China Onshore Stock Turnover Hits Record $516 Billion in Single Day

China's onshore equity markets witnessed a historic surge in trading activity, with daily turnover reaching $516 billion on January 12, 2026. This figure represents the highest single-day turnover in the country's stock market history, surpassing previous records set in earlier years of market expansion. The volume was primarily driven by increased participation from retail investors and institutional funds, responding to recent regulatory easing and fiscal stimulus measures. The surge occurred across major exchanges, including the Shanghai Stock Exchange and Shenzhen Stock Exchange, where trading in both A-shares and other listed instruments accelerated significantly. Analysts attribute the spike to a combination of policy momentum, including targeted capital market reforms, enhanced investor protection frameworks, and improved market transparency initiatives launched in late 2025. Market turnover in the onshore segment has grown by 43% year-on-year as of January 2026, indicating a structural shift toward higher liquidity and market depth. This level of activity is also notable in comparison to the pre-pandemic average of approximately $200 billion per day, underscoring the transformation in China’s equity market dynamics. The record turnover has prompted reassessments by foreign asset managers and global fund allocators, with several announcing plans to increase exposure to Chinese equities. Domestic brokerage firms reported a 60% increase in new account openings during the same period, signaling broad-based investor enthusiasm. The development underscores growing trust in China's financial infrastructure and its long-term market stability.