China beats India to be top market for FIIs in Asia: HSBC

Foreign institutional investors warmed to Asian equities in November as the region recorded net inflows of $5.3 billion, of which India attracted $1.4 billion.

According to global financial services major HSBC, after two consecutive months of sell-offs, FIIs have warmed up to Asian equities and all markets have received positive flows in November.

Among Asian economies, China regained the top position as the 'most loved' market, pushing India down to second position in the region while Thailand was placed at the third spot, it said.

Till November 24, the region recorded net inflow of $5.3 million and though all markets received positive flows, Taiwan and India received the major chunk of funds with inflows of $2.3 billion and $1.4 billion, respectively.

So far this year, the total FII inflows to Asian equities stood at $38.7 billion.

"We are overweight on Indonesia, China and India; and underweight on Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia and Philippines," HSBC said in a research note.

A sector-wise analysis shows that funds increased their holdings in industrials, materials and consumer discretionary while they further cut exposure in consumer staples and utilities.

Funds were most underweight on telecom and financial sectors, the report said.

Meanwhile, mutual fund investors also looked bullish as they bought Asian equities worth $1.68 billion in the past four weeks ending November 19, according to funds tracking company EPFR Global.