Core Insights - Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) provide a means for investors to diversify portfolios and manage risks during economic downturns [1][2] - Consumer staples are identified as a resilient sector during recessions, historically outperforming other sectors [4][5] Investment Strategy - Long-term investors should prepare for volatility and consider exposure to defensive sectors, which can provide reliable passive income during recessions [3] - Allocating a portion of capital to defensive ETFs like the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP) is recommended, especially as investors approach retirement [10][11] Sector Performance - Consumer staples have shown strong performance historically, with an average return of 14% in the 12 months preceding recessions and 10% in the 12 months following [6][5] - The sector has consistently outperformed others during recession periods since 1990, including notable economic downturns [5] ETF Details - The Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP) has a yield of 2.71% and a diversified investment across various consumer staples categories [7][8] - Top holdings in the fund include Walmart (11.05%), Costco Wholesale (9.33%), Procter & Gamble (8.18%), Coca-Cola (6.62%), and Philip Morris International (5.77%) [12]

Core Points - AstraZeneca's CEO Pascal Soriot appeared relaxed during the announcement of a new medicine deal aimed at reducing drug prices for millions of Americans [1] Company Summary - The deal unveiled by U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to significantly impact AstraZeneca's market presence in the U.S. by making medications more affordable [1]

Core Viewpoint - The company is committed to enhancing its domestic medicine production by establishing four new pharmaceutical manufacturing sites [1] Group 1 - The plan is part of the drugmaker's broader strategy to strengthen its manufacturing capabilities within the domestic market [1]

Group 1 - The National Development and Reform Commission is seeking public opinion on guidelines for government investment funds, aiming to enhance planning and prevent competition and crowding out of social capital [1] - The A-share market experienced fluctuations with the Shanghai Composite Index reaching a new high for the year, while the ChiNext Index fell over 1%, indicating mixed performance among major indices [1] - A total of 1,701 stocks in the A-share market rose, with over 50 stocks hitting the daily limit, while the market turnover reached 1.87 trillion yuan, showing a slight increase from the previous trading day [1] Group 2 - The life insurance industry is set to lower the guaranteed interest rates for various insurance products, with ordinary and participating insurance rates dropping to 2.0% and 1.75% respectively, effective by August 31 [2] - The mid-year dividend distribution trend in the Shanghai Stock Exchange remains strong, with 12 companies already proposing mid-year dividends totaling over 4.3 billion yuan [3] - The gaming industry is experiencing increased user activity and revenue, with several companies expected to report significant profit growth in their half-year results [3] Group 3 - The Chinese innovative pharmaceutical industry is transitioning from "follow-up innovation" to "global leadership," with a record number of new drug approvals and significant valuation improvements for domestic companies [4] - A trend of A-share companies listing in Hong Kong is emerging, with over 40 companies having submitted applications, and potential new minimum market capitalization requirements being discussed [5] - The A-share market's financing balance reached 1.968 trillion yuan, the highest since July 2015, with significant net buying concentrated in technology sectors [6] Group 4 - A surge in multi-crystalline silicon futures prices was observed due to acquisition rumors in the photovoltaic industry, prompting regulatory adjustments to trading limits [7] - The tourism market is seeing a rise in demand for summer vacation trips, with a 47% increase in searches for "cooling trips" since July [8] - CATL reported a 33.3% increase in net profit for the first half of 2025, with total revenue of 178.89 billion yuan and a cash dividend plan of 10.07 yuan per share [9]