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Scenario × Asset Analysis

What Happens to China Large-Cap (FXI) When Bank Reserves Collapse?

What happens when bank reserves fall sharply? Repo market stress, funding conditions, and potential Fed response.

China Large-Cap (FXI)
$36.89
as of Apr 14, 2026
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Trigger: Reserve Balances at Fed
$3116B
Condition: declines below $3T
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How China Large-Cap (FXI) Responds

When Bank Reserves Collapse, China Large-Cap (FXI) typically responds to the changing macro environment. iShares China Large-Cap ETF, proxy for Chinese equity market. This scenario is particularly relevant for equity index because changes in Reserve Balances at Fed directly influence the macro environment for China Large-Cap (FXI). Investors should monitor both the trigger condition and China Large-Cap (FXI)'s response to position accordingly.

Scenario Background

Bank reserves are the deposits commercial banks hold at the Fed. Reserves are the ultimate settlement asset in the US financial system and the key variable in the Fed's operational framework. When reserves are abundant, interbank markets function smoothly; when reserves become scarce, funding stress can emerge rapidly.

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Historical Context

Reserves peaked near $4.3T in late 2021 post-COVID QE and declined toward $3.3T by early 2024 through QT. The September 2019 repo crisis coincided with reserves near $1.5T under a different framework. The 2023 regional banking stress (SVB, Signature) raised deposit-to-reserve sensitivity. Japan's banking system operated with low reserves for decades but had different institutional structure.

What to Watch For

  • Bank reserves below $3T and declining
  • SOFR-IORB spread positive and widening
  • Repo GCF rate spikes
  • Fed statements on reserves ample-ness
  • Regional bank stress reemerging

Other Assets When Bank Reserves Collapse

Other Scenarios Affecting China Large-Cap (FXI)

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