How to invest in China using ETFs

How do I invest in Chinese stocks?

The easiest way to invest in the whole Chinese stock market is to invest in a broad market index. This can be done at low cost by using ETFs.

On the Chinese stock market you'll find 9 indices which are tracked by ETFs. The speciality of China are the three categories of Chinese stocks: A-stocks, B-stocks and H-stocks.

Alternatively, you may invest in indices on Emerging Markets or Asia.

0,19% p.a. - 0,88% p.a.
annual total expense ratio (TER) of China ETFs
on the Chinese stock market, which are tracked by ETFs
on the Chinese stock market
 
The best indices for China ETFs

Performance of Chinese stocks (MSCI China)

1 month: -2,28%
1 year: 17,11%
3 years: -18,41%
5 years: -5,39%
 

Indices in comparison

The best indices for ETFs on China

For an investment in the Chinese stock market, there are 9 indices available which are tracked by 23 ETFs. The speciality of investing in China are the different categories of Chinese stocks. The total expense ratio (TER) of ETFs on these indices is between 0,19% p.a. and 0,88% p.a..

Index Investment focus Number of ETFs Number of constituents Short description

CSI 300

China 2 ETFs 300
The CSI 300 index tracks 300 stocks with the largest market capitalisation and liquidity from the entire universe of listed A share companies in the People’s Republic of China.
Index factsheet

FTSE China 30/18 Capped

China 1 ETF 1.073
(31-08-2023)
The FTSE China 30/18 Capped tracks Chinese companies with large and medium market capitalisation whose shares are listed on stock exchanges in China (A shares) or outside China (B shares, H shares, P chips, red chips, S chips, N shares). The largest company in the index is limited to a maximum of 30 percent of the index capitalization, all other index components to a maximum of 18 percent.
Index factsheet

FTSE China 50

China 3 ETFs 50
The FTSE China 50 index tracks the 50 largest and most liquid Chinese companies listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (H-Shares, Red Chips und P Chips).
Index factsheet

FTSE China A-H 50

China 1 ETF 50
The FTSE China A-H 50 index tracks the 50 largest Chinese A-Shares listed on the Shanghai or Shenzen stock exchanges. Each company will be represented either by its A-share or by its H-share.
Index factsheet

MSCI China

China 7 ETFs 597
(30-09-2024)
The MSCI China index tracks the largest and most liquid Chinese stocks (A shares, H shares, B shares, Red chips, P chips).
Index factsheet

MSCI China A

China 4 ETFs 560
(30-09-2024)
The MSCI China A index tracks the largest and most liquid Chinese A-Shares, denominated in Renminbi ("RMB") and listed on the Shenzhen and/or Shanghai stock exchanges. This index reflects Mainland China A-share securities from a domestic investor’s perspective.
Index factsheet

MSCI China A Inclusion

China 3 ETFs 541
(31-08-2023)
The MSCI China A Inclusion index tracks China A-Shares also included in the MSCI Emerging Markets.
Index factsheet

MSCI China All Shares Stock Connect Select

China 1 ETF 755
(31-08-2023)
The MSCI China All Shares Stock Connect Select index tracks large and mid cap Chinese securities. The stock selection includes share classes listed in Shanghai or Shenzhen (A-Shares, B-Shares), Hongkong (H-Shares, Red-chips, P-chips) as well as foreign listings
Index factsheet

