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Investing.com-- Citi analysts have upgraded China’s consumer sector to "overweight," citing opportunities in the country’s shift toward domestic consumption-led growth amid U.S. trade tariffs, according to a recent research note.
Citi analysts highlighted China’s economic transition from investment-driven expansion, with government stimulus expected to benefit consumer, internet, materials, and technology sectors.
Citi added hotel chain Atour Lifestyle (NASDAQ:ATAT) to its top buy list as a domestic consumption play, replacing Haier, and downgraded transportation to "neutral" due to tariff-related freight risks.
"Externally, China appears to be standing firm in response to US trade policy, but it also appears open to discussion," the analysts wrote, noting moderate stimulus measures such as consumption vouchers and monetary easing could bolster demand.
Sectors like communication infrastructure, hardware, and solar are most vulnerable to U.S. tariffs, while banks, insurance, and utilities face lower exposure, according to Citi.
Citi raised its Hang Seng Index target by 2% to 25,000 by end-2025, a 9.8% upside, citing inexpensive valuations.
However, earnings cuts persist, with industrials and materials sectors seeing the sharpest downgrades, analysts added.
Citi also flagged potential U.S. ADR delisting risks for Chinese firms in internet, consumer, and healthcare sectors, but noted that many already have Hong Kong listings as contingencies.