Category: 3. Business

  • Evaluating Valuation After Recent Share Price Momentum

    Evaluating Valuation After Recent Share Price Momentum

    Kyowa Kirin (TSE:4151) has posted steady revenue growth over the past year, with its annual net income rising by 18%. The company’s shares have climbed 10% in the past month, drawing more eyes to its performance.

    See our latest analysis for Kyowa Kirin.

    After a relatively sluggish start to the year, Kyowa Kirin’s share price has picked up momentum with a 1-month share price return of 9.7%. That said, its total shareholder return has been slightly negative over the past twelve months and remains underwhelming across three and five years. This suggests the recent pop may reflect shifting sentiment or renewed optimism for the company’s outlook.

    If this renewed momentum has you curious about what else is gaining traction, now is a perfect time to broaden your search and discover fast growing stocks with high insider ownership

    With fundamentals on the rise and shares still trading just below analyst targets, the question for investors now is whether Kyowa Kirin’s recent jump signals a real buying opportunity or if the market has already factored in its future growth.

    Kyowa Kirin trades at a notably high price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 35.7x, placing it well above both the Japanese pharmaceutical industry average and its closest peers. At the last close of ¥2,492, the stock commands a premium valuation from the market.

    The P/E multiple reflects how much investors are willing to pay for each unit of the company’s earnings. In pharmaceutical and biotech sectors, high P/E ratios often signal anticipated future profits, innovation, or defensiveness. However, they can also indicate that expectations may already be priced in, especially if recent earnings have faced significant volatility.

    When compared to the industry average P/E of 15.3x and the peer average of 16.5x, Kyowa Kirin’s valuation stands out as particularly expensive. The P/E ratio also exceeds the estimated fair value multiple of 22.8x, suggesting that the current price could decline if market sentiment shifts or growth underdelivers.

    Explore the SWS fair ratio for Kyowa Kirin

    Result: Price-to-Earnings of 35.7x (OVERVALUED)

    However, sluggish long-term returns and a steep premium to peers could both act as potential headwinds for Kyowa Kirin’s optimistic outlook.

    Find out about the key risks to this Kyowa Kirin narrative.

    While Kyowa Kirin’s high price-to-earnings ratio suggests the stock is expensive compared to peers, the Simply Wall St DCF model offers a very different perspective. This methodology estimates Kyowa Kirin is trading roughly 53% below its fair value, challenging the notion that shares are overvalued. Could the market be missing something?

    Look into how the SWS DCF model arrives at its fair value.

    4151 Discounted Cash Flow as at Nov 2025

    Simply Wall St performs a discounted cash flow (DCF) on every stock in the world every day (check out Kyowa Kirin for example). We show the entire calculation in full. You can track the result in your watchlist or portfolio and be alerted when this changes, or use our stock screener to discover 886 undervalued stocks based on their cash flows. If you save a screener we even alert you when new companies match – so you never miss a potential opportunity.

    If you approach valuations with a different perspective or want to see trends for yourself, you can quickly analyze the numbers and craft a story in just a few minutes. Do it your way

    A great starting point for your Kyowa Kirin research is our analysis highlighting 2 key rewards and 2 important warning signs that could impact your investment decision.

    Markets move fast and the best opportunities do not wait long. Give yourself an edge by checking out a range of standout companies tailored to your interests.

    This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

    Companies discussed in this article include 4151.T.

    Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com

    Continue Reading

  • Gambling ads target Indonesian Meta users despite ban

    Gambling ads target Indonesian Meta users despite ban

    Steep penalties

    Indonesian authorities say they have taken down more than 5.7 million pieces of gambling-related online content over the past eight years.

    Police have also stepped up enforcement, with at least 85 influencers arrested last year for promoting online betting.

    Penalties are steep, including potential prison terms of up to 10 years, while gambling itself is punishable by up to four years in jail.

    The Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs said it regularly asks social media platforms to remove gambling-related content, and issues warning letters if those requests go unanswered.

    “Continued inaction will result in a third warning letter sent to the platform, which carries additional penalties and may lead to access termination,” Alexander Sabar, director general for digital space supervision, told AFP.

    In October, the ministry temporarily suspended TikTok’s operating license because the platform refused to provide data related to the alleged monetisation of live activities from accounts suspected of online gambling.

    AFP asked Sabar if the minister will summon Meta following the findings of paid gambling ads.

    He said the ministry maintains regular communication with social media platforms, and often raises the issue of gambling adverts.

