With Chinese stocks leading the emerging markets rebound this year, many advisors and investors are reconsidering China ETFs. While some China ETFs are tactical options, other China ETFs are classified as more traditional fare.
In the realm of traditional China ETFs, one of the potentially better options is also one of the group’s newer funds: the Global X MSCI China Large-Cap 50 ETF (NYSEARCA: CHIL). CHIL debuted last December as an alternative to old guard China ETFs that usually feature significant allocations to financial services stocks.
CHIL tracks the MSCI China Top 50 Select Index. That index “incorporates all eligible securities as per MSCI’s Global Investable Market Index Methodology, including China A, B and H shares, Red chips, P chips and foreign listings, among others,” according to Global X.
The primary trigger event is still a U.S.-China trade deal that’s at the tail end of negotiations. While some analysts feel a trade deal is already priced into the markets, investors are hoping it could continue to help sustain the strong start for U.S. equities.
Points To Consider Regarding China
CHIL, which hit a record high Monday, provides more leverage to the Chinese consumer and the country’s efforts to drive domestic consumption than rival, traditional China ETFs. Noticeable shifts in its economy include a move to a more consumer-based model. This has spurred a rise in the middle class, which will be China’s primary driver of growth moving forward.
While CHIL does allocate about 23% of its weight to bank stocks, the fund also features large weights to communication services and consumer discretionary names, traits that position CHIL investors to benefit from China’s booming e-commerce market.
China has been looking to increase internal consumption to reduce the economy’s sensitivity to exports and those efforts appear to be paying dividends. While some data points indicate the Chinese economy and consumer spending are slowing, policymakers remain proactive.
China is becoming less resistant to safeguarding its businesses, which will open the pathways to more foreign investment. China equities have also been the beneficiaries of index provider MSCI Inc. announcing recently that it would quadruple its weighting of large-cap Chinese shares in its benchmark indexes.
For more on thematic ETFs, please visit our Thematic Investing Channel.