Vi e w p o i n t | 16 Nov 2025 10:21:02 ET │ 11 pages China Banks What's New from Citi 2025 China Conference CITI'S TAKE We hosted meetings with key China banks during our Citi China Conference during 11-14 Nov in Shenzhen and Shanghai. We summarize key takeaways below. NIM to diverge between big banks and regional banks in 2026E — NIM pressure could continue to moderate into 4Q25E given most banks have achieved 90%+ of full-year loan quota, which cools off pricing competition, although sector NIM should co ...

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Core Insights - The article emphasizes the impact of expense ratios on mutual fund returns, highlighting that hidden costs can significantly reduce expected earnings [1][4][5] What the Expense Ratio Actually Is - Every mutual fund charges fees for management, administration, and marketing, typically expressed as a percentage of assets under management [2][6] - The typical expense ratio ranges from 0.05% to 2.00%, with even small differences accumulating over time [3][6] How Fees Eat Away at Your Growth - A comparison example shows that a $10,000 investment over 20 years at a 7% annual return would yield $38,500 with a 0.10% expense ratio, versus only $32,500 with a 1.00% ratio, resulting in a $6,000 loss due to fees [4][5] What's a 'Good' Expense Ratio — and When To Worry - A "good" expense ratio varies by fund type, with index funds charging between 0.03% and 0.30%, while actively managed funds often charge 0.50% to 1.00% or more [6][7] - Concerns arise when a fund's expense ratio exceeds 1% and does not consistently outperform its benchmark, suggesting a potential advantage in low-fee index or ETF alternatives [7] How To Keep Fees From Eating Your Returns - Investors are advised to compare expense ratios before investing and to reevaluate existing funds, considering lower-cost options or ETFs that align with their investment goals [8]

Core Insights - The article highlights the trend of Gen Z investors starting to invest at a significantly younger age compared to previous generations, with an average starting age of 19, while Baby Boomers and Gen X began at 35 and 32 respectively [5][6]. Group 1: Gen Z Investment Behavior - Gen Z investors are actively engaging in various investment vehicles, including stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies, with 56% of Gen Z individuals aged 18 to 25 reporting some form of investment [8][9]. - Among Gen Z investors, 55% primarily invest in cryptocurrency, while 41% hold individual stocks and 35% invest in mutual funds [9][10]. - Young investors are leveraging social media for investment decisions, with 32% using it as a reference for information [11]. Group 2: Individual Investor Profiles - Julia Greene, a 17-year-old, has a $2,000 portfolio and aims to familiarize herself with the stock market early on [1]. - Max Provencher, a 21-year-old, has a portfolio exceeding $20,000 and diversifies his investments across individual stocks, mutual funds, and a money-market buffer [3]. - Michael Paladino, a 27-year-old, has a portfolio of approximately $450,000 focused on tech and AI stocks, emphasizing the power of compounding returns [7]. Group 3: Investment Strategies - Young investors are encouraged to invest early and with intention, conducting research or consulting financial advisors [14]. - Staying informed about investments is crucial; Provencher actively tunes into earnings calls and company press releases [15][16]. - Automating investments, as demonstrated by Mary Esposito's $1,000 monthly contributions to her Roth IRA, helps build good saving habits and reduces emotional decision-making [18]. Group 4: Market Volatility Awareness - Young investors are generally more tolerant of market volatility, with the ability to ride out downturns due to their longer investment horizon [10][20]. - The article suggests that while young investors can afford to take risks, older investors nearing retirement should consider more stable, low-risk investments [17][20].

