China’s Tech-Driven Multi-Asset Funds Outshine Global Peers

Chinese multi-asset funds trounced their global peers last year with a simple strategy: bet big on tech stocks. The country dominated the rankings of the world’s most successful cross-asset mutual funds managing more than $500 million, taking 13 of the top 20 spots, according to Bloomberg data. Seven of the Chinese funds delivered returns of more than 100% over the course of the year.

A Cross-Asset Approach with a Tech Focus

The approach of many of these firms was cross-asset in name only. They overwhelmingly put their money into China’s stock market, riding a boom in shares linked to artificial intelligence. Many even flocked to the same handful of shares: Optical communications firm Eoptolink Technology Inc., which jumped more than 400% last year, was one of the top holdings of all 13 of the leading funds. Shares of rival Zhongji Innolight Co. were owned by a dozen of them.

Profitable Bets on AI

The performance of these funds underscores just how profitable bets on AI have been over the past 12 months, even as US President Donald Trump’s unpredictable trade policies rattled global markets. After buzz about Chinese AI start-up DeepSeek opened the year, Trump quickly became the No. 1 fixation for traders. By the end of 2025, though, AI was once again the dominant theme.

A Startling Turnaround in China’s Stock Market

That helped cement a startling turnaround in China’s stock market, which rose for two years in a row after a long slump fueled by Covid-19 and anxiety about economic growth. The MSCI China Index ended the year up 28%, its best annual performance since 2017.

Expert Insights

“Multi-asset fund performance in 2025 with exposure to China and particularly China tech has been stellar given the severe underperformance from 2021 through to late 2024,” said George Boubouras, head of research at K2 Asset Management Ltd in Melbourne.

Standout Performers

Maxwealth Fund Management Co. was one of the standout performers in the country. Its Science and Technology Zhixuan Mixed Launched Fund, which had assets of around 11.5 billion yuan ($1.6 billion) at the end of the third quarter, generated total returns of 231% in 2025.

A 9 billion yuan vehicle managed by Tebon Fund Management Co. soared 129%, helped by a 583% rise in the shares of circuit board manufacturer Victory Giant Technologies Guizhou Co. Maxwealth and Tebon didn’t respond to requests for comment.

Government Support for the Stock Market

Efforts in Beijing to drive more long-term capital into the stock market helped the rally. Mutual funds were pushed to increase their local equities holdings by at least 10% annually for three years, while large state-owned insurers were told to invest 30% of new policy premiums from 2025. Regulators also unveiled a two-year strategy in October to make it easier for qualified foreign institutional investors to enter the local market.

Other Top-Performing Funds

Other top-performing multi-asset funds for the year included two from Turkey that topped the list, alongside precious metals funds from Greece, France, and two from Japan that surged as gold and silver rallied to record highs.

Lessons for Indian Investors

So, what can Indian investors learn from the success of Chinese multi-asset funds? Firstly, the importance of diversification cannot be overstated. While the Chinese funds focused heavily on tech stocks, they also demonstrated the value of a cross-asset approach. Indian investors can apply this principle by exploring diversified investment portfolios that include a mix of asset classes and sectors.

Secondly, the role of government support in driving market growth should not be underestimated. In China, regulatory efforts to increase long-term capital in the stock market helped fuel the rally. In India, government policies aimed at promoting investment and economic growth can have a similar impact.

Finally, the success of Chinese multi-asset funds highlights the potential of emerging markets like India. As the global economy continues to evolve, Indian investors would do well to keep a close eye on developments in China and other emerging markets, and to consider how they can tap into the growth opportunities that these markets present.