Total Scale of Sci-Tech Innovation Bond ETFs Exceeds 110 Billion Yuan, Second Batch of Products in Preparation

As a hit product in the public fund sector this year, Sci-Tech Innovation Bond ETFs have shown rapid momentum. Less than a month after their listing, the total scale of the first batch of 10 Sci-Tech Innovation Bond ETFs has exceeded 110 billion yuan, nearly tripling since their debut.

While the scale is growing rapidly, the Sci-Tech Innovation Bond ETF sector is about to expand. According to industry insiders, several fund companies are vying for the second batch of Sci-Tech Innovation Bond ETFs.

Sci-Tech Innovation Bond ETF Scale Exceeds 110 Billion Yuan

The first batch of 10 Sci-Tech Innovation Bond ETFs was listed on July 17, achieving remarkable results in less than a month.

Data shows that as of August 8, the total scale of the first batch of 10 Sci-Tech Innovation Bond ETFs reached 111.935 billion yuan, an increase of 286.15% compared to their initial listing.

Among the first batch of 10 Sci-Tech Innovation Bond ETFs, 8 have already surpassed the 10-billion-yuan mark. Among them, Harvest Sci-Tech Innovation Bond ETF leads with a scale of 16 billion yuan, followed by ChinaAMC Sci-Tech Innovation Bond ETF and Fullgoal Sci-Tech Innovation Bond ETF, both exceeding 15 billion yuan. Five other ETFs—Penghua, E Fund, China Merchants, Southern, and Bosera—have also broken the 10-billion-yuan threshold.

Regarding the significance of Sci-Tech Innovation Bond ETFs, the research institute of China International Capital Corporation (CICC, 601995) believes that the listing of the first batch has reshaped the market landscape of bond ETFs. Before 2025, there were only 21 bond ETFs in the market, mostly interest rate bond ETFs, with only 3 credit bond ETFs. This year, the bond ETF market has undergone supply-side reforms, with a surge in credit bond ETF issuances—from the first batch of 8 benchmark market-making credit bond ETFs in January to the first batch of 10 Sci-Tech Innovation Bond ETFs in July. By August 8, 2025, the number of bond ETF products had expanded to 39, including 2 convertible bond ETFs, 16 interest rate bond ETFs, and 21 credit bond ETFs.

In comparison, comprehensive bonds, green bonds, and central enterprise-themed bonds remain untapped areas for bond ETF development. Looking at the bond ETF strategies of large overseas institutions, products such as high-yield bond ETFs, global strategy ETFs, alternative strategy ETFs, active bond ETFs, multi-asset ETFs, and fixed-income ETFs still await development.

Second Batch of Sci-Tech Innovation Bond ETFs in Preparation

Sci-Tech Innovation Bond ETFs are dubbed the "A500ETF of the bond market," providing investors with convenient access to a basket of high-growth sci-tech innovation corporate bonds. During the policy红利 (red envelope) window, fund companies are highly motivated to expand their offerings. Over 40 companies competed for the first batch, highlighting the intense competition. Currently, several fund companies are preparing to apply for the second batch, which is expected to further expand the market.

"The second batch of Sci-Tech Innovation Bond ETF applications is underway, and the industry is paying close attention," said an industry insider. Leading fund companies that previously did not offer such products and those with large-scale bond ETFs are actively participating.

The first batch of Sci-Tech Innovation Bond ETFs primarily tracks the CSI AAA Sci-Tech Innovation Corporate Bond Index, SSE AAA Sci-Tech Innovation Corporate Bond Index, and SZSE AAA Sci-Tech Innovation Corporate Bond Index. The second batch is unlikely to deviate significantly from these benchmarks.

"This round of applications will place greater emphasis on the credit ratings of fund managers and the scale of related products," the insider added.

Another insider noted that the industry's enthusiasm for Sci-Tech Innovation Bond ETFs stems from strong investor demand and rapid scale growth. Fund companies are also keen to fill the gap in "tech-finance" bond ETFs to complete their product lines.

However, they also cautioned that the current large scale of Sci-Tech Innovation Bond ETFs may face constraints due to the overall capacity of the sci-tech innovation bond market.