There are clear signs that China A-shares could shortly be included in a key international benchmark for the first time — in a way that highlights smarter efforts by the west to help China integrate into global markets.
Each year since 2014, index provider MSCI has consulted with equity market practitioners on whether the time has been right to admit China A-shares, which are traded on onshore markets, into the MSCI Emerging Market Index. To date, the answer has been “no” — but there are clear signs that this year the answer will be “yes”. A decision is expected in June.
The reason for the change is this: MSCI has dropped its usual rigorously applied standard terms of entry in favour of a more gradualist and pragmatic approach. The move will involve fewer stocks initially, sourced under simpler institutional arrangements than those offered in previous proposals.