The A-share market in 2024 experienced significant volatility, starting with a downturn in January when the index fell below 2800 points, prompting central bank intervention. By February 5, the Shanghai Composite Index hit a five-year low of 2635 points. A new market regulator was appointed on February 7, and a series of policy measures from March to April helped the market rebound to around 3100 points. However, economic slowdown and weak demand led to a prolonged downward trend. In September, a surge in policy support, including interest rate cuts and increased liquidity, caused a sharp rally, with the Shanghai Composite Index rising over 20% in the last two weeks of September.
The A-share market's volatility in 2024 was driven by macroeconomic disappointment, economic slowdown, weak demand recovery, and policy interventions. The market initially fell due to negative sentiment, hitting a five-year low in February. Policy measures in March and April led to a temporary rebound, but the market later entered a prolonged downward phase. In September, a series of aggressive policies, including interest rate cuts and increased liquidity, triggered a significant rally.
The top-performing stocks in the A-share market in 2024 included Gree Electric, China Ping An, China Merchants Bank, Yangtze Power, and Beixing Building Materials. Gree Electric, for example, saw its stock price rise from 32.17 yuan at the beginning of the year to 45.45 yuan by year-end, resulting in a total annual return of nearly 50%, including dividends.
The pharmaceutical sector faced challenges due to policy changes, including stricter drug approval processes and increased healthcare cost controls, which negatively impacted companies like Hualan Biological. The real estate sector struggled with intensified policy regulations, leading to significant losses for companies like Vanke. Both sectors were heavily influenced by macroeconomic and policy factors, making them less attractive for investment in the short term.
For 2025, it was recommended to diversify investments across different markets, asset classes, and industries to mitigate risks. Key focus areas included emerging industries such as pet economy, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, domestic substitution, and lipstick economy. Investors were advised to adapt to changing economic conditions, avoid over-concentration in traditional sectors, and maintain a safety margin to handle potential market volatility.
The pet economy in 2024 was driven by demographic changes such as aging, singlehood, and declining birth rates, which increased the demand for emotional companionship. The shift in pet ownership attitudes and the evolving role of pets in households led to rapid growth in the pet market. In 2023, the domestic pet market reached 40.7 billion yuan, a 10.3% year-on-year increase, with opportunities in pet food, supplies, and healthcare sectors.
The semiconductor industry in 2024 was influenced by the push for domestic substitution due to external restrictions on China's semiconductor sector. Advances in domestic manufacturing and strong policy support created significant growth opportunities. The industry's development was also supported by the need for technological breakthroughs and innovation in high-end equipment and new materials.
In 2024, artificial intelligence was widely applied in healthcare for assisting doctors in diagnosis and treatment planning, improving efficiency and accuracy. In the transportation sector, AI enabled autonomous driving, enhancing safety and traffic efficiency. The success of AI companies depended on their ability to integrate technology with practical applications and expand their use cases, supported by data and computing resources.