S&P China A 300

China 1 ETF 300
The S&P China A 300 index tracks the 300 largest and most liquid Chinese A-Shares, denominated in Renminbi ("RMB") and listed on the Shenzhen and/or Shanghai stock exchanges.
Index factsheet
ETF
ISIN
  Fund size
in m EUR
TER
in %
Use of profits Fund domicile Replication method
iShares MSCI China A UCITS ETFIE00BQT3WG13 2.608 0,40% p.a. Accumulerend Ierland Volledige replicatie
Xtrackers CSI 300 Swap UCITS ETF 1CLU0779800910 1.370 0,50% p.a. Accumulerend Luxemburg Niet-gefinancierde swap
iShares MSCI China UCITS ETF USD (Acc)IE00BJ5JPG56 1.333 0,28% p.a. Accumulerend Ierland Volledige replicatie
Xtrackers MSCI China UCITS ETF 1CLU0514695690 1.027 0,65% p.a. Accumulerend Luxemburg Volledige replicatie
Franklin FTSE China UCITS ETFIE00BHZRR147 769 0,19% p.a. Accumulerend Ierland Volledige replicatie
iShares China Large Cap UCITS ETFIE00B02KXK85 655 0,74% p.a. Distribueren Ierland Volledige replicatie
HSBC MSCI China UCITS ETF USDIE00B44T3H88 600 0,28% p.a. Distribueren Ierland Volledige replicatie
Amundi MSCI China UCITS ETF AccLU1841731745 386 0,29% p.a. Accumulerend Luxemburg Niet-gefinancierde swap
Xtrackers MSCI China UCITS ETF 1DLU2456436083 385 0,28% p.a. Distribueren Luxemburg Volledige replicatie
Amundi MSCI China A II UCITS ETF DistLU2572256746 302 0,25% p.a. Distribueren Luxemburg Niet-gefinancierde swap
Xtrackers Harvest CSI 300 UCITS ETF 1DLU0875160326 299 0,65% p.a. Distribueren Luxemburg Volledige replicatie
Amundi MSCI China A UCITS ETF AccFR0011720911 205 0,35% p.a. Accumulerend Frankrijk Volledige replicatie
Xtrackers FTSE China 50 UCITS ETF 1CLU0292109856 182 0,60% p.a. Accumulerend Luxemburg Volledige replicatie
HSBC MSCI China UCITS ETF USD (Acc)IE0007P4PBU1 160 0,28% p.a. Accumulerend Ierland Volledige replicatie
HSBC MSCI China A Inclusion UCITS ETFIE00BF4NQ904 157 0,30% p.a. Distribueren Ierland Volledige replicatie
UBS ETF (IE) MSCI China A SF UCITS ETF (USD) A-accIE00BKFB6K94 94 0,24% p.a. Accumulerend Ierland Swap-gebaseerd
Invesco MSCI China All Shares Stock Connect UCITS ETF AccIE00BK80XL30 57 0,35% p.a. Accumulerend Ierland Volledige replicatie
iShares MSCI China UCITS ETF USD (Dist)IE00BL977C92 26 0,28% p.a. Distribueren Ierland Volledige replicatie
Invesco S&P China A 300 Swap UCITS ETF AccIE000K9Z3SF5 17 0,35% p.a. Accumulerend Ierland Niet-gefinancierde swap
L&G E Fund MSCI China A UCITS ETFIE00BHBFDF83 15 0,88% p.a. Accumulerend Ierland Geoptimaliseerde sampling
Xtrackers Harvest FTSE China A-H 50 UCITS ETF 1DLU1310477036 10 0,65% p.a. Distribueren Luxemburg Volledige replicatie
iShares China Large Cap UCITS ETF USD (Acc)IE000QOU09J7 6 0,74% p.a. Accumulerend Ierland Volledige replicatie
HSBC MSCI China A UCITS ETF USD (Acc)IE000Z4OYPZ6 1 0,30% p.a. Accumulerend Ierland Volledige replicatie
 
