of a trade agreement reducing tariffs on Japanese cars [6] - Nuclear power stocks in the US saw significant gains, with Oklo Inc (OKLO.US) rising 9.21%, reflecting a growing interest in nuclear energy [5]

Market Performance - The US stock market saw significant gains on July 23, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising by 507.85 points, or 1.14%, closing at 45010.29 points. The Nasdaq Composite increased by 127.33 points, or 0.61%, closing at 21020.02 points, marking its first close above the 21000-point threshold. The S&P 500 index rose by 49.29 points, or 0.78%, closing at 6358.91 points [1][3][4]. Trade Agreements - President Trump announced a trade agreement between the US and Japan, which has heightened market expectations for further trade agreements before the August 1 tariff deadline. The agreement includes a reduction of the reciprocal tariff rate from 25% to 15% and Japan's commitment to invest $550 billion in the US [2][6][7]. Sector Performance - In the S&P 500, nine out of eleven sectors experienced gains, with the healthcare and industrial sectors leading with increases of 2.03% and 1.75%, respectively. The utilities and consumer staples sectors saw declines of 0.79% and 0.07% [8]. - Major technology stocks mostly rose, with AMD increasing over 3%, and other companies like NVIDIA, Boeing, and TSMC rising over 2%. Financial stocks also saw gains, with Mizuho Financial up over 6% and UBS Group up over 3% [8]. Chinese Stocks - The Nasdaq Golden Dragon China Index rose by 0.75%, with notable increases in stocks such as iQIYI, which rose over 4%, and Tiger Brokers, which increased over 3%. However, some stocks like NIO and Li Auto saw declines of over 1% [9].

Group 1 - The year 2025 marks a critical moment for global investors to reassess Chinese assets, with high-quality Chinese companies gaining international attention [1] - The success of these companies highlights the resilience and innovative potential of the Chinese economy, sparking renewed interest from international capital [1][6] - Chinese assets are becoming an indispensable part of international investment portfolios due to their unique appeal amid changing global economic dynamics [1] Group 2 - Recent market movements indicate a shift from small-cap stocks to core assets, as analysts predict a significant change in market style [2][4] - Core assets have played a crucial role in stabilizing the A-share market, with major banks' stocks acting as a stabilizing force for the overall index [2][4] - The potential for a significant index bull market is low, with a more likely scenario being a slow and steady market growth driven by core assets [4] Group 3 - Chinese assets have shown strong anti-drawdown capabilities, particularly in the first half of the year, attracting risk-averse funds during a downturn in Western markets [6] - The emergence of companies like the "Hangzhou Six Little Dragons" and "New Consumption Four Sisters" reflects the optimism of global investors towards Chinese technology and consumption sectors [6][7] - Compared to U.S. core assets, Chinese core assets are significantly undervalued, with the average valuation of the CSI 300 at 13 times and the Hang Seng Index at around 11 times, compared to over 30 times for U.S. indices [7] Group 4 - The current phase for Chinese assets is characterized by low valuations and the release of policy dividends, enhancing investment safety and potential profitability [7] - Korean investors are increasingly buying Chinese stocks, particularly in technology and emerging industries, indicating a shift in global investment attitudes towards China [7] - The ongoing IPO process of Yushu Technology is drawing attention, with its capital structure becoming clearer as it progresses through multiple funding rounds [10][12][14] Group 5 - Yushu Technology's revenue primarily comes from B2B orders from research institutions and AI companies, with its consumer market yet to fully open [16] - Notable investment strategies include focusing on high-quality companies with clear competitive advantages, as demonstrated by significant increases in holdings of leading consumer and technology stocks [19] - The investment landscape is advised to follow major trends and policies, with recommendations to focus on stable sectors while exploring emerging opportunities [20]

