Latest news with #XieTianyuan
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The 30-Year-Old Fund Manager Beating the Market with Blind Boxes and Anime Stocks
A 30-year-old Chinese fund manager is quietly outperforming nearly 2,300 peersby doing the opposite of what most expected. Xie Tianyuan, who took over the Penghua Selected Return Flexible Allocation Mixed Fund in early 2024, didn't waste time ditching old-school holdings like baijiu giant Kweichow Moutai. In their place? Stocks favored by China's Gen Z, like Pop Mart (PMRTY), Mao Geping Cosmetics, and Chongqing Baiya. His $7 million fund is up 24% this year, placing it in the top 3% of its class, per East Money data. Xie's bet? That cultural shifts and emotional spending habits could unlock non-linear growth in an economy otherwise stuck in low gear. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 5 Warning Sign with PMRTY. He's not just following trendshe's living them. A lifelong anime fan with a desk full of Dragon Ball Z figurines, Xie seems uniquely wired to spot the next viral IP brand before it hits mainstream radar. Pop Mart alone makes up 10.5% of his portfolio, the max allowed, driven by the breakout success of its Labubu blind-box dolls. Other picks tied to pet culture, cosmetics, and even yellow sparkling wine are benefiting from the same Gen Z-fueled demand. The strategy? Target companies with visually compelling products, unconventional sales channels, and brands that tug on consumer emotionnot just logic. Still, cracks may be forming. Pop Mart slipped after a state-run newspaper criticized blind-box products, and Laopu Goldup over 2,000% since IPOis facing pressure after its lock-up expired. Xie admits some names are pricing in 35 years of growth ahead of schedule. But he's not backing off. The gains may look incomprehensible to some people, he says, but it's actually all rooted in earnings. To him, the bigger story is just beginningwhere even legacy companies may be forced to reinvent themselves or risk getting left behind. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
News18
30-06-2025
- Business
- News18
Chinese Fund Manager, 30, Beats 97% Of Peers By Backing Labubu Dollmaker
Last Updated: Xie Tianyuan's fund returned 24 per cent so far this year, outperforming 97 per cent of nearly 2,300 mutual funds in China A young Chinese fund manager has shot to the top of investment rankings by backing Pop Mart, the maker of the wildly popular Labubu monster dolls. Xie Tianyuan's Penghua Selected Return Flexible Allocation Mixed Fund returned 24 per cent so far this year, outperforming 97 per cent of nearly 2,300 mutual funds in China, Bloomberg reported. After taking over the Shenzhen-based fund in 2024, Xie quickly shifted away from traditional holdings like liquor giant Kweichow Moutai, choosing instead to focus on trend-driven consumer brands that appeal to younger generations. He made Pop Mart his fund's biggest holding—10.5%, the maximum allowed. Xie's approach is rooted in what he calls 'emotional consumption," a rising trend among China's Gen Z shoppers who are drawn to visually appealing, fun products with personal meaning. His strategy also includes brands like Mao Geping Cosmetics—up 83% this year—pet food company Yantai China Pet Foods, and hygiene brand Chongqing Baiya, all popular with younger buyers. 'The line between what is considered 'old' and 'new' consumption is blurring, and more companies will join the new consumption pool once they realise that there's no future for them eking out a survival in their comfort zones. Even old trees can sprout new shoots," Xie said. Labubu dolls — small, fuzzy creatures with pointy teeth — have become a global hit. Sold in surprise 'blind boxes" for around $40, they've drawn huge crowds at stores in Asia, Europe, and North America. Celebrities like Rihanna and Cher have been seen with them, boosting their appeal even further. Pop Mart's rise reflects a wider wave of Chinese soft power, with cultural exports now gaining fans around the world. Despite concerns about China's global image, Labubu and other toys are reshaping perceptions and creating a new, trendier side of Chinese influence. The dolls have become so popular, they've sparked knock-offs and detailed online guides to spot fakes. Fans eagerly hunt for rare editions, and Pop Mart's success has inspired copycat brands known online as 'Lafufus". Location : China First Published:
