Looking to invest in China? These SGX ETFs make it easy

This post was created in partnership with SGX. All views and opinions expressed in this article are Beansprout's objective and professional opinions.

What happened?

I’ve been paying more attention to the Chinese market recently. 

Chinese stocks have been staging a comeback. 

The Hang Seng Index has climbed 20% this year (as of 22 May 2025), and confidence seems to be returning to major players like Tencent and Alibaba.

But what really caught my eye wasn’t just the short-term rebound.

There are deeper, long-term shifts that I find hard to ignore. China is investing heavily in future-defining sectors like artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and clean energy.

The momentum may get another boost from the recent Geneva Trade consensus between the U.S. and China, which has helped ease trade tensions and could pave the way for greater cooperation in technology and economic development.

Naturally, this raises a few questions:

• How can we easily tap into these opportunities in China outside of those listed in the Hong Kong market, without navigating the complexities of overseas markets?
• Do we need to convert our SGD, which has appreciated against the USD and Yuan in recent months?
• And, can we use our SRS funds to invest in them?

I’ve noticed more people asking the same thing I’ve been wondering myself: Is there a simple, Singapore-friendly way to gain exposure to the Chinese growth story?

The answer? Yes, there is.

We can now gain access to China’s A-share market through ETFs listed right here on the SGX.

Let’s take a closer look.

Gaining access to the Chinese A-Shares market through ETFs on the SGX

China A-Shares are stocks of companies based in mainland China that trade on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges. 

These shares are priced in Chinese yuan (RMB) and were once only available to Chinese citizens. 

Now, some foreign investors can also buy them through special programs.

With ETFs listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX), getting exposure to these opportunities is now simpler than ever. 

In recent years, SGX has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) and Shenzhen Stock Exchange to initiate a cross-border ETF link between Singapore and China.

This initiative was essentially aimed at making it easier for investors in both countries to access each other’s markets. 

The new connection is built around a master-feeder fund structure, allowing investors in Singapore to tap into China-listed ETFs and vice versa.

What does this mean for investors like you and me? Simply put, more choice and better access.

The partnership opens the door for more China-focused ETFs to be listed in Singapore, while also giving Chinese investors a route into SGX-listed products.

Why invest in SGX-listed China-focused ETFs?

#1 – Ability to trade in dual currency trading

One of the key advantages of SGX-listed China-focused ETFs is the flexibility of dual currency trading.

Investors may often find it bothersome to deal with excess foreign currencies like USD or HKD when they reduce or sell off their foreign investments.

Certain ETFs listed on the SGX are available in both Singapore dollars (SGD) and US dollars (USD), giving investors greater flexibility in how they manage their currency exposure.

Importantly, both counters represent the same underlying ETF, so there’s no difference in what you’re investing in, just more convenience and control.

This is especially useful if you want to manage foreign exchange risk or take advantage of favourable FX rates, while still staying invested in China’s long-term growth story.

#2 – Trade within SG trading hours

SGX-listed ETFs offer the benefit of being traded during Singapore market hours, which are among the longest in Asia, running from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM SGT (includes a midday break).

This means you can monitor, buy, or sell your China-focused ETFs without staying up late to catch US or China market hours.

The convenience is especially valuable for busy retail investors who prefer to make investment decisions during the day, without having to react overnight to international markets.

#3 – SRS-compatible

If you’re thinking about gaining exposure to China’s growth using your Supplementary Retirement Scheme (SRS) funds, you can do so through the ETFs listed on the SGX.

As you may know, the SRS is a voluntary savings scheme that encourages you to save for retirement while reducing taxable income.

It is basically a complementary scheme to the Central Provident Fund (CPF) system open to Singaporeans, PRs, or foreigners residing in Singapore.

However, your SRS account only earns you 0.05% interest per annum. This means that it is important to consider various options to earn a potentially higher return after you contribute to your SRS.

Given that SRS account is meant to supplement your retirement, it also allows you to ride through the market volatility in China to capture long-term capital gains,

ETFs under the China-Singapore ETF Link

Let’s take a closer look at the seven China A-Shares ETFs that are listed on SGX.

• CSOP CSI STAR and CHINEXT 50 Index ETF
• Phillip-China Universal MSCI China A50 Connect ETF
• CGS Fullgoal CSI 1000 ETF via SZSE-SGX ETF Link
• UOBAM Ping An ChiNext ETF
• UOBAM FTSE China A50 Index ETF
• CSOP HTPB SSE Dividend Index ETF
• Lion-CM CSI Dividend Index ETF

#1 - CSOP CSI STAR and CHINEXT 50 Index ETF 

The CSOP CSI STAR and CHINEXT 50 Index ETF (SGX: SCY) provides investors with a unique opportunity to tap into China’s burgeoning innovation sectors.

By tracking the CSI STAR and CHINEXT 50 Index, this ETF focuses on 50 leading technology and growth-oriented companies listed on the STAR Market and ChiNext boards. You can think of them as China’s equivalents of the Nasdaq.

These platforms are home to firms at the forefront of industries such as electric vehicle (EV) battery, semiconductors, biotech, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing.

#2 -  Phillip-China Universal MSCI China A50 Connect ETF 

The Phillip-China Universal MSCI China A50 Connect ETF (SGX: MCN for SGD; MCS for USD) offers investors access to China’s blue chip industry leaders.

Tracking the MSCI China A50 Connect Index, the ETF encompasses a diversified mix of sectors, including consumer staples, financials, and information technology.

Its balanced sector allocation ensures no single industry dominates, providing a comprehensive snapshot of China’s economic landscape.

