Group 1 - Goldman Sachs reported that the A-shares and H-shares of Chinese banks have recorded absolute returns of 12% and 21% year-to-date, respectively, driven by improvements in the banks' fundamentals rather than a shift in investor preference for dividend returns [1] - The outlook for the third quarter remains cautiously optimistic, with a focus on banks that can reduce the impact of bond investments on earnings and capital volatility while maintaining credit growth and adequate provisioning [1] - Goldman Sachs has slightly adjusted its forecasts for the banks' pre-provision operating profit and net profit for 2025 to 2027, reflecting improved prospects for fee income growth, weakened credit demand, declining investment income contributions, and increased provisions [1] Group 2 - Target prices for covered H-shares of Chinese banks have been lowered by 1% to 9%, with a preference for China Merchants Bank, which has been given a "Buy" rating, along with Postal Savings Bank, Bank of China, and China Construction Bank H-shares also receiving "Buy" ratings [1]

Core Viewpoint - The management of China Merchants Bank expresses confidence in achieving a positive trend in fee income on a quarterly basis for the second half of the year [1] Group 1 - The bank's executives believe that the fee income will continue to improve in the upcoming quarters [1]