    The ministry “urges all digital platforms to strengthen their ad detection and moderation systems in accordance with Indonesian laws and regulations”, Sabar told AFP on November 12.

    “Should repeated violations be found and left unaddressed, we will take enforcement in line with the applicable regulations.”

    Continue Reading

  • Shanghai unveils radical plan for new era of ‘AI dining’ and robot kitchens

    Shanghai unveils radical plan for new era of ‘AI dining’ and robot kitchens

    China’s premier metropolis has a vision for the future of dining – and it is one involving restaurants run by artificial intelligence, with automated kitchens, robot servers, data-driven menus and intelligent supply chains.

    The spread of automation in the catering sector has become a hot-button issue in China over recent months, but Shanghai appears committed to charging ahead with a plan to transform local eateries using smart technology.

    The city has set a target of becoming a “nationally leading, world-class” hub for smart restaurants by 2028 as part of a plan that analysts say could trigger a major shake-up in China’s vast food service sector: reshaping how meals are made and transforming the labour market.

    The action plan, released on Tuesday by Shanghai’s commerce commission and four other municipal bureaus, aims to push catering businesses across the city to overhaul their operations using new technologies over the next three years.

    “Across group dining, fast-food and drink chains, over 70 per cent of operations will incorporate smart technologies throughout their value chains, while the rate of intelligent application in key operations at full-service restaurants will exceed 50 per cent,” the document stated.

    Shanghai would also create a number of smart central kitchens, set up three to five “AI + dining” pilot projects, and nurture several leading smart solution providers for the catering industry, it added.

    Continue Reading

  • Jamie Dimon’s Stark Warning On US Economic Slowdown

    Jamie Dimon’s Stark Warning On US Economic Slowdown

    JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon has called for major reforms to fix the United States’ economy, failing which the nation could follow the path of Europe, which has been facing a long period of economic slowdown.

    “In 30 years, if we don’t fix these things, we are going the way of Europe,” he said, pointing out how over-regulation, weak investment and stalled innovation has left the continent with slow growth.

    Dimon made the remark at the America Business Forum in Miami, where he suggested that most of America’s modern-day economic problems are early signs of a system that is too ‘slow to respond’.

    “All these bad policies usually hurt the lower-paid people more,” he said, urging the US government and authorities to lower regulations that, according to him, stall construction and hurt small businesses.

    Dimon used Europe as a prime example and warned that the long period of slow growth could jeopardise the continent’s economy.

    “Europe used to have a GDP per person of about 90% of America,” he said. “It’s now 65% of America — and it’s on its way to 50%. And if they don’t fix it, it will jeopardise the health of Europe itself over time.”

    Dimon warned that many of the pressures that Europe faces now visible in the US, starting from housing shortages to sluggish permitting and uneven school outcomes.

    “You look at affordable housing, education, small business — it’s regulatory. You can’t build a multifamily building, you can’t put something here, you don’t have enough parking, you’re stuck in federal, state and local permitting. It’s terrible,” he said.

    “Good public policy is free,” he said. “We already spend the money. We just need to fix the system a little bit,” he added.

    Dimon went on to call for private sector to increase US competitiveness, pointing to JPMorgan’s plan to channel up to $500 billion over the next ten years into AI capabilities, defence and engineering.

    Continue Reading

  • The Bull Case For Affiliated Managers Group (AMG) Could Change Following Surge in Q3 Profit and Share Buyback Completion

    The Bull Case For Affiliated Managers Group (AMG) Could Change Following Surge in Q3 Profit and Share Buyback Completion

    • Affiliated Managers Group reported a strong third-quarter 2025 performance, posting US$528 million in sales and US$212.4 million in net income, while affirming a US$0.01 per share dividend and completing a sizeable share repurchase program.
    • The sharp increase in net income and earnings per share, along with ongoing capital returns to shareholders, highlights improved profitability and confidence in the company’s financial position.
    • We’ll explore how the surge in quarterly earnings and active share repurchases impact Affiliated Managers Group’s broader investment narrative.

    Trump has pledged to “unleash” American oil and gas and these 22 US stocks have developments that are poised to benefit.

    Affiliated Managers Group Investment Narrative Recap

    To be a shareholder in Affiliated Managers Group, you need to believe in the firm’s ability to keep growing its alternative asset base and deliver consistent earnings, despite industry shifts towards passive investing and competitive fee pressures. The latest earnings report brought a sharp rise in net income and EPS, but these solid results do not alter the most important short-term catalyst: sustained inflows to higher-fee alternative strategies. The main risk, ongoing outflows from traditional active equity, remains unchanged, and is not materially affected by this quarter’s numbers.