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Labubu doll craze bet pays off for Chinese fund manager who drops liquor stocks to ride Gen Z's emotional spending wave
A 30-year-old fund manager in China is defying traditional investing strategies by turning to Gen Z trends. Xie Tianyuan, who manages the Penghua Selected Return Flexible Allocation Mixed Fund, has delivered a 24% return so far this year. This places his fund in the top 3% of nearly 2,300 funds, according to Bloomberg. Instead of betting on long-favored sectors like technology or liquor, Xie shifted his focus to emotional consumer brands, including Pop Mart, the company behind the popular Labubu dolls. A strategic shift to emotional consumption After taking over the fund in 2024, Xie made a key change—he replaced the fund's top holding, liquor producer Kweichow Moutai Co., with Pop Mart. Pop Mart now holds a 10.5% share in his portfolio, the highest permitted by his investment guidelines. Explaining his approach, Xie said, 'I pick companies that have breakthrough products, new business models and innovative sales channels, products that are both visually appealing and fun.' Gen Z trends lead portfolio direction Xie, who grew up immersed in Japanese anime culture, credits that experience for helping him spot design trends and character appeal. He blends his personal interests with online research to identify rising brands. His other major holdings also reflect Gen Z consumer behavior. They include Mao Geping Cosmetics, which has surged 83% this year, pet food brand Yantai China Pet Foods, and Chongqing Baiya Sanitary Products. He believes consumer behavior is changing fast. 'The line between what is considered 'old' and 'new' consumption is blurring,' he said. 'Even old trees can sprout new shoots,' he added, emphasizing that traditional companies may have to reinvent themselves to survive. Regulatory risks remain Despite Pop Mart's success, the brand isn't immune to risk. Recently, its shares declined after Chinese state media called for stricter oversight of 'blind box' toys—products sold in mystery packaging to encourage repeat Tianyuan's bet on emotional consumption reflects a shift in China's investing landscape shaped by Gen Z consumer behavior. To stay updated on the stories that are going viral follow Indiatimes Trending.
Hindustan Times
30-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Chinese man, 30, bets on Labubu doll maker, outperforms 97% of mutual fund peers
A 30-year-old Chinese fund manager has outperformed most of his peers this year, not by banking on tech giants but by using Gen Z's favourite names like Pop Mart, which created the widely popular Labubu dolls. Labubu maker Pop Mart now accounts for 10.5% of his fund, the maximum allowed under his portfolio rules.(X) According to a Bloomberg report, Xie Tianyuan's Penghua Selected Return Flexible Allocation Mixed Fund has delivered a 24% return so far this year, placing him in the top 3% of nearly 2,300 funds. After taking over in 2024, the Shenzhen-based fund manager quickly replaced the fund's top holding, a liquor distiller called Kweichow Moutai Co and replaced it with the Labubu doll maker. The young fund manager's breakthrough strategy leans heavily on 'emotional consumption,' a fast-growing trend among Gen Z and young Chinese consumers. 'I pick companies that have breakthrough products, new business models and innovative sales channels, products that are both visually appealing and fun,' Xie said. Banking on Gen Z trends Growing up with Japanese anime culture, Xie said he developed an eye for identifying promising characters or designs, using a mix of personal fandom and online research. Pop Mart now accounts for 10.5% of his fund, the maximum allowed under his portfolio rules. Other holdings also reflect Gen Z buying habits, including Mao Geping Cosmetics, which is up 83% this year, pet food brand Yantai China Pet Foods and Chongqing Baiya Sanitary Products. 'The line between what is considered 'old' and 'new' consumption is blurring, and more companies will join the new consumption pool once they realise that there's no future for them eking out a survival in their comfort zones. Even old trees can sprout new shoots," he said. Still, the trend isn't without its drawbacks. Pop Mart shares dropped recently after state media called for tighter regulation of 'blind box' toys, which rely on the surprise element to boost repeat purchases.
