China’s reduction of the capital charges for equity investments for insurers may encourage increased stock holdings, Fitch Ratings stated. However, such investments could expose insurers’ profits to stock market volatility, potentially pressuring the capital positions of some insurers.As of the end of 2024, equity investments (including stocks and long-term equity investments) accounted for 15.3% of life insurers’ investment assets and 13.5% for non-life insurers. Fitch expected the proportion of equity investments to continue rising, backed by regulatory guidance and China’s persistently low interest rates.Related NewsHSBC Research Forecasts CN RRR Cut, Rate Cut to Bode Well for Banks/ Insurers/ Brokers; Top Picks HKEX/ BOCHK/ CCB/ ICBC/ Ping An/ CICCHowever, Fitch noted that insurers will consider their risk appetite, profit volatility, and alignment of their assets with liabilities before changing their investment strategies.