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China-led Emerging Markets Rally Still Has Room to Run, But Faces Headwinds

Optimism for China Tech stocks, and improved prospects for an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, have contributed to strong Emerging Market (EM) equity performance in 2025.

tempo di lettura 5 min
Senior Equity ETF Strategist

But the US-China relationship and global tariff-related uncertainties remain key headwinds for investors in the market segment. With that in mind, continuing improvement in sentiment for China Tech may further benefit EM equities. Lack of agreement between the US and Ukraine on 28 February is a major challenge delaying the peace process which may be necessary for a more sustained market rotation, in our view.

Solid YTD Performance

The MSCI Emerging Markets index has delivered a 4.8% year-to-date return — outperforming the MSCI World by 3.p.p (see Figure 1). Appetite for China Tech stocks and prospects of a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire supported the case for EM equity exposure. Elevated geopolitical risks have held EM back, and, until earlier this year, it had been underperforming since late 2020.

After the US-Ukraine meeting on 28 February, the ceasefire possibility looks more distant and far less certain, likely leading to at least short-term volatility in EM equities. A sustained and broad rotation from US equities into areas which trade at lower multiples such as EM may require a progress in peace talks which could lead to a more normalised geopolitical backdrop. We believe investors need to continue monitor this element and position accordingly. 

Figure 1: Emerging Markets Have Outperformed Year to Date

EM equities have outperformed DM so far this year

China Tech’s Revival

China Tech has led the EM rally so far in 2025. The DeepSeek AI model has demonstrated how Chinese tech companies can compete with US AI giants in a more cost-effective way. And Xi Jinping’s recent public meeting with Alibaba founder Jack Ma and other domestic technology industry leaders may signal an end to the regulatory crackdown on the sector, which has been the single biggest headwind for Chinese equities — and EM as a whole — for the last four years.

But sector sentiment is fragile, and we can’t exclude the possibility of another short-lived rally fizzling out. To compete in the AI race, however, the Chinese government needs its technology champions. This dependency provides a solid base case for a potential sustained improvement to China Tech stock returns — and therefore EM equity returns.

Tariff Risks Remain

Tariff-related uncertainty remains a headwind for the sector. China represents 28% of the MSCI EM Index and is the second-largest export partner to the US. South Korea and India are sixth and eighth, respectively.1 President Trump’s 20% tariffs on China may be magnified by product-related duties on steel.The US is also likely to seek tougher chip controls over China, with obvious risks for China Tech. India faces a reciprocal tariff risk. South Korea’s key risk is automotive sector levies.2 Mexico, the US’ largest trading partner, accounts for less than 2% of the MSCI index3; so, the impact of Mexican tariffs on the entire sector appears limited.

Tariffs might lead to a cycle of higher US inflation and interest rates and a stronger US dollar, which would be a challenge for EM. Conversely, a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire, which remains a possibility over the medium term, might put downward pressure on global inflation, and consequently the dollar, mitigating some of the negative impacts of tariffs.

Attractive EM Valuations

Despite their rally at the outset of 2025, Emerging Markets still trade at low multiples compared to developed markets (Figure 2). This is the result of years of underperformance, partly driven by risk-off sentiment. This valuation divergence leaves room for an EM equity catch-up.

The gap would narrow further and faster if sentiment around China Tech continues to improve. Sell-side analyst consensus is for low double-digit earnings EM equity growth, in line with developed market expectations.4

Figure 2: EM Valuations Attractive Relative to Developed Markets

P/E Multiples 12m Forward

Figure 2 shows EM equities remain cheaper than DM equities

EM’s Growth Potential for Long-Term Investors

Regardless of China Tech tailwinds or geopolitics, long-term investors should consider EM equity opportunities. As we said in our analysis before the US election, EM equities offer exposure to parts of the world where growth remains robust and valuations are not stretched.

Developing economies are an engine of growth in a low-growth world. China’s GDP is expected to expand by 4.5% in 2025, India’s by more than 6% over the next two years, and Taiwan is expected to deliver 2.8% and 2.5% economic growth over 2025 and 2026, respectively.5 South Korea is forecast to enjoy more muted growth. On balance, EM expansion is set to outpace growth in the developed world for the foreseeable future (Figure 3). This provides a base for long-term EM earnings growth.

Figure 3: EM Forecast to Outpace the World

Real GDP Growth Estimates

Forecasts for EM growth outstrip DM

How to Play Emerging Markets

EM equities can be accessed via a number of index exposures, most commonly through the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. It’s important to note that APAC countries dominate EM equity indices, for example, representing more than 80% of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico complement APAC exposure with a commodity cushion.6

Investors with high conviction about the resurgence of China Tech may find MSCI EM Asia the most compelling solution. It offers concentrated exposure to the engine of global growth: China, India, Taiwan, and South Korea account for nearly 95% of the index in total.7

The MSCI EM Small Cap Index is at the other end of the spectrum. It is heavily underweight China (11% of the index) and overweight India (25% of the index).8 It remains a tool for investors seeking to embrace opportunities stemming from EM economic growth, but who may be more sceptical about Chinese equities’ prospects. 

Emerging Markets Dividend Aristocrats offer access to higher quality and more defensive stocks with proven ability to generate cash flow in a sustainable manner. As its exposure to China Tech is limited, EM Dividend Aristocrats may be more suitable for investors who expect an EM rebound but are sceptical about the Tech sector. Valuations are even more appealing than in broader EM indexes.

Figure 4: Emerging Market Country Exposure Varies by Index

Emerging market country exposures vary by index

Figure 5: Sector Exposure Varies by Index

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