Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management recently expressed confidence that China has passed its most challenging period, despite ongoing concerns in the property sector. The firm believes that Chinese equities now present an attractive investment opportunity, given their current valuation levels.
The CSI 300 Index, a key measure of China’s stock market, reflects the performance of 300 large-cap companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges. Introduced in April 2005, it serves as a benchmark for the Chinese market, much like the S&P 500 does for the United States.
Covering a diverse range of sectors, including finance, technology, energy, and consumer goods, the index offers a comprehensive snapshot of China’s economy. It includes top companies by market capitalisation and liquidity, with a balanced mix of state-owned enterprises and private firms. The CSI 300 captures around 70% of the total market capitalisation of the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges, making it a critical indicator of the overall market trends.
While the index can be volatile, reflecting the dynamic nature of China’s economy, it is widely monitored by both domestic and international investors. Many use it as a barometer for Chinese economic performance, and it forms the basis for various financial products, including exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and derivatives.
Fidelity China Special Situations PLC (LON:FCSS), the UK’s largest China Investment Trust, capitalises on Fidelity’s extensive, locally-based analyst team to find attractive opportunities in a market too big to ignore.