#3 - CGS Fullgoal CSI 1000 ETF 

The CGS Fullgoal CSI 1000 ETF (SGX: GRO for SGD; GRU for USD) offers Singapore investors an avenue to tap into China’s vibrant small-cap sector.

Tracking the CSI 1000 Index, this ETF encompasses 1,000 A-share companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges, representing a diverse array of industries including technology, healthcare, and consumer goods.

These companies are often at the forefront of innovation and are poised to benefit from China’s domestic growth initiatives.

The CGS Fullgoal CSI 1000 ETF has a total expense ratio of 1.96%. 

#4 - UOBAM Ping An ChiNext ETF 

The UOBAM Ping An ChiNext ETF (SGX: CXS for SGD; CXU for USD) offers investors a gateway to China’s dynamic growth sectors by tracking the ChiNext Index.

This index comprises the 100 largest and most liquid A-shares listed on the ChiNext Market of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, focusing on innovative and fast-growing enterprises in industries such as technology, healthcare, and clean energy.

The UOBAM Ping An ChiNext ETF has a total expense ratio of 1.39%. 

#5 - CSOP HTPB SSE Dividend Index ETF 

The CSOP Huatai-PineBridge SSE Dividend Index ETF (SGX: SHD) gives investors access to 50 high-quality, dividend-paying companies listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

Tracking the SSE Dividend Index, this ETF focuses on firms with strong fundamentals and a consistent dividend history, spanning sectors like financials, energy, and industrials.

It’s designed for investors seeking stable income and exposure to China’s onshore equity market.

The CSOP HTPB SSE Dividend Index ETF has a total expense ratio of 1.53%. 

#6 -  Lion-CM CSI Dividend Index ETF

The Lion-China Merchants CSI Dividend Index ETF (SGX: INC for SGD; ICH for CNH) offers investors a gateway to China’s high-dividend A-share market.

This ETF tracks the CSI Dividend Index, comprising 100 Shanghai- and Shenzhen-listed companies known for consistent dividend payouts over the past three years. 

The key holdings of the Lion-China Merchants CSI Dividend Index ETF are in traditional industries such as commodities and energy, which may offer a higher dividend yield compared to technology companies, as the need to invest for growth may be more limited. 

#7 - UOBAM FTSE China A50 ETF

The UOBAM FTSE China A50 Index ETF (SGX: JK8 for SGD; VK8 for USD) provides investors with exposure to the 50 largest and most liquid A‑share companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges.

By tracking the FTSE China A50 Index, this ETF offers a simple way to capture the core of China’s onshore equity market.

The index is a free‑float, market–cap–weighted benchmark with quarterly rebalancing.

It spans multiple sectors including finance, consumer goods, industrials, tech, and energy, with top holdings like Kweichow Moutai, CATL, Ping An, and BYD.

Designed for investors seeking diversified, large‑cap China A‑share exposure via a low‑cost, SGX‑listed vehicle, it currently charges a total expense ratio of just 0.45%.

Which ETF has the highest 1-year return?

Amongst the ETFs, the CSOP CSI STAR and CHINEXT 50 Index ETF has the highest 1-year return at 5% as of 31 May 2025, supported by a recovery in the share prices of new economy stocks in China. 

This is followed by the CGS Fullgoal CSI 1000 ETF via SZSE-SGX ETF and UOBAM FTSE China A50 Index ETF, which both have a 1-year return of 6.7% as of 31 May 2025, reflecting the broad-based recovery in the Chinese domestic economy in the past year. 

What would Beansprout do?

While there’s been a lot of attention on the US markets, I’ve always believed it’s important to diversify my portfolio.

Recently, I’ve been keeping a closer eye on the Chinese market. 

With the government rolling out stimulus measures and new developments in tech like what we’re seeing from Deepseek, there are signs that momentum could be building again.

What’s made it even more convenient is that there are now ETFs listed on the SGX under the China-Singapore ETF link that let us invest in the China market directly. 

I can trade them during Singapore market hours, in Singapore dollars or RMB, and even use my SRS funds.

One ETF that’s caught my eye is the CSOP CSI STAR and CHINEXT 50 Index ETF, which focuses on high-growth sectors like semiconductors, which is a big plus if you're bullish on China’s tech push. 

Top index constituents include the world’s largest battery market CATL and EV producer BYD.

Another solid performer is the UOBAM FTSE China A50 Index ETF, which delivered a 6.7% return as of 31 May 2025. 

It offers investors concentrated exposure to China’s 50 largest and most liquid A-share companies, spanning sectors such as financials, consumer staples, industrials, technology, and energy. 

If you're looking for broader exposure to China’s domestic economy, the Phillip-China Universal MSCI China A50 Connect ETF is worth considering. 

And for those who believe in the long-term potential of small-cap companies, there’s the CGS Fullgoal CSI 1000 ETF, which gives access to smaller, fast-moving firms.

Finally, for income-seeking investors like me who also want stability, the CSOP HTPB SSE Dividend Index ETF and the Lion-CM CSI Dividend Index ETF focus on companies with strong dividend payouts in the Chinese market.

There’s definitely a growing range of options, and I like that I can now tap into them without stepping outside of SGX.

Learn more about SGX ETFs and find the best ETF for your portfolio here. 

Check out Beansprout guide to the best stock trading platforms in Singapore with the latest promotions to invest in SGX ETFs.

Join our Beansprout Telegram group for the latest insights on Singapore stocks, REITs, bonds and ETFs. 

Upcoming A-Shares ETF seminars

Don't miss the opportunity to learn more about A-Shares ETFs at the upcoming seminars in July. Register now to secure your spot:

Visit