First Trust China AlphaDEX Fund

FCA

Market cap $111M

The First Trust China AlphaDEX Fund, which employs a rigorous smart-beta methodology emphasizing both growth and value traits, consists of 50 Chinese stocks. FCA's meticulous portfolio construction has translated to strong outperformance and superior Sharpe ratios versus larger China-focused ETFs. The ETF's cyclical-heavy exposure is well-positioned as China's macroeconomic momentum, exports, and industrial profits accelerate.

Mainland investors were rare net sellers of Hong Kong-listed stocks overnight, a rare occurrence these days, totaling about $160 million. China YTD retail sales growth was stronger than expected.

Easing tensions between China and the U.S. may be supportive of markets. Still uncertainty amid plans for Trump to visit China in 2026.

Despite mounting macro headwinds at the start of the year, Chinese equities have continued to deliver positive performance. While near-term flows can provide further upside, the durability for the equity rally will hinge on policy choices ahead.

Among APAC equity markets, Australia has a higher beta to oil prices while India, Indonesia and Thailand have lower betas. Domestic political uncertainties have been one main reason for the decoupling trend seen in Indonesia and Thailand.

Has the AI trade moved to China? Why Chinese chipmakers may soon change the semiconductor space.

Several hedge funds are pouring money into Chinese equities on the DeepSeek buzz and the potential for the country's policy easing.

Sentiment remains fragile in China and Hong Kong stock market even China services activities have improved in December. Weak market breadth and a persistent bearish trend of the Chinese yuan since November has added to more woes to the Hang Seng Index.

The Politburo of China announced it will now adopt a "moderately loose" monetary policy -- a term China last used in 2010.

China's stimulus plan head lead to big fund flows in ETFs. The trend towards private asset ETFs continues to gain steam.