Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong innovative drug sector has shown significant growth in the first half of 2025, driven by policy and industry catalysts, leading to outstanding performance of actively managed equity funds focused on this sector, with some funds achieving returns exceeding 85% [1][2]. Fund Performance - Several actively managed funds heavily invested in innovative drug stocks have significantly outperformed related index funds, with the Huatai-PineBridge Hong Kong Advantage Select A leading with a return of 85.64% as of June 27 [2]. - The top holdings of this fund saw substantial gains, with Rongchang Bio rising 278% and other companies like Innovent Biologics and Kelun-Biotech also exceeding 100% in growth [2]. - Other funds, such as Changcheng Pharmaceutical Industry Select A and Zhongyin Hong Kong Stock Connect Pharmaceutical A, also reported returns over 60%, placing them among the top performers in the public fund rankings [2]. ETF Performance - Hong Kong medical-themed ETFs dominated the top ten gainers in the first half of the year, all achieving over 50% growth, with the Huatai-PineBridge National Index Hong Kong Stock Connect Innovative Drug ETF seeing a net inflow of over 6 billion yuan, increasing its size from 653 million yuan to over 7.8 billion yuan [3]. Market Dynamics - The innovative drug sector's growth is attributed to a favorable market environment and strong industry logic, with multinational corporations (MNCs) driving significant business development (BD) efforts that enhance the valuation of innovative drug companies [4]. - After a rapid increase in valuations, the sector has entered a phase of relative high volatility, with some analysts suggesting that short-term trading funds may take profits, leading to potential price adjustments [4][5]. Policy Support - New policies issued on June 30 aim to support the high-quality development of innovative drugs, including increased R&D support, integration into basic medical insurance, and enhanced clinical application [5][6]. - The latest policy framework is expected to improve the certainty of R&D and accelerate commercialization timelines, providing further support for sector valuations [6]. Investment Opportunities - The innovative drug sector is seen as being in a dual recovery phase regarding valuation and fundamentals, with a focus on identifying genuine innovations and distinguishing them from less credible claims [5][7]. - Investment managers emphasize the importance of recognizing companies with strong clinical data and effective commercialization strategies, particularly those capable of entering global markets [6][7]. - The Chinese innovative drug industry is transitioning from a "technology follower" to a "global collaborator," with significant potential for creating large-cap companies in the future [7].

Group 1 - Barclays Bank is the largest holder of the newly listed Hong Kong innovative drug ETF, holding 20 million shares, which accounts for 4.5997% of the total fund shares [2][3] - The innovative drug sector has seen a significant rebound since the end of 2024, with the Hang Seng Innovative Drug Index rising nearly 68% year-to-date as of July 2 [7] - The recent policy measures from the National Healthcare Security Administration and the National Health Commission aim to support the high-quality development of innovative drugs, proposing 16 measures to enhance R&D support and improve market accessibility [7][8] Group 2 - In the past, Barclays also held a significant position in the Huatai-PineBridge Hang Seng Innovative Drug ETF, owning 85 million shares, which represented 42.02% of the total shares, with a return of over 56% since its inception [4][2] - Recent trends show that the top holders of other innovative drug ETFs are primarily brokerages, private equity, individual investors, and corporate pension plans, indicating a diverse investor base [5] - The innovative drug industry in China is at a critical turning point, with a focus on ADC and dual-antibody technologies, which are expected to capture significant market share in global immunotherapy [8]

Core Viewpoint - Barclays Bank has become the largest holder of two Hong Kong-listed innovative drug ETFs, indicating a strategic investment in the innovative drug sector in Hong Kong [2][3]. Group 1: Investment Activity - As of June 30, Barclays Bank held 20 million shares of the Hua Bao Hang Seng Hong Kong Stock Connect Innovative Drug Select ETF, accounting for 4.5997% of the total fund shares, making it the largest holder [4]. - Previously, Barclays held 85 million shares of the Huatai-PineBridge Hang Seng Innovative Drug ETF (QDII) at the end of 2024, representing 42.02% of the total shares, also ranking as the largest holder [6][7]. Group 2: Market Performance - The innovative drug sector has seen a significant rebound since the end of 2024, with a notable increase over the past six months [5]. - As of July 2, the Hang Seng Innovative Drug Index has risen nearly 68% year-to-date, reflecting strong market performance [10]. Group 3: Policy Support - Recent favorable policies from the National Healthcare Security Administration and the National Health Commission aim to support the high-quality development of innovative drugs, proposing 16 measures to enhance R&D support, inclusion in insurance directories, and improve payment capabilities [10]. - Analysts believe that these policies demonstrate the government's commitment to fostering a high-quality development environment for innovative drugs, which could expand market opportunities [10]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The innovative drug industry in China may be at a critical turning point, with ADC and dual-antibody technologies expected to capture significant market share in global immunotherapy [11]. - Investment focus is shifting towards second-generation immuno-oncology drugs, metabolic diseases, and companies with strong clinical data and international capabilities [11].