Citigroup strategists led by Beata Manthey cut the UK equity allocation two notches to underweight in global asset allocation, citing the market’s defensive bias and heavy commodity/energy exposure as less attractive as geopolitical tensions ease. The team favors US and Japanese equities and leaves other European markets at neutral. They note the FTSE 100’s roughly 10% energy weight and near-35% allocation to defensive sectors (healthcare, staples) supported outperformance during the Iran-driven

Chen Guo, deputy director and chief strategist at Eastmoney Securities, says conditions for a Q3 rebalancing in China’s stock market are in place as leadership shifts from single to multiple drivers. Previously oversold assets—notably some high-quality blue chips hit in mid-to-late June panic selling—could recover first. Recommended sector exposure: non-bank financials, innovative drugs, internet, consumer staples, gaming, coal and lithium batteries. Thematic focuses: commercial space and robotics. Medium-term preference remains domestic AI-chain real‑tech leaders.

Zhongji Xuchuang said on July 12 it expects Q2 gross margin to remain stable and does not foresee a material decline from component shortages or input-price rises. It expects materials to ease to varying degrees in H2, said inventory is ample and that margins should see marginal improvement in H2, and expressed confidence in maintaining future gross-margin stability.