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China's return to the top

Vontobel Markets
19 Mar 2025 | 4 minutes to read
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Chinese tech and e-car stocks are making a strong comeback, driven by a comprehensive economic stimulus package and measures to stabilise the property market. At the same time, US technology stocks are highly valued, making Chinese stocks appear to be a more attractive investment opportunity. Despite global recession worries, China's economy grew by a stable 5 per cent, strengthening the country as an investment location. High investments in artificial intelligence, semiconductors and electric vehicles are positioning Chinese companies as serious competitors to Western tech companies. At the same time, US companies and investors are adapting their strategies to counter the growing competition. This creates opportunities and risks for investors looking to capitalise on China's innovation wave.

Opportunities from increasing investment in AI and semiconductors

Chinese companies such as Alibaba and JD.com are investing heavily in AI and semiconductor technologies. Alibaba plans to invest around 50 billion dollars in cloud and AI infrastructure in the coming years, which could strengthen its position as a leading technology group. Cambricon Technologies, one of China's leading AI chip designers, is benefiting from government subsidies and the growing demand for high-performance processors.

For investors, these developments offer the opportunity to participate in one of the fastest growing sectors in the world. Companies that build their own AI infrastructures or capitalise on the growing demand for AI services could offer attractive long-term returns. In addition, China's focus on technological independence through government support for the semiconductor market could create additional tailwinds for investment.

Long-term investment strategy and risk management

The open-ended tracker certificate on the Solactive China Internet Performance Index offers investors direct participation in the development of the Chinese internet sector. This sector is characterised by dynamic growth and innovation in technology companies such as Alibaba, Tencent and JD.com, which are prominently represented in the index. With no fixed term, this investment product provides a flexible, long-term investment targeting continuous growth opportunities in this fast-moving market.

The index comprises leading internet companies based in China and operating in various sectors such as technology, consumer goods and property. The diversity of the index components helps to diversify risk while capitalising on the strengths of the sector as a whole.

Investors who invest in this certificate participate in the price movements of the underlying shares, both in upward and downward trends.

The ten largest positions of the solactive china internet performance index

Electric vehicles: China's Tesla rivals gain momentum

While Tesla is suffering from strong competition and falling margins, Chinese e-car manufacturers such as BYD, Xpeng and Li Auto are continuing to gain market share. Xpeng recorded its highest monthly sales to date in January with over 30,000 vehicles delivered, while Li Auto continues to expand successfully with its hybrid strategy. In addition to an aggressive pricing policy, BYD is focussing on international expansion and new technologies such as advanced driver assistance systems at no extra charge.

Investors who want to benefit from the global transformation to electromobility could invest in Chinese manufacturers. These companies not only offer competitive prices, but also have the advantage of a rapidly growing domestic market with massive government support for the e-car industry. In addition, many of these manufacturers are increasingly expanding into Europe and South America, which underlines their long-term growth strategy.

Risks and uncertainties for investors

Despite the strong performance of Chinese equities, there are risks that investors should be aware of. Firstly, the geopolitical situation between China and the US remains tense, particularly in the area of trade tariffs and technology restrictions. New US sanctions or export bans on high-performance chips could slow down Chinese tech companies.

Secondly, the Chinese stock market is known for its high volatility. Investors must be prepared for rapid price movements, which can be influenced by both regulatory decisions and market trends. One example is the recent correction in Nvidia's share price after a Chinese AI start-up (DeepSeek) launched an innovative model on the market.

Thirdly, Chinese companies could come under pressure if the expansive investment strategy does not generate the expected profits. Companies such as Alibaba and Tencent are currently investing heavily in new technologies, but it remains to be seen whether these will be profitable in the long term. If economic growth in China stagnates or consumer demand declines, the share prices of these companies could also suffer.

Equity allocation of the solactive china internet performance index by sector and currency

Strategic opportunities in China's technology industry

China's rise as an innovation leader in the technology sector opens up promising investment opportunities for investors in key industries such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing and semiconductors. Companies such as Alibaba, Tencent and Meituan are benefiting from massive government investment and strong market momentum. Nevertheless, investors should keep an eye on the geopolitical risks and volatility of the Chinese market. Those who focus on China's technological progress in the long term and pursue a strategic approach could benefit from the current market movement by making targeted investments in leading technology companies.

Price development of the solactive china internet performance index

Licence notice and disclaimer

Solactive AG (‘Solactive’) is the licensor of the Solactive China Internet Performance-Index (the ‘Index’). The financial instruments based on the Index are in no way sponsored, endorsed, promoted or sold by Solactive and Solactive makes no representation, warranty or guarantee, express or implied, as to: (a) the advisability of investing in the financial instruments; (b) the quality, accuracy and/or completeness of the Index; and/or (c) the results that any person or entity will obtain or receive from the use of the Index. Solactive does not guarantee the accuracy and/or completeness of the Index and shall not be liable for any errors or omissions in relation to the Index. Without prejudice to Solactive's obligations to its licence holders, Solactive reserves the right to change the methods of calculation or publication in relation to the Index and Solactive shall not be liable for any incorrect calculation or any incorrect, delayed or interrupted publication in relation to the Index. Solactive shall not be liable for any loss or damage of any kind, including, without limitation, any loss of profit or business interruption or any special, incidental, indirect or other consequential damages suffered or incurred as a result of the use of (or inability to use) the Index.