Core Insights - Aegon reported strong progress in business transformation during Q3 2025, with notable growth in its largest segment, Transamerica, particularly in life and annuity sales [2][3] - The company is on track to meet its full-year operating capital generation (OCG) target of EUR 1.2 billion for 2025, with a reported OCG of EUR 340 million before holding funding and operating expenses [3][7] - Aegon plans to provide updates on its strategy and financial targets during the upcoming Capital Markets Day on December 10, 2025, including a review of a potential relocation of its legal domicile and head office to the United States [3][7] Business Performance - Transamerica's distribution network continued to expand, contributing to strong commercial momentum, with individual life sales increasing by 39% compared to the previous year [7] - Despite some outflows in the UK due to the departure of two large, low-margin schemes, Aegon's Asset Management and International businesses showed continued growth [2][7] - The company maintained strong capital ratios across its main units, with cash capital at holding reported at EUR 1.9 billion, reflecting recent share sales and dividend payments [7] Market Position and Strategy - Aegon operates a diverse portfolio, including fully owned businesses in the US and UK, and engages in strategic partnerships in various international markets [8][9] - The company emphasizes its commitment to addressing critical environmental and societal issues as part of its corporate purpose [9] - Aegon's ongoing share buyback program is 54% complete, indicating a proactive approach to capital management [7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Banco Santander Chile reported a net income of CLP 798 billion for Q3 2025, representing a 37% year-over-year increase, with a return on equity (ROE) of 24% and an efficiency ratio of 35.9% [11][12] - Net interest income increased by 17% year-over-year, maintaining a net interest margin (NIM) of 4% [12][13] - The recurrence ratio reached 62% year-to-date, indicating that over 60% of expenses were financed by fee generation [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fee income rose by 8%, while financial transactions increased by 19% [11] - Mutual funds grew by 15%, and credit card transactions saw a 12% annual increase [14] - The composition of income revenue streams shifted, with fee generation increasing from 15% to 20% of total revenues [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Chilean economy is projected to grow by approximately 2% year-on-year in Q3 2025, with GDP growth expected to reach 2.4% by the end of the year [3][4] - Inflation remains above the 3% target but is expected to converge below 4% by year-end [4][5] - The Central Bank of Chile maintained a policy rate of 4.75% during Q3, with expectations for a reduction to 4.5% by year-end [4][5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to become a digital bank with a target of attracting 5 million clients by 2026, focusing on operational efficiency and fee generation [8][9] - The strategy includes leveraging artificial intelligence and process automation to reduce costs and improve operational excellence [9][10] - The bank is committed to maintaining an efficiency ratio in the mid-30s and achieving ROEs above 20% [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about a favorable business environment post-elections, anticipating mid-single-digit loan growth and stable NIMs around 4% [19] - The potential for a political change could enhance growth dynamics in the commercial loan portfolio [22][24] - The company is prepared for various scenarios, including lower inflation and better loan growth dynamics [24] Other Important Information - The CET1 ratio reached 10.8%, significantly above the minimum requirement, indicating strong capital generation [16][17] - The bank has received multiple recognitions, including being named the best bank in Chile and improving its sustainability ratings [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the main upside and downside risks for ROE estimates in 2026? - Management noted that potential political changes could positively impact growth, but external macroeconomic factors pose risks not currently factored into guidance [21][22] Question: Can you provide guidance on loan growth by segment for 2026? - Management expects homogeneous growth across segments, with consumer loans growing healthily and mortgage portfolios benefiting from government support [27][30] Question: What is the current status of the interchange fee and potential impacts? - The current interchange fee for credit is 1.14, with a potential second cut that could impact fees by CLP 20 billion-CLP 25 billion if implemented [36][39] Question: What is the outlook for asset quality indicators and cost of risk in 2026? - Management anticipates improvements in asset quality, with a cost of risk expected to decrease gradually, despite some seasonal effects observed [32][41]

