Xin Lang Cai Jing·2026-01-06 11:05Core Viewpoint - The insurance sector has shown strong performance at the beginning of 2026, driven by multiple factors including a bull market, favorable policies, improved industry fundamentals, and institutional support for valuation recovery [1][2][4] Market Performance - The insurance industry index (886055.WI) rose by 3.29%, leading the industry in gains, with all five major listed insurance companies in A-shares showing positive performance [1][6] - Several insurance stocks reached historical highs on January 6, 2026, with China Ping An (601318.SH) hitting a peak of 234.59 yuan per share, marking a record since its listing [1][2][6] - The total market capitalization of the five major listed insurance companies reached approximately 3.89 trillion yuan, an increase of about 128.8 billion yuan from the previous trading day [7] Policy Environment - In December 2025, the National Financial Regulatory Administration adjusted risk factors for certain insurance company businesses, which is expected to enhance investment capacity and support the sector [3][9] - The release of favorable policies is expected to encourage long-term investments in A-shares, aligning with the strategic direction of "financial support for the real economy" [3][9] Industry Fundamentals - The insurance sector is anticipated to experience a "New Year" surge in premiums, potentially exceeding expectations, driven by a positive feedback loop between assets and liabilities [3][9] - The insurance industry reported a total premium income of 5.76 trillion yuan for the first eleven months of 2025, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 7.6%, with life insurance premiums growing by 9.2% [3][9] Asset Management - The recovery of the equity market and high dividend asset allocation are expected to enhance investment returns, alleviating pressure from interest rate differentials [4][10] - The total assets of the insurance industry surpassed 40 trillion yuan in 2025, with net assets reported at 3.68 trillion yuan [4][10] Future Outlook - The insurance sector is positioned for continued strength in 2026, supported by high demand for protection and savings products, as well as potential inflows of new capital into the market [4][10] - However, attention should be paid to the pace of valuation recovery and the sustainability of the liability side, particularly regarding product structure optimization and agent channel reforms [4][10] Long-term Trends - The industry is shifting from a "scale-driven" model to a "value growth" approach, with leading insurance companies demonstrating greater resilience due to asset-liability matching advantages [5][11]