Investment Rating - The report maintains a positive investment outlook for the brokerage sector, indicating potential for double-digit growth in performance due to supportive policies and high market activity [2][3]. Core Insights - The brokerage sector is experiencing a mismatch between high profitability and low valuation, with a price-to-book (PB) ratio of 1.2x as of May 9, which is at the 21st percentile over the past decade. This divergence is expected to correct as policy and merger catalysts continue to emerge [1][2]. - The report highlights three main investment themes: (1) Increased expectations for brokerage mergers, (2) Recovery in consumer loan demand benefiting from policy support, and (3) Specific opportunities in companies like Sichuan Shuangma, which has a strong position in the technology sector and improved exit channels [2][3]. Summary by Sections Market Review - The A-share market saw the CSI 300 index increase by 2.0%, with the non-bank financial sector rising by 1.7%, underperforming the CSI 300 by 0.3 percentage points [8]. Data Tracking - Brokerage trading activity is robust, with an average daily trading volume of 13,534 billion CNY, up 22.6% week-on-week. The new issuance of equity mutual funds in the first four months of 2025 reached 1589.2 million units, a year-on-year increase of 113.3% [12]. - In the investment banking sector, the total fundraising from IPOs and refinancing in April 2025 was 247 billion CNY and 1,671 billion CNY, respectively, showing a year-on-year decline of 6% and an increase of 51% [12]. Industry Dynamics - The report notes that the People's Bank of China and the China Securities Regulatory Commission have allowed various financial institutions, including insurance funds, to invest in technology innovation bonds, which is expected to enhance investment opportunities in the sector [34].