In today’s top stories, individual investors have been more bullish than hedge funds this year. China’s reopening boosts the country’s IPO prospects, while LG Energy Solutions is investing $3.1 billion in a smart factory for electric vehicle batteries. Analysts are in favor of Apple’s “moonshot” AR/VR project and two solar stocks have advantages of more than 50% and 70%.

Individual investors are more bullish than hedge funds

Institutional investors have backed away from their bearish positions in December, despite the fact that the Fed will not stop raising rates any time soon. But institutional investors are far from bullish, while individual investors are more bullish, according to Goldman Sachs research. Managing director Ben Snider told the Wall Street Journal that they would typically expect to see individual investors sell stocks once the S&P 500 falls 10% from its high. The fact that they are not is “surprising”.

China reopening boosts IPO outlook

The Hong Kong IPO market is expected to benefit from the reopening of China. “Actually, I’m pretty sure after Chinese New Year the pipeline will pick up,” said Victoria Lloyd, a partner in Baker McKenzie’s capital markets practice in Hong Kong. Bloomberg. Goldman Sachs strategists expect the reopening to boost Chinese stocks and strengthen the renminbi against the dollar.

Expansion plans of the Korean battery manufacturer

LG Power Solutions [373220.KS] has announced that it will invest 4 trillion won ($3.1 billion) between now and 2026 to build a new facility near Seoul and expand its EV battery capacity. “We plan to establish a diversified product portfolio including cylindrical and bag-type batteries to respond to customer needs in a timely manner and differentiate production capabilities based on a ‘smart’ factory,” an LG Energy Solutions spokesperson said. in a press release. .

Evercore likes Apple’s “moonshot” AR/VR project

Disruption in China means fewer consumers will be unwrapping the new Apple [AAPL] iPhone models for this Christmas. Evercore analyst Amit Daryanani is not concerned, believing that the current headwinds are “transient and investors should remain focused on the long-term opportunity.” In a note to clients seen by market clockDaryanani highlighted his “moonshot” projects, including the anticipated launch of his AR/VR headset next year, which could contribute $18.1 billion in revenue and $0.19 EPS.

Solar actions that could skyrocket

The energy crisis has pushed coal consumption to a record high by 2022, but according to the International Energy Agency, solar adoption will overtake coal within five years. This should boost stocks like Sunnova Energy [NOVA] and Sungrow power supply [300274.SZ]who have advantages in their average price target of 72.17% and 57.02%, according to a CNBC Global X Solar ETF projection [RAYS].