Cheong Wa (Vincent) Chan & team
Credit Suisse
Credit Suisse’s 25-strong group under Cheong Wa (Vincent) Chan rises from runner-up to the third slot. Based in Hong Kong, and with a recently expanded coverage universe of 226 stocks, the analysts “give us a sure footing in China,” applauds one portfolio manager in Kuala Lumpur. In mid-October they upgraded China Construction Bank Corp. from market weight to overweight, at HK$5.68, on its strong capitalization and growing deposits. Shares of the Beijing-based multipurpose lender jumped 14.4 percent, to HK$6.50, and outpaced China’s broad market by 8.6 percentage points, through April. For the rest of the year, the team anticipates volatility but not a double-dip recession. “Mild tightening now could help to contain the inflationary pressure,” Chan believes. — Ben Mattlin