Is CETF a good ETF?
CETF is the VanEck FTSE China A50 ETF from VanEck. It tracks the FTSE China A50 Index. We classify it under Asia and EM. With about $34 million in assets it is a relatively small fund (worth checking spreads and liquidity before buying).
On a total-return basis, CETF has delivered 4.29% a year over 10 years (ranked 80th of 108 ETFs we track), 1.9% a year over 5 years (ranked 149th of 188 ETFs we track), 6.24% a year over 3 years (ranked 165th of 226 ETFs we track), and 7.56% a year over 1 year (ranked 152nd of 308 ETFs we track). It has trailed most comparable ETFs over the periods we measure, so look closely at whether its strategy fits what you're after.
The management fee of 0.6% is on the higher side. If cost is your priority, DRGN (0.45%) cover similar ground for less. It pays a moderate 1.92% yield.
Over the past 10 years its volatility has been elevated (annualised standard deviation around 17.82%), meaning noticeably larger swings than the broad market. Its 10-year Sharpe ratio of 0.2 is weak — that's the return it has earned per unit of risk taken (higher is better).
Things to watch
- Has lagged most peers over 5 years (149th of 188).
- Cheaper alternatives exist: DRGN.
- Weak risk-adjusted returns (10-year Sharpe ratio 0.2).
What CETF's categories mean for you
How each category this ETF belongs to tends to behave across market cycles.
Equities across Asian markets (often ex-Japan, frequently weighted to China, India, Taiwan and Korea). Exposure to faster-growing economies, with extra political, currency and governance risk.
- Market regime
- Tends to lead during global risk-on phases and when the US dollar is weak; lags badly in risk-off, flight-to-safety episodes.
- In a portfolio
- Best used as a satellite position to add growth and diversification, not as a core holding. Long horizon and tolerance for big swings required.
Emerging markets — developing economies such as China, India, Brazil and Taiwan. High growth potential with materially higher volatility, currency and political risk.
- Market regime
- Often trades at cheaper valuations than developed markets and performs well in global risk-on phases and when the US dollar is weak. Can endure long stretches of underperformance.
- In a portfolio
- A satellite growth allocation for patient investors with a long horizon and tolerance for big swings.
General information only, generated from the fund's published data — not personal financial advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns. Consider your own circumstances or seek licensed advice before investing.