Zhong Guo Ji Jin Bao·2025-08-10 14:28Core Insights - Overseas long-term investors are intensively conducting due diligence on Chinese asset managers, indicating a renewed interest in the Chinese market after a three-year hiatus [1][2] - The shift in focus towards Chinese investment opportunities is driven by the changing dynamics within China, which are deemed crucial for global investors [1][10] Group 1: Due Diligence Activities - Numerous Chinese asset managers, both domestic and overseas, have been undergoing due diligence from foreign long-term funds in the past quarter [2] - APS, a Singapore-based asset management firm, has seen significant inflows from both domestic and Singaporean investors, including family offices and high-net-worth individuals [2] - Overseas institutions are particularly interested in the historical holdings and trading decisions of asset managers to understand their investment style and sources of returns [2][3] Group 2: Investment Process and Preferences - Establishing a long-term partnership with asset managers requires a scalable and repeatable investment process, as many overseas investors remain cautious despite strong performance [3] - Key areas of focus during due diligence include investment management systems, risk management capabilities, organizational structure, alignment of interests, fee structures, macroeconomic outlook, and geopolitical risk assessments [4] - There is a growing interest among overseas investors in diversifying away from U.S. assets and increasing exposure to the Chinese market, particularly in long/short equity strategies [3][4] Group 3: Market Sentiment and Future Outlook - Despite the interest from family offices and funds of funds, pension funds and sovereign wealth funds have not yet made significant adjustments to their allocations [5] - As of mid-2023, overseas mutual funds have a low allocation to China, with only 11% of the total global fund assets being allocated to the Chinese market [6] - Factors contributing to the cautious stance of global funds include market volatility, economic uncertainties, and concerns over the real estate sector and trade disputes [6][7] Group 4: Investment Opportunities in Technology - There is a notable shift towards hard technology investments, with a focus on sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology, which are seen as key growth areas for China [9][10] - Companies like SMIC are highlighted for their potential, with expectations of significant improvements in return on equity (ROE) over the next few years [9][10] - The changing landscape in China, including a decline in the importance of real estate and adjustments in industrial policy, presents new opportunities for global investors [10]