How do the expense ratios of ASHR and FXI compare, and what does this difference mean for investors?

ASHR has an expense ratio of 0.65%, while FXI charges 0.74%. This means ASHR is 0.09 percentage points cheaper. Over time, lower fees allow more of your investment to remain invested and compound. While the annual difference is small, it can impact long-term returns. Investors should consider this when comparing similar funds, as fee efficiency is a key factor in total net return over extended periods.

What is the difference in the underlying indices tracked by ASHR and FXI?

ASHR tracks the CSI 300 index, which focuses on large-cap companies listed in mainland China. In contrast, FXI is described as a China Large-Cap ETF, which typically includes broader Greater China exposure. The CSI 300 is more specific to the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges. These differing mandates mean the funds capture different segments of the Chinese economy, resulting in varied performance and risk profiles depending on market conditions.

How do the inception dates of ASHR and FXI affect their available track records?

FXI was launched in October 2004, while ASHR began in November 2013. This gives FXI a significantly longer operational history and more historical data for analysis. A longer track record allows investors to observe how a fund performs across various market cycles. ASHR’s newer inception means fewer historical data points are available, which may be a consideration for those prioritising extensive historical performance visibility.

Which fund offers better liquidity based on net assets?

FXI holds net assets of $4.1 billion, whereas ASHR manages $1.5 billion. Generally, larger asset bases in ETFs correlate with higher trading volumes and tighter bid-ask spreads, enhancing liquidity. This makes it easier to buy or sell large quantities without significantly affecting the price. For investors trading frequently or with larger positions, FXI’s greater size suggests a more liquid market presence, while ASHR remains of reasonable size for standard trades.

How do the dividend yields of ASHR and FXI differ?

ASHR provides a dividend yield of 2.22%, compared to FXI’s 1.95%. This means ASHR currently generates slightly more income relative to its price. For income-focused investors, this 0.27 percentage point difference may be relevant. However, yields can fluctuate based on the underlying companies’ payout policies and market conditions. It is important to consider total return, as higher yield does not always equate to superior overall performance if capital appreciation is lower.

How much overlap exists between the top holdings of ASHR and FXI?

According to the available data, there are no shared top-10 holdings between ASHR and FXI. This indicates that despite both focusing on China, their specific portfolio compositions differ significantly. Investors should note that top holdings details for both funds are listed as 'not available' in full transparency, but the lack of overlap in any listed positions suggests distinct sector or company exposures. This diversification difference can influence risk and return characteristics.

What type of investing goal is each fund typically associated with?

ASHR, with its lower fee and focus on the CSI 300, is often associated with investors seeking cost-efficient exposure to mainland China’s top 300 companies. FXI, with its longer history and larger assets, is typically linked to those seeking established liquidity in broader China large-cap exposure. Neither fund is recommended, but they serve different strategic needs: one emphasising recent mainland market specificity and fee efficiency, the other emphasising longevity and market size.

How do the expense ratios of these Greater China Region ETFs impact long-term investment costs?

In the Greater China Region category, ASHR’s 0.65% expense ratio is lower than FXI’s 0.74%. Over a decade, this fee gap can result in a noticeable difference in net returns due to compounding costs. While both fees are relatively high for standard index trackers, they are reflective of the complexities in accessing Chinese markets. Investors should weigh these ongoing costs against the specific market exposure and liquidity benefits each fund provides within the category.

What role do net assets play in the market presence of ASHR and FXI?

FXI’s $4.1 billion in net assets signifies a substantial market presence, often leading to higher trading volumes and potentially better secondary market liquidity. ASHR’s $1.5 billion is smaller but still adequate for many retail investors. Higher net assets can reduce tracking error and facilitate smoother price discovery. These factors make FXI a more prominent player in terms of market weight and accessibility, while ASHR serves as a viable alternative with a different cost structure.

How does the absence of top holdings data affect transparency for these ETFs?

Both ASHR and FXI list their top holdings and sector weights as 'not available' in the provided data. This limits immediate transparency into the exact companies held, making it harder for investors to assess concentration risk. Without this visibility, investors must rely on the index definitions (CSI 300 for ASHR and China Large-Cap for FXI) to infer composition. This opacity requires greater trust in the fund manager’s adherence to the stated investment objective and index tracking.

How do ETF dividends work when comparing ASHR and FXI?

ETFs like ASHR and FXI collect dividends from their underlying portfolio holdings and distribute them to shareholders. ASHR’s 2.22% yield and FXI’s 1.95% yield represent the annualised income per share relative to the price. Distributions are typically paid quarterly or annually, depending on the fund. Reinvesting these dividends can enhance compounding, but investors should check the specific distribution schedule. Yield varies with price and underlying company payouts, so it is not a fixed return guarantee.

What information is missing when evaluating the index tracking of these funds?

The FUND DATA explicitly states that the 'Index tracked' for both ASHR and FXI is 'not available'. This is a critical omission for investors wanting to verify exact replication strategies. Without knowing the precise index codes or methodologies, one must rely on the fund names and general market knowledge. This lack of specific index data hinders a granular analysis of how strictly each fund adheres to its benchmark, potentially affecting tracking error assessments.

ASHR vs FXI

Two funds, one decision: we compare cost, performance and what each ETF actually holds in October 2026.

Compare ASHR (Xtrackers Harvest CSI 300 A Shares ETF) and FXI (China Large-Cap ETF iShares) on fees, holdings and dividends. ASHR tracks the CSI 300, while FXI focuses on large caps. Review expense ratios, net assets and yield to understand how each fund tracks its market. Educational content, not financial advice.

Compare ASHR (Xtrackers Harvest CSI 300 A Shares ETF) and FXI (China Large-Cap ETF iShares) on fees, holdings and dividends. ASHR tracks the CSI 300, while FXI focuses on large caps. Review expense ra...

Fund Snapshot

Key Fund Metrics

ASHR

Metric

FXI

0.65%

Expense Ratio

0.74%

2.22%

Dividend Yield

1.95%

$1.49B

Net Assets

$4.10B

288

Holdings

60

Nov 6, 2013

Inception Date

Oct 5, 2004

–

Index Tracked

–

Greater China Region

Fund Category

Greater China Region

ASHR costs about $9.00 less per year for every $10,000 invested.

Shared Top Holdings

These funds do not share any of their top holdings.

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Investment Analysis

ASHR

Pros

ASHR offers a lower expense ratio of 0.65% compared to similar China-focused ETFs.
The fund provides a dividend yield of 2.22%, which is attractive for income seekers.
With net assets of $1.5 billion, ASHR maintains a reasonable size for liquidity purposes.

Considerations

The expense ratio of 0.65% is relatively high for an index-tracking ETF.
Top holdings and sector weights are not available, limiting transparency for investors.
The inception date of November 2013 means it has a shorter track record compared to FXI.

FXI

Pros

FXI has a long-standing track record since its inception in October 2004.
The fund's net assets of $4.1 billion suggest strong liquidity and market presence.
An expense ratio of 0.74% is competitive within the Greater China region category.

Considerations

FXI charges a higher expense ratio of 0.74% compared to ASHR.
The dividend yield of 1.95% is lower than ASHR’s yield, affecting income potential.
Specific holdings and sector weights are unavailable, reducing visibility into fund composition.

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