Stock Market Performance - In July 2025, global stock markets rose, with the KOSPI increasing by over 5%, and the NASDAQ rising nearly 4%[4] - The Hang Seng Index and Hang Seng Tech Index both saw monthly gains of nearly 3%[4] Hong Kong Stock Sector Performance - The healthcare sector surged by 22.8%, while the industrial and energy sectors also performed well with increases of 9.9% and 9.7% respectively[8] - The overall performance of the Hang Seng industry indices showed positive growth across all sectors in July 2025[8] IPO and Financing Overview - In July 2025, the Hong Kong IPO market saw 9 new listings, raising approximately HKD 17.63 billion, with a first-day loss rate of only 22.2%[13] - The major sectors for IPO financing included TMT, finance, consumer, and healthcare[13] - A total of 86 companies announced share placements in July, expected to raise around HKD 40.89 billion, primarily in the healthcare, TMT, and real estate sectors[13] U.S. Economic Indicators - The U.S. labor market remains resilient, with initial jobless claims dropping to 217,000, marking a six-week decline[15] - Despite weak home sales, the median home price increased by 1.97% year-on-year, indicating price stability in the real estate market[15] China Economic Policies - China continues to implement policies to combat "involution," with new regulations in various sectors including agriculture and healthcare[16] - The Yarlung Tsangpo River hydropower project has commenced, with a total investment of approximately CNY 1.2 trillion[16] - The AI industry is receiving new catalysts, with the government advocating for global cooperation in AI governance[16] Market Outlook - The U.S. economy shows resilience, with the Federal Reserve maintaining interest rates between 4.25% and 4.50%[18] - The Hong Kong market is expected to maintain an upward trend, supported by favorable domestic policies and improved U.S.-China relations[18] - Investment focus is recommended on technology assets, consumer sectors, and stable dividend-paying stocks[18]

Summary of Key Points Agreements Reached - The UK has reduced the baseline tariff from 25% to 10%, with exemptions for automotive and aerospace products, while negotiations continue on steel, aluminum, and digital services tax [1] - Vietnam has lowered the baseline tariff from 46% to 20%, with a 40% punitive tariff on goods transshipped to the US, and has committed to zero tariffs on all US goods [1] - Indonesia has decreased tariffs from 32% to 19%, eliminating tariffs on 99% of US goods and addressing non-tariff barriers [1] - The Philippines has reduced tariffs from 20% to 19%, with commitments to open markets and zero tariffs, alongside enhanced military cooperation [1] - Japan has lowered the baseline tariff from 25% to 15%, becoming the first major economy to secure lower tariffs for the automotive sector, and has pledged $550 billion in investments in the US [1] Additional Agreements - The EU has reduced the baseline tariff from 30% to 15%, covering various products while exempting certain items, and has committed to $600 billion in investments and $750 billion in energy product purchases from the US [2] - South Korea has lowered the baseline tariff from 25% to 15%, with commitments of $350 billion in investments and $100 billion in energy purchases from the US, while maintaining original rates on semiconductors and steel [2] Agreements Not Reached - Canada faces a potential 35% tariff if no agreement is reached by August 1, with ongoing negotiations described as "intense" [3] - Mexico is at risk of a 30% tariff, with discussions between the US and Mexican presidents planned as the deadline approaches [3] - India is facing a 25% tariff starting August 1, with additional unspecified penalties, while seeking a reciprocal agreement with the US [3] - Australia currently has a 10% baseline tariff, which may rise to 15%-20%, with no recent updates on negotiations [3] - Brazil is set to face a 50% tariff starting August 6, with certain products exempted, while the Brazilian president expresses willingness for constructive dialogue [3]

Group 1 - The U.S. will impose a 50% tariff on imported copper semi-finished products and high-copper-content derivatives starting from August 1 [1] Group 2 - South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung confirmed a trade agreement with the U.S., which includes a $350 billion investment, with $150 billion allocated specifically for shipbuilding cooperation [2] - The trade agreement aims to eliminate uncertainties in South Korea's export environment and supports Korean companies in entering the U.S. market across various sectors [2] - The U.S. will reduce tariffs on South Korean automobiles to 15%, while South Korea will not further open its rice and beef markets [2] Group 3 - President Trump announced a "comprehensive" trade agreement with South Korea, which includes a $350 billion investment for U.S.-controlled projects and a commitment to purchase $100 billion worth of liquefied natural gas or other energy products [3] - The agreement stipulates that South Korea will open its market to U.S. products, including automobiles, trucks, and agricultural products, while the U.S. will not face tariffs [3]

