FTSE Russell, one of the largest providers of indexes for use by issuers of ETFs, is the latest benchmark provider to elevate China A-shares to emerging markets status. A-shares are the Chinese stocks trading on mainland exchanges in Shanghai and Shenzhen.
“FTSE Russell, the global index, data and analytics provider, has confirmed that the China A Shares market will be promoted to Secondary Emerging market status following the September 2018 annual country classification review,” said the company.
Some of the largest international ETFs trading in the U.S. target FTSE Russell indexes, including the Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEArca: VWO). VWO is the largest emerging markets ETF by assets.
“Since the addition of China A Shares to the FTSE Watch List, FTSE Russell has evaluated the ongoing initiatives of Chinese authorities to improve global investor access through market reforms such as the Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor (QFII) and Renminbi Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor (RQFII) initiatives,” said the index provider. “Through these improvements and recent enhancements to Stock Connect, China A Shares now meet the requirements for classification within the FTSE Emerging Index.”
Other A-Shares Moves
FTSE rival MSCI Inc. previously elevated A-shares to its international benchmarks. Earlier this week, MSCI announced its initial implementation of A-shares into those indexes is complete and that it is consulting with clients about a potentially significant expansion of A-shares in benchmarks including the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.