What is the China A50 Index? Why Investors Are Watching

15 Jul 2025

In recent years, global investors and active traders alike have been turning their eyes toward China — and for good reason. As one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies, China offers enormous potential. But for many, picking individual Chinese stocks feels complex and risky.

That’s where the China A50 Index comes in — a powerful, simplified gateway into China’s growth story.

What exactly is the China A50 Index?

The FTSE China A50 Index tracks the performance of the 50 largest A-share companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges. A-shares refer to stocks of mainland Chinese companies that trade in local currency (RMB) and are typically accessible only to domestic investors or qualified foreign investors.

By focusing on the largest 50 companies, the A50 Index gives investors exposure to the “national champions” — the leaders driving China’s economic engine.

Who are these 50 giants?

The A50 Index includes big, household names in China such as:

  • Ping An Insurance
    A giant in insurance and financial services. Also has banking and asset management operations.

  • Kweichow Moutai
    The iconic liquor brand loved by Chinese consumers. China’s “national liquor”.

  • BYD
    A leading Chinese EV maker. It is vertically integrated as it produces its own batteries- providing benefits of scale and cost control. BYD just posted its best month of sales yet for 2025 in April, having sold more EVs in Europe than Tesla for the first time.

  • Contemporary Amperex Technology Co Ltd (CATL)
    CATL is the world’s largest EV battery manufacturer


These companies represent China’s most influential sectors, from finance and consumer goods to technology and energy.

Why are investors watching it?

  1. Convenient exposure to China’s growth
    Rather than selecting individual stocks, investors can gain exposure to the strongest players in China with a single trade. This simplifies investing and reduces the risk of betting on a single company.

  2. Diversification across key sectors
    The A50 Index covers a broad range of industries, helping investors spread their risk while staying focused on China’s growth drivers.
    High liquidity and market representation.

    The 50 companies are among the most liquid and widely followed stocks in China, making the index a strong proxy for the country’s overall market sentiment and economic health.

  3. Recent Performance
    The FTSE China A50 (+2.64%) has more than tripled the performance of the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index (+0.85%) in July due to attractive valuations and optimism over potential policy support from the government.

    This comes after onshore stocks have lagged behind Hong Kong shares for months. The recent reversal comes after a recent Politburo meeting, which saw positive policy messaging aimed at curbing aggressive price competition and industrial overcapacity in key industries. This may aid sectors like autos and solar that have suffered from a brutal price war.

How can you invest in it?

For investors and traders outside of China, there are two main ways to gain exposure:

✅ China A50 ETFs

These offer a simple, cost-effective way to invest in the index as a whole, ideal for building a long-term core holding.

China A50 Index Futures

These appeal to more active traders who want to take tactical positions or hedge, allowing for leveraged exposure.

Diversify your portfolio with UOBAM FTSE China A50 Index ETF (SGX: JK8) or SGX FTSE China A50 Index Futures (SGX: CN) and stand to win a trip to China! Click to find out more.

A rising opportunity

As China continues to open its capital markets and push forward with technological innovation and consumption upgrades, the A50 Index remains a focal point for global investors looking for growth opportunities.

Whether you’re a long-term investor or an active trader seeking new market moves, the China A50 Index offers a compelling way to ride one of the world’s most important growth stories.

Ready to explore China’s top 50?

Through ETFs or Futures, you can access this powerful index — and potentially capture the momentum driving China’s economic future.

Easily gain exposure to the China markets with UOBAM FTSE China A50 Index ETF (SGX: JK8) or SGX FTSE China A50 Index Futures (SGX: CN) and stand to win a trip to China! Click to find out more.

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