MSCI Inc. (NYSE:MSCI), a prominent index provider, recently announced the removal of a significant number of Chinese companies from its global benchmark indices, a move that could exacerbate bearish sentiment surrounding Chinese shares. This decision, disclosed in MSCI’s latest quarterly review, entails the elimination of 66 companies from its MSCI China Index, marking the largest such removal in at least two years. The changes, set to take effect at the close of trading on February 29, also impact the MSCI All-Country World Index.
The exclusion of these Chinese firms from MSCI’s indices amplifies the risk of further selling pressure on Chinese stocks, as global fund managers tracking these benchmarks will need to divest these stocks from their portfolios. According to Bloomberg data, ETFs tracking the MSCI China Index hold approximately $5.9 billion in assets, with the largest being the U.S.-listed iShares MSCI China ETF (MCHI).
Declining market capitalizations resulting from concerns over China’s struggling property sector and sluggish domestic consumption have contributed to the diminishing weight of Chinese equities in global portfolios. This shift away from Chinese stocks has benefited other emerging markets, such as India, which has witnessed increased investor interest as an alternative to China. MSCI’s India benchmark, for instance, will incorporate five Indian stocks while excluding none.
Despite recent government policy support measures, pessimism towards Chinese stocks persists. Investors remain wary due to weak fundamentals, ongoing financial instability, regulatory uncertainty, and country risk. Some investors may be compelled to liquidate their Chinese stock holdings either due to incurred losses or as certain companies no longer align with their investment mandates.
With Chinese stock markets set to reopen on February 19 following the Lunar New Year holidays, there is anticipation of heightened selling pressure. The expanded list of deletions from the indices could dampen investor sentiment further, potentially triggering additional liquidation of Chinese stock positions. This sentiment is reinforced by observations from IG Markets Ltd, which highlights the broad range of sectors affected by the deletions, solidifying concerns over China’s economy.
In conclusion, the exclusion of Chinese firms from MSCI’s indices raises concerns about the outlook for Chinese stocks, with the potential for further declines looming as investor sentiment remains subdued amidst broader economic and regulatory uncertainties.
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