Group 1 - Major industry ETFs showed mixed performance, with the biotechnology and semiconductor ETFs both rising by 0.7% [1] - The biotechnology index ETF is currently priced at 134.78, reflecting an increase of 0.93 (+0.69%) with a total market value of 10.702 billion and a year-to-date change of +2.04% [2] - The semiconductor ETF is priced at 294.90, up by 2.00 (+0.68%), with a total market value of 34.86 billion and a year-to-date increase of +21.77% [2] Group 2 - The global airline ETF decreased by 0.8%, currently priced at 24.05, down by 0.20 (-0.82%), with a total market value of 0.0757575 billion and a year-to-date decline of -5.13% [1][2] - The utility ETF increased by 0.51%, priced at 85.01, with a total market value of 12.341 billion and a year-to-date change of +13.90% [2] - The financial sector ETF rose by 0.23%, priced at 52.92, with a total market value of 589.02 billion and a year-to-date increase of +10.27% [2]

Summary of Key Points Core Viewpoint - Southbound funds have become significant participants in the Hong Kong stock market, holding 18.24% of the total shares of Hong Kong Stock Connect stocks, with a total market value of 55,994.41 billion HKD [1]. Group 1: Southbound Fund Holdings - As of July 29, southbound funds held a total of 4,563.87 million shares in Hong Kong Stock Connect stocks, representing 18.24% of the total share capital [1]. - The market value of shares held by southbound funds accounts for 13.77% of the total market capitalization of the stocks [1]. - There are 222 stocks where southbound funds hold over 20% of the total share capital, while 135 stocks have a holding ratio between 10% and 20% [1]. Group 2: Industry Distribution - The stocks with over 20% holdings by southbound funds are primarily concentrated in the healthcare, industrial, and financial sectors, with 43, 35, and 32 stocks respectively [2]. - Among the stocks with the highest southbound fund holdings, China Telecom leads with 74.69%, followed by Green Power Environmental and China Shenhua with 69.97% and 66.91% respectively [2]. Group 3: Characteristics of High Holdings - A majority of the stocks with high southbound fund holdings are AH concept stocks, with 125 out of 222 stocks (56.31%) having over 20% holdings being AH shares [1]. - The distribution of holdings shows that 14.81% of stocks with 10% to 20% holdings are also AH shares [1].

Group 1 - The core point of the news is the announcement of a new trade agreement between the US and the EU, which includes a 15% tariff on EU products entering the US and a commitment from the EU to invest an additional $600 billion and purchase $750 billion worth of US energy products [1][4][7] - The agreement has received mixed reactions from EU leaders, with German Chancellor Merz expressing that a no-deal scenario would have been more damaging for Germany, while Italian Prime Minister Meloni described the agreement as "sustainable" [4][7] - French Prime Minister François Bérou criticized the agreement as a "surrender" by the EU, highlighting concerns over the imbalance it creates, particularly for French agriculture, which faces a 15% tariff on products sold to the US while benefiting from zero tariffs on US agricultural imports [4][7] Group 2 - The internal divisions within the EU regarding the tariff agreement reflect differing interests between the political and business sectors, complicating the EU's ability to manage disputes [7][11] - The 15% tariff is expected to increase costs for EU exports to the US, potentially reducing competitiveness and impacting the development of the EU's industrial chain [7][11] - The agreement postpones negotiations on tariffs related to steel, aluminum, and chips, which are critical areas for both parties, to avoid complications that could derail the talks [11][12]

Market Performance - Developed markets outperformed last week, with MSCI global index up by 1.3%, MSCI developed markets up by 1.4%, and MSCI emerging markets up by 0.7% [3] - Among developed markets, Nikkei 225 had the strongest performance (+4.1%), while S&P/ASX 200 was the weakest (-1.0%) [3] - In emerging markets, ChiNext Index was the best performer (+2.8%), while India’s Sensex 30 was the worst (-0.4%) [3] Trading Sentiment - Trading volume increased in Hong Kong and European markets, while it decreased in the US market [10][11] - Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index saw a trading volume of 186 billion shares and a turnover of 705.5 billion USD, reflecting a week-on-week increase [11] - The short-selling ratio in Hong Kong decreased to 11.5%, indicating high investor sentiment [11] Valuation - Developed markets' overall valuation improved, with the latest PE and PB ratios at 23.8x and 3.8x, respectively, placing them in the 93% and 100% percentile levels since 2010 [13] - Nasdaq and Dow Jones Industrial Average had the highest PE ratios at 43.1x and 32.0x, respectively [13] - Emerging markets also saw a valuation increase, with PE and PB ratios at 16.5x and 2.0x, respectively, in the 86% and 92% percentile levels since 2010 [14] Fund Flows - Global macro liquidity expectations tightened, with significant capital inflows into France, Germany, and India, while outflows were noted from the US [19][21] - In Hong Kong, a total of 21.3 billion HKD flowed into the market, with stable foreign capital inflows of 13.4 billion HKD [21] Earnings Expectations - Hong Kong's consumer sector saw an upward revision in earnings expectations, with the Hang Seng Index's 2025 EPS forecast adjusted from 2215 to 2210 [22] - The US S&P 500's earnings expectations remained stable at 265, while the Eurozone's STOXX50 index saw a slight downward adjustment from 338 to 337 [22][23]