Index   1 month
in %
3 months
in %
6 months
in %
1 year
in %
3 years
in %
MSCI China A Inclusion 20,94% 16,14% 14,92% 7,86% -18,85%
MSCI China A 21,43% 16,84% 16,79% 10,69% -
CSI 300 21,40% 16,91% 16,91% 11,16% -10,21%
FTSE China A-H 50 19,01% 14,98% 18,40% 11,92% -8,73%
S&P China A 300 21,96% 17,12% 16,83% 12,11% -
MSCI China All Shares Stock Connect Select 21,96% 17,13% 21,52% 14,85% -16,07%
FTSE China 30/18 Capped 23,33% 18,25% 26,67% 16,52% -14,18%
MSCI China 22,64% 17,88% 27,09% 16,97% -13,50%
FTSE China 50 21,52% 20,02% 31,41% 19,27% -6,23%
Index   2024
in %
2023
in %
2022
in %
2021
in %
2020
in %
MSCI China A Inclusion 18,01% -16,78% -21,58% 11,33% 30,28%
MSCI China A 19,90% - - - -
CSI 300 20,58% -12,91% -19,91% 11,68% 32,87%
S&P China A 300 21,65% -13,59% - - -
FTSE China A-H 50 23,07% -15,02% -16,55% 1,98% 17,22%
MSCI China All Shares Stock Connect Select 23,49% -15,45% -19,10% - -
FTSE China 30/18 Capped 27,21% -14,97% -18,16% -13,60% 19,47%
MSCI China 27,45% -14,39% -17,43% -15,41% 17,98%
FTSE China 50 35,88% -16,58% -15,07% -14,06% 0,79%

Source: justETF.com; As of 30-09-2024; Calculations in EUR based on the largest ETF of the respective index.

 

Speciality

Chinese A-stocks (A-Shares): Stocks of Chinese companies that are listed on the Shanghai or Shenzhen stock exchange and traded in local currency.

This category has been exclusive to Chinese investors. However, professional foreign investors with a special license are able to invest in these stocks under certain restrictions.

Chinese B-stocks (B-Shares): Stocks of Chinese companies that are listed on the Shanghai or Shenzhen stock exchange and traded in foreign currency.

This category has been open for foreign investments. Since the restrictions on A-Shares have been lowered, these shares tend to be losing liquidity.

Hong Kong H-stocks (H-Shares): Stocks of Chinese companies that are listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange and traded in Hong Kong Dollar (HKD).

This category has been open for foreign investments as well. Most institutional investors prefer H-stocks due to their relatively high liquidity.

 
Alternative investment opportunities

Emerging markets indices with a large share of China

As alternative you can consider ETFs on emerging markets. Currently, you can invest in 3 emerging markets indices tracked by 19 ETFs. The total expense ratio (TER) of ETFs on emerging markets is between 0,14% p.a. and 0,74% p.a..

