21世纪经济报道·2026-01-06 11:44Core Viewpoint - The insurance sector is experiencing a strong performance driven by a bull market, favorable policies, improved industry fundamentals, and institutional support for valuation recovery [2][3][5]. Group 1: Market Performance - In the first two trading days of 2026, the insurance industry index rose by 3.29%, with all five major listed insurance companies in A-shares showing positive performance [1]. - Several insurance stocks reached historical highs, with China Ping An (601318.SH) hitting a peak of 234.59 yuan per share, marking a record since its listing [2][1]. - 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 [1]. Group 2: Driving Factors - The bull market is identified as a key driver for the insurance stock performance, with expectations of market growth enhancing the earnings elasticity and valuation recovery potential of the insurance sector [3]. - Recent policy adjustments by the National Financial Regulatory Administration, including changes to risk factors for insurance companies, are expected to lower capital constraints and expand investment opportunities [3]. - The improvement in the industry fundamentals is also a significant factor, with expectations of a strong performance in insurance premiums for 2026, driven by liability cost optimization and a shift in product structure [4]. Group 3: Financial Metrics - In the first eleven months of 2025, the insurance industry reported a total premium income of 5.76 trillion yuan, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 7.6%, with life insurance premiums growing by 9.2% [4]. - The total assets of the insurance industry surpassed 40 trillion yuan, with net assets reported at 3.68 trillion yuan [4]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The insurance sector is expected to maintain its upward trend in 2026, supported by strong demand for protection and savings products, as well as ongoing policy support [5]. - However, potential risks include the pace of valuation recovery and the sustainability of liability-side improvements, which need to be monitored closely [5].