Core Points - Thornburg Income Builder Opportunities Trust announced a monthly distribution of $0.10417 per share, payable on November 20, 2025, to shareholders of record as of November 13, 2025 [1] - The Trust's cumulative distributions for the fiscal year to date (FYTD) amount to $0.20834 per share, with all distributions coming from net investment income [2] - The Trust aims to provide current income and total return by investing at least 80% of its managed assets in income-producing securities, including both equity and debt securities globally [3] Distribution Details - The monthly distribution of $0.10417 per share represents no change from previous declarations [1] - Cumulative distributions for the fiscal year include $0.10417 from net investment income, with no short-term or long-term capital gains or return of capital reported [2] - The Trust's distributions are calculated based on net asset value or market price per share as of the distribution announcement date [1][2] Investment Strategy - The Trust's investment strategy focuses on a broad range of income-producing securities, with the flexibility to invest up to 20% of its managed assets in emerging market companies [3] - The Trust is subject to a 4% excise tax if it fails to distribute at least 98% of its ordinary income and 98.2% of its capital gains by the end of the calendar year [4] Company Overview - Thornburg Investment Management manages approximately $52 billion in client assets as of September 30, 2025, serving institutions and investors globally [7] - The firm offers a variety of investment products, including mutual funds, ETFs, and closed-end funds, and has been in operation since 1982 [7]

Core Insights - Actively managed ETFs, especially in the fixed income category, are experiencing rapid growth in the ETF market [1] - This growth is driven by advisors shifting from higher-fee mutual funds to ETFs and the conversion of popular mutual funds into ETF structures [1]

Core Insights - Choosing the right investments is essential for retirees to achieve financial independence and maintain a comfortable lifestyle [1] Investment Strategies - Real estate rental income can significantly enhance financial stability for retirees, with rental income potentially covering mortgage costs and allowing for a comfortable lifestyle without reliance on Social Security [3][4] - Rental properties offer advantages such as appreciation over time and tax benefits, including deductions for mortgage interest, property taxes, and management fees [4] - The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provides further tax efficiency through depreciation and the 20% pass-through deduction, while a 1031 exchange allows for tax deferral when reinvesting in properties [5] Dividend-Paying Stocks - Dividend-paying stocks provide reliable income and long-term growth, with retirees benefiting from steady cash flow and stock appreciation [6] - Companies that consistently increase dividends can help protect retirees against inflation, with examples like Berkshire Hathaway investing in firms with a strong history of dividend payouts [7] Professional Guidance - Professional financial guidance is crucial for managing retirement effectively, helping retirees maximize pension and Social Security benefits while managing healthcare risks [8] - A case study indicates that retirees with multiple mutual funds may face overlapping risks, but professional advice can lead to a tax-efficient strategy that aligns with retirement goals [9]

Financial Performance - Gross Profit reached $1.479 billion in Q3 2025, a 31% year-over-year increase[21, 81] - Adjusted Pre-Tax Income was $569 million in Q3 2025, up 35% year-over-year[27, 84] - Adjusted EPS increased to $5.20 in Q3 2025, a 25% year-over-year increase[25, 83] - The Adjusted Pre-Tax Margin was 38.4% in Q3 2025, a 1.2 percentage point increase year-over-year[23, 26] Assets and Growth - Total Advisory and Brokerage Assets reached $2.315 trillion in Q3 2025[13, 73] - Advisory Assets accounted for 58.2% of Total Assets in Q3 2025, a 2.2 percentage point increase year-over-year[13, 74] - Recruited Assets amounted to $32.6 billion in Q3 2025[15] - Organic Total Net New Assets (NNA) were $32.7 billion in Q3 2025[17] - The organic growth rate was approximately 7% in Q3 and approximately 12% over the past four quarters[17, 28] - Centrally Managed Assets grew to $203 billion in Q3 2025, with a 34% organic growth rate over the past 4 quarters[31] Client Cash and Payout - Client Cash decreased to 2.4% of total assets in Q3 2025[35, 52, 55] - Net Buy activity was $42 billion in Q3 2025[34, 55] - The Payout Rate was 87.5% in Q3 2025[36, 37] Expenses and Capital Management - The company lowered its 2025 Core G&A outlook range to $1.86 billion - $1.88 billion[59] - The company targets a leverage ratio between 1.5x and 2.5x[63, 64]