2 1 Shi Ji Jing Ji Bao Dao·2025-07-08 08:16Core Viewpoint - The insurance sector is increasingly engaging in shareholding activities, with a notable rise in the number of stakes taken in listed companies, driven by low interest rates and policy guidance [1][4]. Group 1: Insurance Companies' Shareholding Activities - Hongkang Life Insurance recently increased its stake in Zhengzhou Bank H-shares, raising its ownership from 4.75% to 5.55% after purchasing 16 million shares at a price of HKD 1.2068 per share, totaling HKD 19.31 million [2]. - Following this, Hongkang Life further increased its stake to 6.68% by acquiring an additional 23 million shares at HKD 1.1804 per share, amounting to HKD 27.14 million [2]. - The total number of banks in which insurance funds have taken stakes has reached six, including major banks like China Merchants Bank and Agricultural Bank of China [2][4]. Group 2: Investment Trends and Motivations - Analysts suggest that the preference for bank stocks is due to their low volatility, high dividends, and low valuations, making them attractive to insurance funds [4]. - The trend of insurance companies increasing their stakes is expected to continue, as they seek stable cash returns through high-dividend stocks in a low-interest-rate environment [4]. - The recent surge in shareholding activities is also linked to the need for insurance companies to enhance their return on equity (ROE) through strategic investments in quality banks [4]. Group 3: Recent Shareholding Movements - On July 3, Xintai Life Insurance acquired 3.45 million shares of Hualing Steel, bringing its total stake to 5% [5]. - Li'an Life Insurance increased its stake in Jiangnan Waterworks to 5.03% by purchasing 110,000 shares, indicating a long-term investment strategy [7]. - Changcheng Life Insurance also made headlines by acquiring shares in Qindao Port, raising its stake to 5.0005% [8].