    Among recent announcements, the completion of a substantial share buyback program stands out. AMG repurchased 334,572 shares in the third quarter and has now bought back over 2 million shares since mid-2024, reducing the share count and increasing earnings per share just as profitability improved. This supports the near-term catalyst of compounding value for shareholders via capital returns.

    By contrast, investors should be aware of ongoing concentration risk among a few key affiliates, as stability depends on…

    Read the full narrative on Affiliated Managers Group (it’s free!)

    Affiliated Managers Group’s outlook anticipates revenues reaching $2.2 billion and earnings rising to $594.9 million by 2028. This implies a 2.7% annual revenue growth and a $152.5 million increase in earnings from current levels of $442.4 million.

    Uncover how Affiliated Managers Group’s forecasts yield a $308.00 fair value, a 19% upside to its current price.

    Exploring Other Perspectives

    AMG Earnings & Revenue Growth as at Nov 2025

    Simply Wall St Community members provided two fair value estimates for AMG, ranging from US$288.51 to US$308 per share. While these span a moderately tight range, the big catalyst remains AMG’s strong alternative AUM growth, with differing community and analyst views offering extra context.

    Explore 2 other fair value estimates on Affiliated Managers Group – why the stock might be worth just $288.51!

    Build Your Own Affiliated Managers Group Narrative

    Disagree with existing narratives? Create your own in under 3 minutes – extraordinary investment returns rarely come from following the herd.

    Seeking Other Investments?

    The market won’t wait. These fast-moving stocks are hot now. Grab the list before they run:

    This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data
    and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice.
    It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your
    financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data.
    Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material.
    Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

    New: Manage All Your Stock Portfolios in One Place

    We’ve created the ultimate portfolio companion for stock investors, and it’s free.

    • Connect an unlimited number of Portfolios and see your total in one currency
    • Be alerted to new Warning Signs or Risks via email or mobile
    • Track the Fair Value of your stocks

    Try a Demo Portfolio for Free

    Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com

    Continue Reading

  • A Fresh Look at monday.com (MNDY) Valuation Following Strong Profit and Revenue Guidance

    A Fresh Look at monday.com (MNDY) Valuation Following Strong Profit and Revenue Guidance

    monday.com (MNDY) just released its third quarter earnings, showing a switch from a loss to a profit and stronger sales compared to last year. The company also shared upbeat revenue guidance for the rest of 2025.

    See our latest analysis for monday.com.

    Despite monday.com’s leap to profitability and strong revenue guidance, its share price momentum has faded this year, with a year-to-date share price return of -30.51%. However, long-term holders have still seen a three-year total shareholder return of nearly 66%, reflecting its persistent growth story even through recent volatility.

    If recent earnings surprises have you rethinking where the next breakout could come from, now is the perfect moment to discover fast growing stocks with high insider ownership

    With shares pulling back this year despite impressive earnings and bullish guidance, the key question is whether monday.com is now undervalued or if the market has already priced in its future growth potential.

    Most Popular Narrative: 39.7% Undervalued

    Compared to monday.com’s last close price, the most popular narrative sets a fair value much higher, pointing to significant upside potential. This perspective hinges on powerful growth levers and platform innovations that could reshape future earnings.

    “Ongoing global shift toward digital transformation, remote/hybrid work, and rising SaaS adoption continues fueling strong demand for cloud-based productivity and collaboration platforms like monday.com, supporting high double-digit revenue growth and future ARR expansion. Rapid integration of generative AI and low-code/no-code capabilities (e.g., Monday Magic, Vibe, Sidekick) enable broader automation and workflow customization. This strengthens platform differentiation and stickiness, which may improve customer retention, ARPU, and net margins as monetization scales.”

    Read the complete narrative.

    Want to know what powers monday.com’s premium narrative? The story weaves together bold revenue expansion and margin moves that could surprise even savvy investors. The path to this valuation is paved with a mix of disruptive tech launches and strong recurring revenue signals. Which assumptions really tip the scales? See what else drives this ambitious price target.

    Result: Fair Value of $266.33 (UNDERVALUED)

    Have a read of the narrative in full and understand what’s behind the forecasts.

    However, there are still risks to watch, such as slowing new customer growth and increased competition. These factors could temper even the most optimistic projections.

    Find out about the key risks to this monday.com narrative.

