Group 1 - Chinese brokerage stocks experienced a general rise, with notable increases in shares such as GF Securities (up 2.46% to HKD 17.93), Dongfang Securities (up 2.42% to HKD 17.28), and CITIC Securities (up 1.52% to HKD 12.7) [1] - As of August 1, 27 listed brokerages have released their semi-annual performance forecasts, with 24 reporting profits, 23 showing profit increases, and 1 turning from loss to profit [1] - The brokerage sector is expected to see significant investment opportunities in the second half of the year, driven by strong semi-annual performance forecasts, deepening capital market reforms, and expectations of increased market liquidity [1] Group 2 - Guotai Junan predicts that the performance of listed brokerages in the first half of 2025 will exceed expectations, with a projected year-on-year increase in net profit attributable to shareholders of 61.23% [2] - Investment business is expected to contribute the most to revenue growth, accounting for 60.51% of the adjusted operating income increase, primarily due to improved returns in the equity market compared to the first half of 2024 [2] - The brokerage business is anticipated to contribute 32.40% to the adjusted revenue increase, driven by a significant year-on-year rise in market trading volume in the first half of 2025 [2]