Report by Smart Insider

Smart Insider’s June Asian insider-trading review shows a sharp improvement in sentiment across Asia ex-Japan/Taiwan, with 1,354 insider purchases from 969 companies totalling US$1.3bn, up 70% vs. May, almost double June 2025, and the most buys in a single month since 2020. Selling remained relatively light, leaving the sell/buy ratio at a bullish 0.64. The strongest buying signals were in South Korea, Hong Kong and China. Smart Insider upgraded 30 stocks, the first month with 30+ upgrades, led by tech hardware, chemicals, industrial transport and pharma/biotech. June additions ranked +1 (highest rating) include Bangkok Expressway & Metro, MINISO, Kingsoft, CStone Pharmaceuticals, Hyundai Rotem, Dongwoon Anatech, MLS, Anhui Jinhe Industrial and Yantai Jereh Oilfield Services.

Consumer Discretionary

Report by 86Research

Media outlets have been highlighting the China-based R&D efforts of multinational auto brands like Volkswagen, Renault and Hyundai. Notably, autonomous driving, smart cabin technology and lithium battery development are key areas where these brands seek lasting partnerships - sometimes to better localise their China-specific models but increasingly to gain a competitive edge in global markets as well. This poses a thorny question for US automakers pursuing decoupling: on one hand, imitating such strategies is politically unpalatable back home; on the other, an import ban on Chinese cars does not provide full protection, as European and Asian brands are also out-innovating them, often by leveraging their China-based R&D operations. The challenge to US carmakers' global sales may prove greater than some had anticipated.

Consumer Discretionary

Report by Copley Fund Research

Ownership has soared to record levels - a consistent unloved stock among Asia Ex-Japan investors between 2010 and 2020, the percentage of funds invested has risen from zero at the end of 2020 to just over 22% today. Over the last 6 months, the percentage of funds invested has risen by 5.8% and a further 9.3% of funds switched to overweight. This wasn’t part of an industry-wide move, with outflows seen in many of its competitors such as Nio, Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai Motor Co. Clearly, investors are growing in confidence that BYD can maintain its leading position in the EV market and further capitalise on the growing global trend towards sustainable transportation.

Plug Power and Ballard Power Systems to benefit the most from The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act commitment to hydrogen. PLUG was cited for its industry leadership, strong management, innovation and how its recent acquisitions have expanded its offering across the hydrogen economy. BLDP is well-funded and considered the “big dog” in transportation. Other companies highlighted in Blueshift’s 31-page report include Air Liquide, Anglo American, Caterpillar, Cummins, Hyundai, ITM and Linde. Traditional oil & gas companies will also have a role to play, while Hyzon Motors and Nikola could be M&A targets.