    Another View: Market-Based Multiples Tell a Different Story

    Looking through the lens of price-to-earnings, monday.com trades at a hefty 127.2x, far above the US Software industry average of 31.2x and the peer average of 37.5x. The fair ratio sits at 47.1x. This suggests the market has high expectations priced in. Does this signal risk, or could strong future growth close the gap?

    See what the numbers say about this price — find out in our valuation breakdown.

    NasdaqGS:MNDY PE Ratio as at Nov 2025

    Build Your Own monday.com Narrative

    If you see things differently or want to dive deeper into the numbers, you can craft your own story in just a few minutes. Do it your way.

    A good starting point is our analysis highlighting 4 key rewards investors are optimistic about regarding monday.com.

    Looking for More Investment Ideas?

    Smart investing is all about staying ahead of the curve. Great opportunities are out there right now, waiting for decisive investors. You just need to know where to look.

    • Tap into strong growth potential by following these 24 AI penny stocks making waves in artificial intelligence and transforming entire industries with their forward-thinking innovations.
    • Benefit from reliable income streams by checking out these 16 dividend stocks with yields > 3% that consistently deliver attractive yields above 3% and reward shareholders even in challenging markets.
    • Position yourself for tomorrow’s financial breakthroughs by tracking these 82 cryptocurrency and blockchain stocks at the forefront of blockchain advancements and new payment technologies.

    This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data
    and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice.
    It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your
    financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data.
    Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material.
    Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

    New: AI Stock Screener & Alerts

    Our new AI Stock Screener scans the market every day to uncover opportunities.

    • Dividend Powerhouses (3%+ Yield)
    • Undervalued Small Caps with Insider Buying
    • High growth Tech and AI Companies

    Or build your own from over 50 metrics.

    Explore Now for Free

    Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com

    Continue Reading

  • Warm, elegant, effortless: Trendy woollen kurta sets to stay chic this winter season

    Warm, elegant, effortless: Trendy woollen kurta sets to stay chic this winter season

    When the temperature drops, our first instinct is to reach for bulky sweaters and puffer jackets, only to end up missing the charm of Indian wear. But winter weddings, family dinners, and festive get-togethers don’t pause for the cold. Enter woollen kurta sets: the perfect blend of style, warmth, and comfort. They keep you cozy without compromising on grace, basically, your answer to “how do I look festive without freezing?”

    Warm, elegant, effortless: Trendy woollen kurta sets to stay chic this winter(Pinterest)

    Here are the best woollen kurta sets that make winter dressing effortless, elegant, and oh-so-comfortable.

    Woollen kurta sets to stay snug and stylish:

    Loading...

    A go-to for anyone who loves traditional silhouettes with a soft touch of luxury. The wool-blend fabric feels plush against the skin, while the embroidery adds a subtle festive flair. The matching palazzo balances the look beautifully, making it ideal for family gatherings or temple visits in the colder months.

    Loading...

    This variation of the Rosary set brings together fine embroidery with practical comfort. Designed for warmth without bulk, it’s great for office wear, lunches, or festive get-togethers. The breathable wool ensures you stay comfortable indoors and outdoors alike.

    Loading...

    A classic reimagined for modern wardrobes, this embroidered set strikes the perfect balance between understated and elegant. The kurta’s detailed threadwork adds texture, while the flowy palazzo gives it a relaxed yet polished vibe. Pair with juttis and statement earrings for an instant winter-ready ethnic look.

    Loading...

    For those who prefer prints over embroidery, this INDAISY set delivers just the right amount of style and comfort. The printed woollen fabric feels warm yet lightweight, making it perfect for casual outings, travel, or daily wear. The bright patterns add a cheerful twist to dull winter days.

    Loading...

    Simple, sleek, and versatile, this wool blend kurta set works beautifully for both work and weekends. The tailored pants and soft woollen kurti create a clean silhouette that flatters all body types. Add a shawl or stole, and you’re set for a cosy, elegant winter ensemble.

    Loading...

    Warmth meets grace in this timeless set. With delicate embroidery and a snug woollen texture, this kurta-palazzo duo is perfect for light winter celebrations. It’s stylish enough to wear at a mehendi or festive dinner but comfortable enough for everyday wear.

    Loading...

    If you’re looking for a statement piece that doesn’t scream for attention, this one’s a winner. The embroidery adds richness without overdoing it, while the woollen fabric keeps you comfortably warm. A great pick for semi-formal occasions or when you want to dress up with minimal effort.

    Loading...