Straits Times
30-06-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
China fund beats 97% of peers by buying Gen Z darlings Pop Mart, Laopu Gold
Shares of Gen Z-favoured Labubu-maker Pop Mart and Laopu Gold, known for distinctive gold pendants, have staged wild gains this year. PHOTO: BLOOMBERG BEIJING - A 30-year old Chinese fund manager is trouncing peers this year with a portfolio stocked with Gen Z-favoured names like Labubu-maker Pop Mart International Group, betting that new-age shopping trends can help his fund overcome the country's economic sluggishness. Xie Tianyuan's Penghua Selected Return Flexible Allocation Mixed Fund has returned 24 per cent this year, ranking in the top 3 per cent among roughly 2,300 peers, data from fund tracker East Money Information show. That's a turnaround from its recent past when holdings in traditional sectors like alcoholic beverages and farming dragged performance. A gauge for Chinese stocks listed in Hong Kong has risen 20 per cent this year. The Shenzhen-based fund manager, who took over early 2024, wasted little time in replacing what was then the fund's top holding Kweichow Moutai, a baijiu distiller, with the maker of smash-hit Labubu dolls, Pop Mart. His repositioning for the fund, which has about US$7 million (S$8.9 million) in assets under management, reflects how cultural shifts – brought on by digital influence and youth spending – are creating opportunities for Chinese investors navigating broader challenges in the world's second-largest economy. His conviction strengthened after witnessing the popularity of the toy maker's products in Thailand, which, he says, signalled 'non-linear growth with every metric showing breakout potential.' Growing up immersed in Japanese anime culture – his desk is adorned with Dragon Ball Z figurines – Mr Xie said he developed an eye for identifying promising characters or designs, called 'IP brands,' by mixing personal fandom and online research. That he himself is demographically a member of Generation Z, the driving force behind China's new 'emotional spending' consumption trend, helps him understand what may resonate beyond advertising and go viral. 'Opportunities in the sector in the years to come will be on the single stock level as the population dividend comes to an end,' he said. 'I pick companies that have breakthrough products, new business models and innovative sales channels – products that are both visually appealing and fun.' His top pick, Pop Mart, accounted for 10.5 per cent of the fund's total assets as of March, the top end of its maximum ownership in a single stock allowed, filings show. Other big bets include Mao Geping Cosmetics, up 83 per cent this year, as well as Chongqing Baiya Sanitary Products, and Yantai China Pet Foods. Mr Xie's strategy lies firmly in targeting the Gen Z consumption trend, where purchase decisions are driven by emotional triggers and hobby interest. Despite looming threats from Donald Trump's proposed tariff hikes, this behavioural change fuelled rallies in pockets of China's stock market, especially after the momentum from artificial intelligence began to fade. Shares of the companies at the heart of this trend – including Pop Mart and Laopu Gold, known for distinctive gold pendants – have staged wild gains in 2025. Laopu is up more than 2,000 per cent since its initial public offering in Hong Kong a year ago. The rally has expanded to include sectors like medical aesthetics, pet foods and even vape products. Another potential area for Mr Xie: tapping into the rising popularity of sparkling yellow wine. Still, the consumption-driven rally is showing cracks. Pop Mart tumbled after a People's Daily commentary on June 20 that called for stricter regulation of 'blind-box' toys – products in sealed packaging designed to conceal content and induce surprise and greater desire to collect them. Laopu faces greater selling pressure after the lock-up period from its IPO expired on June 30. Meanwhile, many Gen Z stocks are near or above their average price targets, and in turn, driving analysts to constantly find reasons to bump up their outlook. Mr Xie acknowledged that valuations in the sector may be getting ahead of fundamentals, with some stocks already pricing in earnings three to five years ahead. Still, he remains overall bullish, particularly on the stocks he's heavily invested in. 'The gains may look incomprehensible to some people, but it's actually all rooted in earnings,' he says. 'Growth for some is underestimated, while others are just in the early stages of their life cycle.' BLOOMBERG Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
