消费还在降级吗？

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the concept of "new consumption" in the context of the Chinese market, highlighting the blending of various consumer goods categories into a single investment theme, despite underlying economic challenges and the need for a coherent narrative to support this concept [2][4]. Group 1: New Consumption Concept - The term "new consumption" is used to describe a collection of consumer stocks that have performed well, but the underlying data suggests that overall consumption is still struggling [3][4]. - The article critiques the idea of categorizing all rising consumer stocks under "new consumption," arguing that it dilutes the true essence of what constitutes new consumer behavior [3][4]. - The focus on individual stock performance (alpha opportunities) is emphasized over sector-based investment strategies (beta opportunities), particularly in the consumer sector [5][4]. Group 2: Consumer Behavior Insights - The article argues that the notion of "consumption downgrade" is misleading, as consumer behavior is influenced by psychological factors and social interactions rather than purely economic conditions [8][12]. - It identifies three psychological characteristics of consumer behavior: the expression of personal desires, social context, and lifestyle habits, which all contribute to consumption patterns [11][12]. - The concept of "value replacement" is introduced, where consumers seek lower-priced alternatives without sacrificing quality, exemplified by the rise of discount snack stores [12][13]. Group 3: Investment Strategy in Consumer Stocks - The article outlines four key requirements for researching consumer stocks, emphasizing the importance of understanding stock price movements and valuation [6]. - It suggests that stable growth companies in the consumer sector can achieve significant long-term returns, contrasting with the volatility often seen in tech stocks [5][6]. - The focus should be on identifying leading brands and major products that can drive individual stock performance, rather than relying solely on broader market trends [10][5]. Group 4: Trends in Consumer Spending - The article discusses the trend of interest-based consumption, where consumers are increasingly drawn to products that fulfill personal interests or emotional needs [20][19]. - It highlights the importance of "breaking the circle" for niche products to reach a broader audience, using the example of collectible items like blind boxes [21][20]. - The concept of marginal propensity to consume is explored, indicating that spending growth is often driven by specific demographic groups with higher willingness to spend [25][26]. Group 5: Market Dynamics and Channel Evolution - The article notes that the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector is undergoing significant changes due to the rise of new retail models, which are reshaping competition and brand dynamics [40]. - It emphasizes that successful brands must adapt to evolving consumer preferences and distribution channels to maintain relevance in a rapidly changing market [40][39]. - The discussion includes the impact of social media and digital marketing on consumer behavior and brand engagement, particularly for emerging products [30][31].