Now is the time to load up on Chinese A shares

China's plans to widen access to its A shares market for international investors have been held back, but rules are set to be relaxed soon. Hermes manager Jonathan Pines explains why he has been loading up on A shares in anticipation.

As is the case with practically all international fund managers running Asian funds, most of our exposure to China in the Hermes Asia ex Japan fund is held via Hong Kong-listed H shares. Most managers running Asian equities funds have been holding Hong Kong-listed H shares, but an upcoming change could mean more managers turning to Shanghai-listed A shares. Relaxing access to A shares In the fourth quarter, the Chinese Securities Regulatory Commission will loosen the rules to allow international investors to more easily access the A shares market, which up until now has been mainly...