    The ultimate winter ethnic upgrade, this 3-piece set comes with a kurta, palazzo, and stole. The Karachi wool fabric feels plush yet breathable, while the mandarin collar and full sleeves give it a refined, structured look. Perfect for winter weddings, festive poojas, or even office events where you want to look traditional but feel cosy.

    These woollen kurta sets solve the classic winter fashion struggle, choosing between warmth and elegance. They’re cosy enough to skip layering, yet stylish enough for any occasion.

    Similar stories for you:

    Fast drape, full glam: Ready-to-wear sarees that make dressing up effortless

    Easy, breezy, and beautiful: Kurtis for women who want comfort with style

    Kurta sets for women: Your festive dressing shortcut for the wedding season

    Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, concerning the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.

    Continue Reading

  • Wall St reins in rate cut bets on inflation concerns

    Wall St reins in rate cut bets on inflation concerns

    Stay informed with free updates

    Wall Street has reined in bets on a third straight interest rate cut as the US Federal Reserve’s hawks voice concerns that inflation remains too high to justify lower borrowing costs.

    The probability of another quarter point cut, implied by market prices, has fallen from nearly 70 per cent to 40 per cent over the past week after several members of the rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee made plain their lack of support for action at the next meeting on December 10.

    The shift — in which investors have also pared back expectations for more cuts in 2026 — contributed to a sell-off in equities and an uptick in two-year Treasury yields this week, amid investor jitters over valuations in AI stocks.

    “It is impossible to know which way this goes,” said Krishna Guha, vice-chair at Evercore ISI, on the December Fed vote.

    The Fed has lowered borrowing costs by a quarter point at each of its previous two policy meetings on the back of signs that the US labour market is weakening and President Donald Trump’s tariffs are having less impact on inflation than many feared.

    But the October vote saw a rare three-way split, with Fed governor and Trump ally Stephen Miran supporting the US president’s calls for lower rates by backing a 50 basis point cut, while Kansas City Fed president Jeff Schmid wanted rates held.

    Fed chair Jay Powell warned after the vote that a December cut was not a “foregone conclusion”, while several regional Fed officials without a vote said later that they disagreed with last month’s decision.

    “To our ear, the [December] meeting outcome is shaping up to be just as contentious as Powell portrayed in October’s press conference,” said Jonathan Millar, economist at Barclays.

    Schmid signalled on Friday that he would continue to support keeping the US central bank’s benchmark rate in a 3.75-4 per cent range, saying neither market nor economic conditions suggested rates were too high.

    Susan Collins, the Boston Fed head who is seen as closer to the centre of the FOMC, said earlier in the week that ​​it would “likely be appropriate to keep policy rates at the current level for some time”.

    Minneapolis Fed president Neel Kashkari, who — unlike Collins and Schmid — does not currently have a vote on Fed policy, on Thursday pivoted from supporting another cut, saying he would also probably argue in favour of a December hold.

    Diane Swonk, chief US economist at KPMG, said there had been “a lot of wishful hoping” among investors that the release of downbeat economic data would force the Fed to cut.

    The Bureau of Labor Statistics will publish the September jobs report next Thursday but it remains unclear whether figures on inflation and the labour market for October will be published at all.

    “What we’ve really seen is that there is a lot of reticence to cutting aggressively given all of the unknowns out there,” said Swonk. “There is also some inflation coming from the services sector that has just not been eradicated.”

    While September’s rise in the consumer price index was weaker than anticipated at 3 per cent year-on-year, price growth remains in excess of the Fed’s 2 per cent inflation goal.

    Minutes of the October vote, set for release on Wednesday, could reveal more about divisions within the FOMC.

    Whether or not the US central bank opts to end the year with a cut, some analysts say the Fed chair will face a tricky balancing act to minimise the number of dissents.

    Doves on the Fed’s board — Chris Waller, Michelle Bowman and Miran, all of whom were appointed by Trump — would probably vote against a decision to hold, raising the prospect of three governors dissenting for the first time since 1988.

    “Absent miraculous clarification from limited data, Powell is in a rough spot,” said Guha.

    Continue Reading

  • UBS Reaffirms Buy Rating on JPMorgan (JPM) as AI Drives Revenue Growth and Innovation

    UBS Reaffirms Buy Rating on JPMorgan (JPM) as AI Drives Revenue Growth and Innovation

    JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) ranks among the best financial stocks to buy according to billionaire Ken Fisher. Following an investor meeting with the bank’s Chief Data & Analytics Officer, UBS reaffirmed its Buy rating and $357 price target for JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) on November 12. The firm emphasized JPMorgan’s long-term lead in the practical use of AI, pointing out that the bank recently switched to generative AI for new applications.

