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Asia-Pacific

Implications from China's Bond and Equity Index Inclusion

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Record US$120bn inflows into the Chinese bond and equity market were seen in 2018, which has acted as an important supporter to its balance of payments given the current account weakened. In 2019, Citi analysts expect combined bonds and equities inflows could reach ~US$200bn, a positive factor for asset prices.

 

 

Equity

China onshore equity market witnessed strong foreign inflows over the past year, motivated by A-share inclusion in MSCI global indexes for the first time in history. Northbound net purchase reached over US$45bn in 2018, representing 45% yoy growth from 2017.

Citi analysts expect 2019 to be another milestone of A-share globalization, with significant acceleration in global index inclusion. Citi expects both MSCI and FTSE to include A-shares at a substantially faster pace, which could bring up to US$100bn foreign inflows in the onshore equity market. The full inclusion by MSCI and FTSE by 2025E could generate US$70-100bn annual inflows and bring the foreign ownership of A-shares to 8%.

 

Bonds

For 2019, Bloomberg-Barclays Global Aggregate Index confirmed to start its China inclusion from April. Thus, passive inflows from index investors could become a new driver of bond inflows. Citi analysts expect US$110-130bn total bond inflows for 2019E.

Eventual full inclusion by three bond indices can bring in ~US$300bn passive inflows. Citi analysts expect US$500bn bond inflows in the next five years, lifting foreign ownerships of Chinese government bonds (CGBs) and policy bank notes to 20% and 5% by 2023E.

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