 
Index Investment focus Number of ETFs Number of constituents Short description
FTSE BIC 50 Opkomende markten
China: 84.49%
(30/11/2022)
1 ETF 50
The FTSE BIC 50 index tracks the 50 largest stocks of the BIC countries (Brazil, India, China).
Index factsheet
FTSE Emerging Opkomende markten
China: 33.14%
(30/11/2022)
2 ETFs 2.219
(28-06-2024)
The FTSE Emerging index tracks stocks from emerging markets worldwide.
Index factsheet
MSCI Emerging Markets Opkomende markten
China: 30.40%
(30/11/2022)
16 ETFs 1.277
(30-09-2024)
The MSCI Emerging Markets index tracks stocks from emerging markets worldwide.
Index factsheet
ETF
ISIN
  Fund size
in m EUR
TER
in %
Use of profits Fund domicile Replication method
Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets UCITS ETF 1CIE00BTJRMP35 5.542 0,18% p.a. Accumulerend Ierland Geoptimaliseerde sampling
iShares MSCI EM UCITS ETF (Dist)IE00B0M63177 4.557 0,18% p.a. Distribueren Ierland Volledige replicatie
iShares MSCI EM UCITS ETF (Acc)IE00B4L5YC18 3.332 0,18% p.a. Accumulerend Ierland Volledige replicatie
Amundi Index MSCI Emerging Markets UCITS ETF DR (C)LU1437017350 3.105 0,18% p.a. Accumulerend Luxemburg Volledige replicatie
HSBC MSCI Emerging Markets UCITS ETF USDIE00B5SSQT16 2.447 0,15% p.a. Distribueren Ierland Volledige replicatie
Amundi MSCI Emerging Markets UCITS ETF EUR (C)LU1681045370 2.401 0,20% p.a. Accumulerend Luxemburg Niet-gefinancierde swap
Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets UCITS ETF DistributingIE00B3VVMM84 2.334 0,22% p.a. Distribueren Ierland Geoptimaliseerde sampling
Amundi MSCI Emerging Markets II UCITS ETF DistLU2573966905 2.273 0,14% p.a. Distribueren Luxemburg Niet-gefinancierde swap
UBS ETF (LU) MSCI Emerging Markets UCITS ETF (USD) A-disLU0480132876 1.447 0,18% p.a. Distribueren Luxemburg Geoptimaliseerde sampling
Amundi MSCI Emerging Markets III UCITS ETF EUR AccFR0010429068 899 0,55% p.a. Accumulerend Frankrijk Niet-gefinancierde swap
Amundi MSCI Emerging Markets UCITS ETF USDLU1681045453 888 0,20% p.a. Accumulerend Luxemburg Niet-gefinancierde swap
SPDR MSCI Emerging Markets UCITS ETFIE00B469F816 628 0,18% p.a. Accumulerend Ierland Volledige replicatie
Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Swap UCITS ETF 1CLU0292107645 602 0,49% p.a. Accumulerend Luxemburg Niet-gefinancierde swap
Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets UCITS ETF AccIE00BK5BR733 597 0,22% p.a. Accumulerend Ierland Geoptimaliseerde sampling
Amundi Index MSCI Emerging Markets UCITS ETF DR (D)LU1737652583 526 0,18% p.a. Distribueren Luxemburg Volledige replicatie
Invesco MSCI Emerging Markets UCITS ETFIE00B3DWVS88 422 0,19% p.a. Accumulerend Ierland Niet-gefinancierde swap
HSBC MSCI Emerging Markets UCITS ETF USD (Acc)IE000KCS7J59 277 0,15% p.a. Accumulerend Ierland Volledige replicatie
iShares BIC 50 UCITS ETF USD (Dist)IE00B1W57M07 118 0,74% p.a. Distribueren Ierland Volledige replicatie
Amundi MSCI Emerging Markets III UCITS ETF USD AccFR0010435297 111 0,55% p.a. Accumulerend Frankrijk Niet-gefinancierde swap
 
Index   1 month
in %
3 months
in %
6 months
in %
1 year
in %
3 years
in %
FTSE BIC 50 19,62% 16,81% 25,42% 16,38% -19,55%
MSCI Emerging Markets 5,60% 3,92% 9,97% 19,21% 4,15%
FTSE Emerging 7,10% 5,57% 12,39% 19,54% 8,45%
Index   2024
in %
2023
in %
2022
in %
2021
in %
2020
in %
MSCI Emerging Markets 15,31% 5,75% -15,28% 5,39% 8,01%
FTSE Emerging 17,50% 4,11% -12,40% 7,62% 4,99%
FTSE BIC 50 23,91% -10,62% -24,06% -17,37% 8,88%

Source: justETF.com; As of 30-09-2024; Calculations in EUR based on the largest ETF of the respective index.

 

Asia indices with a large share of China

As further alternative you can invest in indices on Asia. In total, you can consider 4 Asian indices, which are tracked by 10 ETFs. The total expense ratio (TER) of ETFs on Asian indices is between 0,12% p.a. and 0,74% p.a..