    Supannee Hickman / Shutterstock.com

    According to the meeting, JPMorgan’s use of AI is boosting revenue rather than saving costs. Speaking on its conviction regarding artificial intelligence, JPMorgan management stated that AI capabilities will someday become “table stakes” for financial organizations, similar to basic technology requirements like personal computers or internet access.

    The LLM Suite, a proprietary platform driven by top third-party large language models (LLMs), is at the center of the bank’s AI revolution. The platform has automated several procedures and provided employees direct access to AI tools.

    JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) is a multinational financial services company that offers investment banking in addition to consumer and small business financial services. It also offers commercial banking, asset management, and financial transaction processing.

    While we acknowledge the potential of JPM as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you’re looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

    READ NEXT: 10 Best Magic Formula Stocks for 2025 and 10 Best Retirement Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds.

    Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.

    Continue Reading

  • Foreign investors return to China’s stock market

    Foreign investors return to China’s stock market

    Unlock the Editor’s Digest for free

    Foreign purchases of Chinese equities have hit their highest level in four years, in a sign global investors are reassessing a market that until recently was considered “uninvestable”.

    Offshore inflows into China stocks from January to October this year totalled $50.6bn, up from $11.4bn in 2024, according to data from the Institute of International Finance, a trade body for the global banking industry.

    Chinese stocks listed on the mainland and in Hong Kong have risen strongly this year, driven by enthusiasm for artificial intelligence following the release of DeepSeek’s groundbreaking model and a strong run of listings in Asia’s financial hub.

    The gains follow years of dismal returns, as foreigners sold down their positions in response to mounting concerns over slowing economic growth and rising tensions between Washington and Beijing.

    “China still trades at a record discount to the rest of the world and yet they have some of the best companies in the tech space,” Jonathan Pines, head of Asia ex-Japan equity at Federated Hermes. “They’re the only realistic competitor to the US in some spaces.”

    This year’s foreign buying remains below the record full-year figure of $73.6bn reached in 2021, when China’s CSI 300 rebounded strongly from the initial shock of the coronavirus pandemic to hit an all-time high. However, it still marks a reversal after several years of falling investment from foreigners.

    “Two years ago China was uninvestable for a lot of people,” said Yan Wang, chief emerging markets and China strategist at Alpine Macro.

    Beijing stopped releasing daily data tracking investment in equities in mainland China via Hong Kong last year, making it harder to gauge levels of foreign flows. The IIF tracks changes in external portfolio liabilities and excludes Chinese companies listed in the US.

    There has been more buying of Chinese equities since the US unleashed its “liberation day” tariffs in April, according to Citi, with roughly 55 per cent buying versus 45 per cent selling across different client types.

    This year, foreign active managers have been net sellers of Chinese equities but that has been more than offset by inflows into passive funds, according to EPFR Global data tracking flows into exchange traded funds and mutual funds.

    Line chart of  showing Chinese stocks still trade at a discount

    The strong performance of Chinese stocks this year has primarily been driven by a rush of domestic money from retail investors, said Stuart Rumble, head of investment directing for the Asia Pacific at Fidelity International.

    Mainland China investors have poured HK$1.3tn (US$168.7bn) into Hong Kong’s stock market this year, a record high, and now account for about 20 per cent of turnover on the exchange.

    Foreigners’ caution on Chinese equities followed a property downturn, a crackdown on private business and an escalating US-China trade war, which together helped push the stock market down by nearly a half from its peak.

    “There was a point where people just didn’t want to talk about [China],” said Daniel Morris, chief market strategist at BNP Paribas Asset Management. “Now we do talk quite a bit.”

    Beijing’s crackdown on private business, exemplified by Alibaba founder Jack Ma’s fall from grace, is widely seen to have damaged confidence in the country. Regulators have since pushed a string of reforms designed to revive markets.

    “It was clear they wanted their capital markets to go up,” said Pines.

    This year’s uptick in equity inflows from foreign investors comes as many state pension funds in the US such as Texas and Indiana have divested from Chinese companies as a result of volatile US-China relations.

    Some investors are keen to gain exposure to innovative Chinese technology companies, in part as a way to diversify out of US markets trading near record highs. Stocks such as Alibaba remain off their peak valuations and trade at discounts to US counterparts.

    “You don’t want to put 100 per cent of your portfolio in Nasdaq,” said Morris.

    Continue Reading