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 Hedgeye

MNSO is a well-managed, tech-infused, Gen Z favourite, global value retailer, so Felix Wang was flabbergasted to hear the company plans to acquire a 29.4% stake in Yonghui Superstores. Is CEO Ye Guofu’s gushing view on Pangdonglai, an innovative new retail concept that Yonghui is experimenting, worth destroying his hard-built global vision for MNSO? At the very least, it throws some uncertainty into its investment story. Felix also thinks consensus forecasts are too high for 4Q24 and 2025. While MNSO will benefit from a rebound in the China consumer, this new deal is an overhang on the stock's valuation, unless the deal is axed by SAMR and / or by shareholders.

Consumer Discretionary

Report by Horizon Insights

Horizon recently met with investors and exchanged views on China consumer trends. The primary focus of this analysis revolves around Chinese brands "domestic substitution strategy". This strategic approach adopted by local brands involves a calculated penetration into diverse consumer sectors within China, with the exception of luxury markets. Noteworthy achievements by certain companies across various sectors, such as Luckin Coffee, Gambol Pet, Miniso, Anjoy Food, Flyco, etc. These companies have effectively tapped into the lower-tier markets, offering cost-effective products in areas that international brands tend to overlook. Following the acquisition of substantial market shares and the establishment of brand recognition, these local companies subsequently enhance their product offerings and services, thereby cementing their competitive stance.

Consumer Discretionary

Report by Horizon Insights

Chinese consumers' purchasing behaviour is driving a demand shift from traditional individual local variety stores to more appealing and upscale discount retail chains - Miniso stands out as a key beneficiary of this trend given its efficient supply chain, leading franchise management model, and advanced IT capability, provide it with a significant competitive advantage vs. peers. Having displaced Muji as market leader, Miniso is focused on further expanding its international business (26% of total revenue) where it aims to provide more localised, affordable, and well-designed products to consumers.