Looking back at 1H25, Everbright Securities International's securities strategist Kenny Ng noted that global markets were impacted by the US additional tariffs, which escalated trade tensions and led to a correction in US stocks, with the S&P 500 diving by nearly 20% at its lowest before rebounding. As risk-averse funds shifted towards the lower-valued Chinese and Hong Kong stock markets, the HSI repeatedly climbed to near the 25,000 level as supported by China's stimulus policies and the return of foreign capital.Given the potential for improvement in the external trade environment in 2H and the launch of a new round of domestic economic stimulus policies in China, Ng estimated Hong Kong stocks to trend steadily upward in 2H, with the HSI's highest target maintained at 25,000.Related NewsJPM Confident in CN IP Sector Outlook; Top Picks POP MART/ LAOPU GOLDIn terms of stock selection, Everbright Securities International recommended four major sectors: domestic consumption, technological innovation, new energy vehicles, and traditional thermal power. The broker was upbeat about TINGYI (00322.HK) +0.260 (+2.022%) Short selling $30.72M; Ratio 23.868% , TONGCHENGTRAVEL (00780.HK) -0.250 (-1.163%) Short selling $135.01M; Ratio 19.063% , TENCENT (00700.HK) 0.000 (0.000%) Short selling $686.49M; Ratio 10.172% , BILIBILI-W (09626.HK) +0.900 (+0.618%) Short selling $329.92M; Ratio 24.607% , BYD COMPANY (01211.HK) -9.000 (-2.184%) Short selling $1.61B; Ratio 13.606% , LEAPMOTOR (09863.HK) -1.500 (-2.664%) Short selling $46.08M; Ratio 16.633% , HUANENG POWER (00902.HK) +0.050 (+0.992%) Short selling $16.51M; Ratio 15.001% , and CHINA RES POWER (00836.HK) +0.400 (+1.914%) Short selling $139.26M; Ratio 29.662% , with target returns for these stocks ranging from 12% to 21%.Kimmy Tong, Everbright Securities International's global and Fx market strategist, added that there is a high chance of the US cutting rates in September. As investors will continue to favor gold as a safe-haven asset, Tong anticipated spot gold to fluctuate between USD2,950-3,650 per ounce. Her target price for gold in 2H was USD3,650 per ounce.(HK stocks quote is delayed for at least 15 mins.Short Selling Data as at 2025-06-06 16:25.)