Key FTSE index to get 150 A shares

A total of 150 A shares listed on Chinese bourses will be included in FTSE Russell's Global Equity Index Series beginning from the start of trading on Monday. The changes are based on a quarterly review announced by the London-based index compiler on Aug 21, showing China's stock market has gained increasing recognition among overseas investors.

In late June, FTSE Russell completed phase one of China A-share inclusion into its global equity benchmarks. Chinese A shares now constitute about 6 percent of the FTSE Emerging Index, which is tracked by approximately $140 billion in investor assets.

Waqas Samad, CEO of FTSE Russell, said the inclusion of A shares on the index is a "landmark in the development of China's capital market, enhancing access for international investors".