Group 1 - The core of the agreement is a 15% tariff on EU goods exported to the US, along with a commitment from the EU to invest an additional $600 billion in the US and purchase $750 billion worth of US energy products [1][3][4] - The agreement is perceived by some European leaders as a one-sided concession rather than a mutually beneficial trade cooperation, with criticism from figures like Bernd Lange and Marine Le Pen highlighting its negative implications for the EU [1][6][7] - The US maintains a 50% global tariff on steel and aluminum, while the EU's interpretation suggests that pharmaceuticals will also be subject to the 15% tariff, which could impact EU exports significantly [4][5] Group 2 - The agreement has been met with cautious optimism from some US officials, who view it as a significant opening of the EU market, but there is a notable lack of enthusiasm from European leaders [5][6] - European media and business sectors have expressed strong criticism, arguing that the agreement could harm local employment and industry, with concerns about the imbalance in trade terms [6][7] - The new tariff structure represents a significant increase from previous averages, with the EU's average tariff on US goods being 1.32% compared to the newly established 15% [7]

Core Viewpoint - The performance of major industry ETFs in the U.S. stock market shows mixed results, with semiconductor and energy ETFs experiencing gains, while utility ETFs decline. Group 1: Semiconductor and Energy ETFs - The semiconductor ETF is priced at $290.69, with an increase of $3.20 (+1.11%) and a total market capitalization of $34.36 billion, reflecting a year-to-date increase of 20.04% [2] - The energy ETF is priced at $87.86, rising by $0.76 (+0.87%) with a trading volume of 1.88 million shares and a total market capitalization of $22.00 billion, showing a year-to-date increase of 4.20% [2] Group 2: Other Industry ETFs - The technology sector ETF is priced at $263.36, decreasing by $1.37 (-0.52%) with a market capitalization of $83.76 billion, up 13.65% year-to-date [2] - The consumer discretionary ETF is priced at $225.45, increasing by $0.58 (+0.26%) with a market capitalization of $28.32 billion, reflecting a year-to-date increase of 0.98% [2] - The financial sector ETF is priced at $53.35, declining by $0.09 (-0.17%) with a market capitalization of $593.81 billion, up 11.17% year-to-date [2] - The utility ETF is priced at $83.65, decreasing by $0.87 (-1.03%) with a market capitalization of $12.14 billion, reflecting a year-to-date increase of 12.07% [2]

Report Industry Investment Rating No relevant content provided. Core Views - Overseas: The US and the EU reached an agreement, with the US imposing a 15% import tariff on most EU goods, half of the previously threatened rate, avoiding an escalation of the trade war. The EU promised to invest about $600 billion in the US and significantly increase purchases of US energy and military products. Sino-US high-level meetings will be held in Stockholm on Monday to extend the August 12 tariff "ceasefire" agreement by 90 days. With the tariff paths of many countries becoming clearer, market risk appetite has slightly increased [2]. - Domestic: The current market is in a stage of "strong expectation, weak reality". The positive sentiment brought by supply - side optimization policies is still evolving. A - shares once broke through the 3600 - point mark, and trading volume and margin trading balances increased. In June, the year - on - year decline in industrial enterprise profits narrowed to - 4.3%, mainly driven by the automotive industry. Short - term attention should be paid to market sentiment, policy outcomes, and tariff negotiations [3]. Summary by Directory Overseas Macro - US 7 - month Manufacturing and Services PMI Differentiation: The US 7 - month Markit manufacturing PMI was 49.5, weaker than expected and below the boom - bust line. The services PMI reached a new high this year at 55.2. Tariffs and high prices were reported to suppress demand [5]. - ECB's July Decision: On July 24, the ECB announced a pause in interest rate cuts after eight consecutive cuts, maintaining the main interest rate at 2.00%. The market's expectation of a September rate cut dropped below 30% [7]. Asset Performance - Equity: Most equity indices showed positive performance. For example, the Shanghai Composite Index rose 4.33% last week, and the Hang Seng Index rose 5.47% [9]. - Bond: Yields of domestic and overseas bonds showed different trends. For example, the 1 - year domestic treasury bond yield rose 3.38 BP last week, while the 5 - year US treasury bond yield fell 1.00 BP [12]. - Commodity: The performance of commodities was mixed. The Nanhua Commodity Index rose 2.73% last week, while WTI crude oil fell 1.48% [14]. - Foreign Exchange: The US dollar index fell 0.80% last week, and the euro - to - RMB exchange rate rose 0.73% [16]. High - Frequency Data Tracking - Domestic: High - frequency data such as the congestion index, subway passenger volume, and real - estate transaction volume are presented through charts [18]. - Overseas: Data on red - book retail sales, unemployment claims, and US treasury bond spreads are shown [22]. This Week's Important Economic Data and Events - A series of economic data and events are scheduled this week, including US GDP, employment data, and euro - zone economic sentiment indices [31].