Chapter 79: Let's get the Germans!

"Huh, there aren't any stocks of this company in China?"
Su Hao stroked his chin, his eyes darting across the computer screen.
Zotye, a name that resonates far and wide, the leading German automaker, a behemoth in the automotive industry.
Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini—a whole host of well-known luxury sports car brands, frankly, all belong to them.
In Germany, they're practically untouchable, boasting a market share of 20%, firmly holding the top spot.
Especially in the sports car sector, their investment is inhumanly extravagant, launching new cars like dumplings being dropped into a pot.
"Looks like I'll have to take a stroll through the Frankfurt Stock Exchange to get my hands on their stock."
Although it's possible to indirectly buy Zotye Automotive Group stock through various financial derivatives.
But with billions of dollars at stake, Su Hao naturally disdains such small-scale dabbling. He'll have to personally venture into the German stock market and get real action.
"There doesn't seem to be anything wrong..."
Su Hao frowned slightly and started searching online for the latest news related to Zhongda Auto Group.
To be honest, the so-called "news" were nothing short of euphoria, with good news pouring in like water.
Sales were soaring, new car test results were dazzlingly good, and the future prospects were being touted as incredible by various experts.
At this rate, Zhongda Auto Group would probably continue to dominate the automotive market, remaining the "king of the industry" for decades without a problem.
"But damn it, what was that weird feeling just now?"
***
"Mr. Su, have a good day. Let me know when you're leaving get off work, and I'll have your car ready immediately."
"Ah, okay, thank you, Mr. Zhang."
It has to be said, humans are truly incredibly adaptable creatures.
Back then, the first time a chauffeur-driven luxury car waited for him downstairs in a top-of-the-line vehicle, he felt incredibly awkward, completely uncomfortable, like he had nails stuck to his butt.
But after his boss, Brother Huang, repeatedly warned him, "No driving yourself, safety first," he gritted his teeth and rode in the car a few times…
Hey, now it's amazing!
Comfortable, hassle-free, and effortless—it couldn't be better.
"Good morning, everyone!" Su Hao stepped into his office, refreshed and energetic.
"Good morning, Mr. Su!!"
In the office area, all his subordinates stood up in unison to greet him, their voices loud and clear, their enthusiasm undiminished.
"Okay, meeting in the conference room in five minutes."
Upon hearing this, everyone immediately sprang into action like wound-up robots, frantically grabbing their documents and notebooks.
In no time, they were all assembled in the conference room.
"Mr. Su, the R&D department has compiled the materials you requested last time."
The meeting had just begun when Liang Haiyuan handed over a thick report.
"From Volkswagen Group?" Su Hao took it, his eyes narrowing.
"Yes, this is an in-depth research report on the group."
Volkswagen Group.
Currently, its market capitalization is a staggering €119.3 billion.
The current share price is approximately €250 per share, at an all-time high, and continues to break records, its momentum incredibly strong.
Its brand value has been assessed at $39.8 billion, making it a leader in the global automotive market.
It can be called the "most valuable automotive brand," bar none!
Moreover, this ambitious giant is sharpening its knives and actively expanding into the global market.
Its target is Toyota Motor, the current world's number one selling Japanese automaker.
"The report points out that Volkswagen Group's recent record-high stock price is not accidental.
In the long term, its profitability and growth potential remain enormous, and it is expected to continue rising.
In fact, a large number of ETFs related to Volkswagen Group have recently emerged in the market.
At the same time, according to our intelligence, many large domestic and foreign investment funds are also actively increasing their holdings of the company's stock."
Liang Haiyuan spoke eloquently.
In short, barring any disastrous black swan events,
Volkswagen Group's stock price will maintain an upward trend for a considerable period of time.
A solid blue-chip stock, the kind where buying it guarantees a profit.
“If we intend to go long, operating directly through the Frankfurt Stock Exchange would be the best option.
However, according to German regulations, such a large amount of capital entering the German market must be reported to its regulatory body.
Our department currently has approximately seven billion euros at its disposal, which is a substantial sum.
If we want to invest this money in the German stock market, we must report to the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) in advance.”
Just as China has the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) and the US has the SEC, in Germany, the corresponding regulatory body is the BaFin.
These Germans are incredibly strict when it comes to financial regulation, arguably the strictest in Europe.
Therefore, large amounts of capital wanting to enter the country must be reported in advance;
Acquiring more than 3% of a listed company's shares requires an additional report.
Even more stringent are their restrictions on short selling. Even if you only want to short a mere 0.3% of the shares, you have to obediently report it and then be watched like a thief.
"It's fair to say that Germany's financial regulation is just as stringent as ours.
In some aspects, especially in the monitoring and restrictions on overseas capital, Germany is even more stringent and sensitive than we are."
Su Hao listened to Liang Haiyuan's report while reviewing the investment proposals provided by the research department.
First was the proposal to invest directly through the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
"..."
He subconsciously touched the line "direct investment in the Frankfurt Stock Exchange" on the proposal with the tip of his pen.
No reaction.
Not a shred of excitement, as calm as a stagnant pool.
"Could it be because it doesn't clearly indicate whether it's a long or short position?" Su Hao wondered to himself.
So, he picked up his pen and wrote "Long" and "Short" below that line.
Then, he touched it again with the tip of his pen.
"..."
Still no reaction!
Strange!
Was investing in Volkswagen Group itself a mistake?
Could that fleeting unease he felt at the 4S dealership earlier not have been directed at Zhongda Auto Group as a whole, but rather at a potential fatal flaw in one of its vehicles?
Su Hao frowned, his gaze shifting to the other indirect investment channels listed in the report.
'Hedge funds in the US, Hong Kong, and Singapore… quite a few options!'
The research department had clearly considered the potential obstacles to direct investment, thoughtfully providing a bunch of "indirect" solutions.
However, these methods weren't strongly recommended.
The reason was simple: investing through these channels incurred significantly higher fees and miscellaneous charges compared to direct investment, making it less "economical."
Su Hao remained expressionless, picking up his pen again and marking each indirect investment option.
The result… was the same: no reaction.
Undeterred, he wrote "Long" next to each channel.
It was like a stone sinking into the sea, not even causing a ripple.
'Could it be that I was really wrong this time? Were all my previous premonitions just a damn illusion?!'
Su Hao cursed inwardly, somewhat deflated.
He muttered to himself, almost subconsciously adding "Short" next to the "Long" words.
Just as the pen tip touched the last "Short" word—
BOOM!!!
A powerful surge of energy, as if struck by a high-voltage current, erupted from the pen tip, sweeping through his entire body like a raging storm!
The force was so strong that even his hand holding the pen trembled uncontrollably!