The Stock Connect programme extends its onshore ETF offerings, adding 98 new funds and opening up new thematic and sector exposures for offshore investors, the biggest rollout since 2022.
On 19 January 2026 the Stock Connect programme widened the range of northbound exchange‑traded funds available to offshore investors, with 98 additional onshore ETFs added to the eligible list. The expansion , the largest since the ETF Connect scheme began in 2022 , raises the total pool of northbound products to 364 and brings new thematic and sector exposures, including broad‑market trackers and specialised technology and commodity strategies.
The inclusion covers 54 Shanghai‑listed ETFs accessible via the Shanghai Stock Connect and 44 Shenzhen‑listed ETFs through the Shenzhen route. For the first time, trackers of the CSI A500 index were made available through the scheme, while newly eligible products also span areas such as cloud computing, big data, semiconductor materials and equipment, non‑ferrous metals, power‑grid equipment and gold industry stocks. The company said the additions give offshore investors “access to various themes, industries and assets under one single ChinaAMC banner”.
China Asset Management Co. emerged as the largest beneficiary of the overhaul by number of listings: the firm had 14 new ETFs admitted in this round, taking its total of qualifying ETFs to 38 and making it the manager with the most products in the expanded Connect universe. The firm said its portfolio of newly included funds is concentrated in technology themes and broader market trackers.
Market flows have underpinned demand for increased ETF access. Trading turnover in northbound ETF Connect surged in 2025 to a historic high, reflecting stronger overseas appetite for onshore equities during a year when Chinese equity benchmarks advanced and inflows into ETFs accelerated. The northbound route has at times narrowed the gap with the historically larger southbound flows and even exceeded them in several months last year, a trend that continued into January 2026 amid a fresh rally.
The move comes against a backdrop of rapid growth in China’s ETF market more widely. Asset managers expanded product ranges and, in some cases, cut fees for large, liquid ETFs, an industry development that was presented as potentially saving investors substantial sums in annual costs. The company said investors should remain mindful that “Investment involves risk, including possible loss of principal. The information contained herein is for reference only and reflects prevailing market conditions and our judgment as of the release date, which are subject to change without further notice”.
While the expansion broadens accessibility for global investors, its practical impact will depend on investor uptake, liquidity across the newly eligible instruments and any regulatory or operational frictions that emerge as offshore trading in onshore ETFs scales up. The firm characterised the update as the largest product inclusion in the programme’s history and a step towards wider international participation in China’s onshore ETF market.
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chinas-etf-connect-embraces-the-largest-expansion-in-history-as-offshore-investors-appetite-grows-302664347.html – Original press release. View link for all data
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chinas-etf-connect-embraces-the-largest-expansion-in-history-as-offshore-investors-appetite-grows-302664347.html – On January 19, 2026, China’s ETF Connect programme expanded by adding 98 new onshore ETFs, including 54 Shanghai-listed and 44 Shenzhen-listed ETFs. This expansion increased the total number of eligible northbound products to 364, marking the largest increase since the programme’s inception in 2022. Among the 29 fund managers involved, China Asset Management Co. (ChinaAMC) had the highest number of newly eligible products, with 14 additions, making it the largest fund company by total products included. The expansion allows offshore investors to access a diverse range of themes, industries, and assets under ChinaAMC’s banner.
- https://www.advfn.com/stock-market/stock-news/97641592/chinas-etf-connect-embraces-the-largest-expansion – The article reports on the significant expansion of China’s ETF Connect programme, which now includes 98 new onshore ETFs, bringing the total number of eligible northbound products to 364. This expansion is the largest since the programme’s launch in 2022. ChinaAMC, a leading asset manager, has the highest number of newly eligible products, with 14 additions. The expansion provides offshore investors with access to a wide array of investment themes and assets, enhancing the programme’s appeal.
- https://www.streetinsider.com/PRNewswire/Chinas%2BETF%2BConnect%2Bembraces%2Bthe%2Blargest%2Bexpansion%2Bin%2Bhistory%2Bas%2Boffshore%2Binvestors%2Bappetite%2Bgrows/25862429.html – This article highlights the recent expansion of China’s ETF Connect programme, which now includes 98 new onshore ETFs, increasing the total number of eligible northbound products to 364. The expansion is the largest since the programme’s inception in 2022. ChinaAMC, a prominent asset manager, has the highest number of newly eligible products, with 14 additions. The expansion offers offshore investors access to a diverse range of investment themes and assets under ChinaAMC’s banner.
- https://www.structuredretailproducts.com/insights/82312/stock-connect-broadens-etf-access-for-offshore-investors-chinaamc – The article discusses the recent expansion of China’s ETF Connect programme, which now includes 98 new onshore ETFs, bringing the total number of eligible northbound products to 364. This expansion is the largest since the programme’s launch in 2022. ChinaAMC, a leading asset manager, has the highest number of newly eligible products, with 14 additions. The expansion provides offshore investors with access to a wide array of investment themes and assets, enhancing the programme’s appeal.
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-an-extraordinary-year-for-chinas-etf-market-chinaamc-leads-the-growth-302652605.html – In 2025, China’s ETF market experienced significant growth, adding US$329.1 billion to surpass 6 trillion yuan (US$858.5 billion). ChinaAMC led this growth, contributing nearly 300 billion yuan. The market’s expansion was driven by strong performance in the onshore stock market and robust inflows, with the Shanghai Composite Index advancing 18.41% and the ChiNext Index surging 49.57%.
- https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chinaamc-slashes-fee-for-ten-mega-etfs-to-the-industry-lowest-potentially-saving-investors-billions-302659814.html – ChinaAMC announced a reduction in the expense ratio for ten mega-ETFs to the industry’s lowest level, potentially saving investors billions of yuan annually. These funds, each with a size of over 10 billion yuan (US$1.43 billion), include broad-market trackers such as CSI 300, SSE 50, and CSI A500, as well as bond and commodity ETFs. The combined assets under management for these ten ETFs exceed 677 billion yuan, with the fee reduction expected to save investors 2.7 billion yuan a year.
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The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The article reports on a recent development dated 19 January 2026, with no evidence of prior publication or recycled content. The information appears original and timely.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The article does not contain direct quotes, which simplifies verification. The information aligns with other reputable sources, enhancing credibility.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The article originates from PR Newswire, a press release distribution service. While PR Newswire disseminates information from various sources, the content is not independently verified, which may affect reliability.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about the expansion of China’s ETF Connect program are plausible and consistent with known market trends. However, the lack of independent verification from other reputable news outlets slightly reduces confidence.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): FAIL
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
While the article provides timely and plausible information about the expansion of China’s ETF Connect program, it originates from a press release by ChinaAMC, which may have a vested interest in promoting its products. The lack of independent verification from other reputable news outlets raises concerns about the objectivity and accuracy of the information. Therefore, the content cannot be fully verified, and publishing is not covered under our indemnity.