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry**: Traditional Brokers and Asset Managers in China - **Performance**: Nearly 20 traditional brokers have pre-announced strong earnings growth of over 50% year-on-year (yoy) for the first half of 2025, primarily driven by increased revenue from brokerage and investment banking activities due to heightened capital market engagement [1][7] Company-Specific Insights CICC (China International Capital Corporation) - **Earnings Growth**: CICC pre-announced a yoy net profit after tax (NPAT) growth of 55% to 78% for 1H25, aligning with Goldman Sachs' estimate of 55% [1][9] - **Forecast Adjustments**: 2025 earnings forecasts for CICC have been revised upward by 3%, with new A/H target prices set at Rmb 36.88 and HKD 20.1 based on target P/E multiples of 22x and 11x respectively [9][40] - **Market Position**: CICC holds a significant market share in the IPO pipeline, accounting for one-third of the market in both deal number and size, which is expected to drive strong investment banking revenue growth in 2025 [9] East Money - **Earnings Forecast**: Despite a 3% upward revision in the 2025 earnings forecast, East Money is rated as a Sell due to structural challenges in fund distribution and anticipated downside risks to earnings estimates, with NPAT forecasts for 2025 and 2026 being 5% and 11% below consensus [2][21] - **Market Challenges**: The company faces growth constraints due to the impact of ETFs and regulatory fee reductions, leading to a projected decline in retail trading flow [21] Hundsun - **Preliminary Results**: Hundsun reported a 1H25 revenue of Rmb 2.4 billion, reflecting a yoy decline of 15%, but a significant profit increase of 740% due to a low base last year and improved investment income [22] - **Forecast Revisions**: 2025 core revenue and net profit estimates have been revised down by 4% and 3% respectively, but medium-to-long-term growth opportunities are anticipated as brokers recover profitability [23][40] FUTU and TIGR - **Valuation Recovery**: Both companies have seen significant rebounds in forward P/E valuations, driven by the stablecoin narrative and improved trading activity in the Hong Kong market [3][29] - **Earnings Forecasts**: NPAT forecasts for FUTU and TIGR have been revised upward by an average of 6% for 2025-2027, with new target prices set at US$124.89 for FUTU and US$3.66 for TIGR [30][40] - **Market Ratings**: Despite positive adjustments, both companies maintain Neutral/Sell ratings due to elevated valuations and limited potential for significant earnings outperformance [32][40] Market Dynamics - **Trading Activity**: The Hong Kong equity market has shown increased vibrancy, contributing to enhanced profitability for brokers with higher exposure to this market [8][13] - **ETF Impact**: The sustained increase in ETF market share continues to weigh on wealth management income growth, affecting traditional brokers and fintech companies alike [15][21] Conclusion - **Investment Recommendations**: - **Buy**: CICC-H due to its strong market position and growth potential - **Sell**: East Money due to structural challenges - **Neutral/Sell**: FUTU and TIGR due to high valuations and limited earnings growth potential - **Buy**: Hundsun, as it is expected to benefit from the recovery in broker profitability despite short-term challenges [40][55]

Core Insights - Moomoo has launched a new 36-foot high, double-sided display at Citi Field, enhancing brand visibility among millions of baseball fans [1][2] - The collaboration with the New York Mets includes opportunities for fans to experience premium seating and entertainment in the moomoo Suite [2] - Moomoo has experienced a significant increase in app downloads and brand visibility since the start of the baseball season, catering to over 26 million investors [3] Company Initiatives - Moomoo's partnership with the Mets features a commercial starring pitcher Edwin Diaz, highlighting the parallels between stock trading and baseball [4] - The company is actively engaging with New York communities to promote investor education and brand awareness [5] - Moomoo has introduced a special fund that adds $10,000 for every Mets win, with a potential grand prize of $1 million for investors if the team achieves 100 regular season victories [5] Brand Engagement - Moomoo is organizing giveaways, including 500 free game tickets on "moomoo Mondays" for users, and exclusive merchandise [5] - The prominent signage at Citi Field is expected to enhance brand visibility and engagement with fans [6][5] Company Background - Moomoo is a global investment and trading platform that provides user-friendly tools and insights for informed investment decisions [8] - The company operates in multiple countries, including the US, Singapore, Australia, Japan, Canada, and Malaysia, and is a subsidiary of Nasdaq-listed Futu Holdings [9]