Investment Focus - The report highlights a focus on structural opportunities driven by policy catalysis, particularly in essential consumer sectors such as dairy products and liquor, while cautioning against the risks in the soft drink sector [7]. Demand Analysis - In July, among the eight tracked essential consumer sectors, six maintained positive growth, while two experienced negative growth. The sectors with single-digit growth included dining (+4.4%), soft drinks (+2.7%), frozen foods (+1.7%), condiments (+1.1%), dairy products (+1.1%), and beer (+0.6%). The declining sectors were high-end and above liquor (-4.0%) and mass-market liquor (-3.9%) [3][9]. - The report notes that five sectors saw a deterioration in growth rates compared to the previous month, while three improved. The new alcohol ban and adverse weather conditions were identified as significant negative factors affecting demand [3][9]. Price Trends - In July, most liquor wholesale prices stabilized after a period of decline. Specific prices included Feitian at 1915/1880/655 yuan for different packaging, with year-on-year declines of 665/500/155 yuan. The price of Wuliangye was 930 yuan, showing a slight increase of 10 yuan from the previous month [3][22][24]. - The report indicates that the prices of liquid milk and beer saw a reduction in discount rates, while soft drink discounts increased, with stable prices for infant formula, convenience foods, and condiments [4][19]. Cost Analysis - The report states that the spot cost index for various sectors, including dairy, soft drinks, frozen foods, and beer, generally decreased in July, while futures cost indices showed mixed results. For instance, the spot cost index for dairy products fell by 2.92% [4]. Fund Flow - As of the end of July, net inflows into Hong Kong Stock Connect amounted to 124.1 billion yuan, with the essential consumer sector's market capitalization share rising to 5.05%. The food additives sector saw a decrease in share, while the dairy sector experienced an increase [5]. Valuation Insights - By the end of July, the historical PE ratio for the food and beverage sector was at 16% (20.2x), remaining stable from the previous month. The report notes that the median valuation for leading A-share companies was 20x, a decrease of 1x from the previous month [6]. Sector Recommendations - The report recommends focusing on sectors benefiting from policy support, particularly dairy and liquor, while being cautious about the soft drink sector's marginal deterioration. Specific companies to watch include China Feihe, Yili, Mengniu, Master Kong, Uni-President, Yanghe, WH Group, and China Foods [7].

Global Market Overview - The global markets experienced a general decline in the week from July 28 to August 1, 2025, with the US stock market falling across the board, particularly the Dow Jones Industrial Average. European markets, led by Germany and France, also saw significant drops, while the UK showed relative resilience. The Asia-Pacific region weakened overall, with notable declines in Japan and South Korea, and significant losses in Hong Kong stocks [2][8]. - Valuation adjustments were observed, with the German DAX expanding its PE ratio by 1.42x, maintaining a high percentile. The French CAC40 dropped by 3.68%, with a corresponding PE reduction of 1.23x. Most Hong Kong indices, except for the Hang Seng Tech Index, remained at high valuation percentiles over the past three years [2][8]. A-share Market Analysis - The A-share market saw a broad decline in core indices, with a moderate contraction in valuations during the same week. The National Index 2000 and the CSI 1000 showed relative resilience with declines of only -0.19% and -0.54%, respectively, while the CSI 100 experienced a significant drop of -2.15%. Growth and value indices faced pressure, with large-cap growth down by 2.58% and mid-cap value down by 2.57% [2][36]. - Overall, the A-share market's valuations contracted significantly, with large-cap growth experiencing the largest PE contraction of -1.45x, followed by the National Growth Index at -1.2x. As of August 1, 2025, major A-share indices' PE, PB, and PS ratios were positioned between the 85%-100% percentiles for the past year, while PCF ratios were between 80%-90% [2][36][38]. Sector Performance - Most primary sectors in the A-share market declined, with the financial sector showing mixed results. Real estate and non-bank financials led the declines at -3.43% and -2.4%, respectively, while the banking sector saw a smaller drop of -0.84%. The essential consumer sector displayed internal differentiation, with pharmaceuticals rising by 2.95% while other sectors fell by over 2% [2][36]. - Valuations across sectors generally contracted, with pharmaceuticals experiencing the most significant expansion, exceeding 1x, while beauty care and real estate saw PE contractions of over 1x [2][36]. Valuation Comparisons - The essential consumer sector demonstrated superior valuation attractiveness. In terms of PE, PB, PS, and PCF percentiles, bank valuations are at historical highs, nearing 100% in both 1-year and 3-year dimensions. The TMT sector is also at long-term high valuations, while essential consumer sectors like food and beverage show significant valuation recovery potential, with 3-year and 5-year average percentiles at only 9.94% and 5.97%, respectively [2][36]. - Emerging industries showed mixed performance, with optical modules and optical communications standing out. Innovative pharmaceuticals and 5G sectors saw gains of 3.5% and 2.87%, respectively, while the smart vehicle sector exhibited internal differentiation [2][36].

Market Performance - In April, A-shares experienced significant volatility, with the Shanghai Composite Index down 1.7% to 3279.03 points, the Shenzhen Component Index down 5.75% to 9899.82 points, and the ChiNext Index down 7.4% to 1948.03 points [1][2]. Future Outlook - Analysts are optimistic about the A-share market in May, suggesting it is a good time for positioning, as historical data shows that the Shanghai Composite Index has risen in 7 out of the last 15 years during the 10 trading days following the May Day holiday [2][3]. Sector Performance - Historical analysis indicates that consumer and large financial sectors tend to perform well in the 10 trading days before and after the May Day holiday, driven by policy support and upward industry trends [3][4]. Investment Strategies - Analysts recommend focusing on three asset categories: stable assets (high dividends, gold), self-sufficient industrial chains, and domestic consumption [4][5]. - There is a consensus that the Chinese stock market's upward momentum is not over, with suggestions to increase allocations to Chinese assets due to improved economic policies and a decrease in risk premiums [4][5]. Structural Opportunities - May is expected to see a structural recovery in A-shares, with a focus on consumption, technology, and dividend stocks as key investment themes [5].