 
Index Investment focus Number of ETFs Number of constituents Short description
MSCI AC Asia Pacific ex Japan Azië-Pacific
China: 28.63%
(30/11/2022)
1 ETF 1.132
(30-09-2024)
The MSCI AC Asia Pacific ex Japan index tracks equity markets of the emerging and developed countries of the Asia and Pacific region, excluding Japan.
Index factsheet
MSCI AC Asia ex Japan Azië-Pacific
China: 34.64%
(30/11/2022)
1 ETF 1.070
(30-09-2024)
The MSCI AC Asia ex Japan index tracks equity markets of the emerging and developed countries of the Asia region, excluding Japan.
Index factsheet
MSCI AC Far East ex Japan Azië-Pacific
China: 41.69%
(30/11/2022)
3 ETFs 919
(30-09-2024)
The MSCI AC Far East ex Japan index tracks equity markets of the emerging and developed countries of the East Asian region, excluding Japan.
Index factsheet
MSCI Emerging Markets Asia Azië-Pacific
China: 38.94%
(30/11/2022)
5 ETFs 1.027
(30-09-2024)
The MSCI Emerging Markets Asia index tracks large and mid cap companies from Asian emerging markets.
Index factsheet
ETF
ISIN
  Fund size
in m EUR
TER
in %
Use of profits Fund domicile Replication method
iShares MSCI EM Asia UCITS ETF (Acc)IE00B5L8K969 2.957 0,20% p.a. Accumulerend Ierland Volledige replicatie
Amundi MSCI Emerging Markets Asia UCITS ETF EUR (C)LU1681044480 865 0,20% p.a. Accumulerend Luxemburg Niet-gefinancierde swap
SPDR MSCI EM Asia UCITS ETFIE00B466KX20 862 0,55% p.a. Accumulerend Ierland Volledige replicatie
iShares MSCI AC Far East ex-Japan UCITS ETFIE00B0M63730 730 0,74% p.a. Distribueren Ierland Volledige replicatie
Amundi MSCI Emerging Markets Asia UCITS ETF USDLU1681044563 617 0,20% p.a. Accumulerend Luxemburg Niet-gefinancierde swap
Amundi MSCI AC Asia Pacific Ex Japan UCITS ETF AccLU1900068328 385 0,60% p.a. Accumulerend Luxemburg Niet-gefinancierde swap
UBS ETF (IE) MSCI AC Asia Ex Japan SF UCITS ETF (USD) A-accIE00B7WK2W23 304 0,23% p.a. Accumulerend Ierland Swap-gebaseerd
Amundi MSCI Emerging Asia II UCITS ETF AccLU1781541849 207 0,12% p.a. Accumulerend Luxemburg Niet-gefinancierde swap
HSBC MSCI AC Far East ex Japan UCITS ETF USDIE00BBQ2W338 123 0,45% p.a. Accumulerend Ierland Geoptimaliseerde sampling
iShares MSCI AC Far East ex-Japan UCITS ETF USD (Acc)IE00BKPX3K41 34 0,74% p.a. Accumulerend Ierland Volledige replicatie
 
Index   1 month
in %
3 months
in %
6 months
in %
1 year
in %
3 years
in %
MSCI AC Far East ex Japan 9,16% 6,27% 14,36% 19,08% -2,76%
MSCI AC Asia ex Japan 7,37% 5,54% 14,09% 21,89% 4,80%
MSCI AC Asia Pacific ex Japan 6,96% 6,06% 13,57% 21,97% 7,43%
MSCI Emerging Markets Asia 6,93% 4,65% 14,22% 23,30% 5,66%
Index   2024
in %
2023
in %
2022
in %
2021
in %
2020
in %
MSCI AC Far East ex Japan 18,03% -1,28% -15,89% -2,74% 14,53%
MSCI AC Asia Pacific ex Japan 18,24% 2,96% -12,62% 3,78% 11,51%
MSCI AC Asia ex Japan 19,50% 2,12% -14,88% 2,94% 13,90%
MSCI Emerging Markets Asia 19,86% 3,84% -15,09% 1,48% 16,80%

Source: justETF.com; As of 30-09-2024; Calculations in EUR based on the largest ETF of the respective index.