Di Yi Cai Jing·2025-10-20 12:29Core Viewpoint - The insurance capital's participation as cornerstone investors in Hong Kong IPOs has surged significantly this year, with subscription amounts exceeding HKD 3.44 billion, approximately three times that of the same period last year, indicating a shift in investment strategy amidst low interest rates and asset scarcity [1][2]. Group 1: Investment Trends - Insurance funds are increasingly focusing on "hard technology" and new consumption sectors, including automotive, digital solutions, home appliances, semiconductors, and energy storage devices [3][10]. - Major insurance companies like Taikang Insurance and China Pacific Insurance have actively participated in multiple IPOs, with Taikang alone investing over HKD 1.4 billion across five companies [2][3]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The Hong Kong IPO market has seen a revival, with a total fundraising amount of HKD 182.9 billion in the first three quarters of 2025, making it the highest globally [10]. - The number of IPO applications being processed has reached a record high of 289, reflecting a robust market environment [10]. Group 3: Risks and Challenges - Despite the potential for increased returns, cornerstone investments carry risks such as market volatility, liquidity constraints due to lock-up periods, and uncertainties related to the Hong Kong dollar's exchange rate and interest rate environment [1][11]. - The rapid technological changes in the hard tech sector pose challenges for insurance companies' existing research and investment frameworks, making it difficult to adapt to fast-evolving market conditions [11].