January 22, 2026 09:00 PM GMT China Equity Strategy | Asia Pacific | M January 22, 2026 09:00 PM GMT China Equity Strategy Asia Pacific | Morgan Stanley Asia Limited+ Laura Wang | Idea | | --- | --- | --- | | | Equity Strategist | | | A-Share Sentiment Calming | Laura.Wang@morganstanley.com Chloe Liu | +852 2848-6853 | | | Equity Strategist | | | Down; Tightening Measures in | Chloe.Liu1@morganstanley.com | +852 2848-5497 | | | Vicky Wu | | | | Equity Strategist | | | | Vicky.Wu@morganstanley.com | +852 396 ...

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - **Industry**: A-Shares Market in China - **Date**: December 18, 2025 Core Insights and Arguments - **Market Sentiment**: A-share sentiment has increased marginally, with the weighted MSASI rising by 4 percentage points to 51% compared to the previous cutoff date of December 10, while the weighted MSASI 1MMA decreased by 3 percentage points to 52% [2][4] - **Turnover Growth**: Average daily turnover (ADT) for A-shares increased by 3% to RMB 1,854 billion, and equity futures turnover surged by 29% to RMB 451 billion. ChiNext turnover remained stable at RMB 502 billion, and margin transaction outstanding turnover was unchanged at RMB 2,480 billion [2] - **Net Inflows**: Southbound trading saw net inflows of US$0.8 billion from December 11-17, with year-to-date net inflows reaching US$170 billion and month-to-date inflows at US$1.4 billion [3] - **External Risks**: Global market volatility, particularly in the US equity market, poses a risk to sentiment, as evidenced by a ~3% drop in the S&P 500 over the past five trading days [4] - **Domestic Economic Challenges**: November retail sales growth was disappointing, slowing to a post-COVID low of 1.3% year-over-year. The China Economics team has revised its 4Q real GDP tracking down to ~4.3% year-over-year from 4.5% [5] Additional Important Insights - **Fiscal Policy**: A more decisive fiscal shift, especially measures to accelerate housing inventory absorption, is seen as a potential driver for improved market sentiment [17] - **Technology Sector**: Breakthroughs in China's technology sector could expand addressable markets and support a meaningful re-rating of the market [17] - **Earnings Estimates**: The breadth of consensus earnings estimate revisions remains negative but has shown slight improvement compared to the previous week [2] - **Market Volatility**: The expectation is for sentiment to remain range-bound amid higher market volatility, influenced by external uncertainties and challenging domestic macroeconomic conditions [4] Conclusion - The A-share market is experiencing marginal improvements in sentiment and turnover, but faces significant external and domestic challenges that could impact future performance. Key drivers for a more bullish outlook include fiscal policy shifts and advancements in technology.

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The report focuses on the **A-share market** in China, highlighting the impact of **China-US trade tensions** on market sentiment and performance [1][17]. Core Insights and Arguments - **Market Sentiment Decline**: A-share investor sentiment has decreased significantly, with the weighted MSASI dropping by **15 percentage points** to **91%** and the simple MSASI falling by **16 percentage points** to **84%** compared to the previous cutoff date [2][8]. - **Turnover Decrease**: Average daily turnover for various segments, including ChiNext and A-shares, has seen substantial declines, with ChiNext down **23%** to **Rmb 456 billion** and A-shares down **25%** to **Rmb 1,831 billion** [2]. - **Net Inflows**: Southbound trading recorded net inflows of **US$1.9 billion** from October 16-22, with year-to-date net inflows reaching **US$150 billion** [3]. - **GDP Growth**: The third quarter GDP growth was slightly better than expected at **4.6-4.7%**, driven by a **1.5 percentage point** increase in industrial production [4][5]. - **Fiscal Measures**: To stabilize growth, the Chinese government activated **Rmb 500 billion** in fiscal space, which is expected to support GDP growth in the fourth quarter [5]. Additional Important Insights - **Earnings Quality Focus**: The report advises investors to adopt a balanced approach, emphasizing the importance of earnings quality while awaiting clarity on trade tensions [1][17]. - **Investment Strategy**: The recommendation is to focus on quality stocks with high earnings visibility and dividend plays, rather than increasing overall risk exposure prematurely [18]. - **Trade Talks**: Upcoming trade talks between the US and China are anticipated to influence market sentiment, with investors remaining cautious due to weakening consumption and housing [17]. - **Technological Focus**: The upcoming Central Government Suggestions for Drafting the FYP are expected to emphasize technological self-sufficiency and innovation, with gradual social welfare reforms likely to receive endorsement [16]. Conclusion - The A-share market is currently experiencing a cooling sentiment due to external trade tensions and internal economic factors. Investors are advised to remain cautious and focus on quality investments while monitoring developments in trade negotiations and fiscal policies.