Sou Hu Cai Jing·2026-02-03 10:25Core Viewpoint - Recent rumors regarding potential adjustments to the value-added tax (VAT) rates for industries such as gaming and finance have caused significant market fluctuations, particularly affecting major companies like Tencent and NetEase. However, these rumors have been debunked by authoritative sources, confirming that no such changes are planned [1][4]. Group 1: Market Impact - The rumors about VAT adjustments led to substantial declines in stock prices for companies in the gaming and finance sectors, with Tencent dropping over 6% and NetEase fluctuating between gains and losses of more than 3% [1]. - Other companies such as Century Huatong and Giant Network also experienced significant stock price drops, with Century Huatong falling over 9% during trading [1]. Group 2: Clarification of Rumors - Experts and industry insiders have confirmed that the rumors regarding VAT increases, including a potential rise in the gaming industry's tax rate from 6% to 32%, are unfounded [4]. - The current VAT law in China stipulates that the maximum VAT rate is 13%, and there are no provisions for a 32% rate, further discrediting the rumors [4]. - Recent announcements from the financial and tax authorities have clarified that there will be no changes to the VAT policies affecting the gaming and finance sectors, ensuring stability and certainty in the tax regime [4].