Changjiang Securities·2026-01-27 15:25Investment Rating - The investment rating for the banking sector is "Positive" and is maintained [12] Core Insights - In Q4 2025, active funds did not significantly reduce their holdings in bank stocks, with a stable allocation ratio of 1.86% compared to the previous quarter. This reflects a general decline in market risk appetite. However, it is anticipated that the allocation ratio may decrease further in Q1 2026 due to a significant rebound in risk appetite and the relative underperformance of bank stocks at the beginning of the year [2][6] - The selection of individual stocks has shifted towards a focus on fundamental trends, with Ningbo Bank seeing the most significant increase in allocation due to improved asset quality and performance expectations. The bank has established a turning point in retail asset quality and is expected to lead the sector in performance [7][8] - The report suggests that the core investment strategy for 2026 should prioritize high-performing regional banks, particularly city commercial banks, as they are expected to maintain superior growth rates amid a stable credit structure [9] Summary by Sections Active Fund Holdings - As of Q4 2025, the allocation ratio of active public funds to bank stocks remained stable at 1.86%, indicating a recovery in market risk appetite. The allocation ratio is expected to hit a new low in Q1 2026 due to a resurgence in risk appetite and the underperformance of bank stocks [6][8] - City commercial banks experienced a reduction of approximately 1.7 billion in total holdings, but Ningbo Bank was notably increased by 860 million, reflecting a shift towards stocks with improving fundamentals [7][8] Stock Selection Trends - The focus on stock selection has shifted from high dividend yields to fundamental trends, with Ningbo Bank being the most significantly increased stock in Q4 2025. The bank's asset quality indicators have shown continuous improvement, and it is expected to see a growth in performance in 2026 [7][8] - Conversely, stocks like Chengdu Bank have been reduced significantly, reflecting concerns over performance volatility and ongoing adjustments in business structure [7] Market Dynamics - The banking sector has faced downward pressure due to capital outflows from active funds and index funds, leading to undervaluation in bank stocks. The report recommends seizing opportunities in quality city commercial banks at lower price levels [9][33] - The report highlights that the allocation strategy for 2026 should focus on high-quality city commercial banks, as they are expected to outperform in terms of earnings growth amid a stable credit environment [9]