12/27/1999
Inception Date
-17.60%
YTD Return
(as of 06/27/2022)
$15.54
Price
(as of 06/27/2022)
$653.86 million
Fund Assets
(as of 05/31/2022)
Long-term capital appreciation
Under normal circumstances, the Matthews Asia Innovators Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which include borrowings for investment purposes, in the common and preferred stocks of companies located in Asia that Matthews believes are innovators in their products, services, processes, business models, management, use of technology, or approach to creating, expanding or servicing their markets. The Fund seeks to invest in companies capable of sustainable growth based on the fundamental characteristics of those companies, including balance sheet information; number of employees; size and stability of cash flow; management’s depth, adaptability and integrity; product lines; marketing strategies; corporate governance; and financial health.
Investments in Asian securities may involve risks such as social and political instability, market illiquidity, exchange-rate fluctuations, a high level of volatility and limited regulation. Investing in emerging and frontier markets involves different and greater risks, as these countries are substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile than securities markets in more developed markets. Sector funds may be subject to a higher degree of market risk than diversified funds because of a concentration in a specific sector. The Fund's value may be affected by changes in the science and technology-related industries.
These and other risks associated with investing in the Fund can be found in the prospectus.
| Inception Date | 12/27/1999 | |
| Fund Assets | $653.86 million (05/31/2022) | |
| Currency | USD | |
| Ticker | MATFX | |
| Cusip | 577-130-883 | |
| Portfolio Turnover | 220.5% | |
| Benchmark | MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan Index | |
| Geographic Focus | Asia - Consists of all countries and markets in Asia, including developed, emerging, and frontier countries and markets in the Asian region | |
| Gross Expense Ratio | 1.09% | |
| Objective | Long-term capital appreciation |
| Strategy | Under normal circumstances, the Matthews Asia Innovators Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which include borrowings for investment purposes, in the common and preferred stocks of companies located in Asia that Matthews believes are innovators in their products, services, processes, business models, management, use of technology, or approach to creating, expanding or servicing their markets. The Fund seeks to invest in companies capable of sustainable growth based on the fundamental characteristics of those companies, including balance sheet information; number of employees; size and stability of cash flow; management’s depth, adaptability and integrity; product lines; marketing strategies; corporate governance; and financial health. |
| Risks |
Investments in Asian securities may involve risks such as social and political instability, market illiquidity, exchange-rate fluctuations, a high level of volatility and limited regulation. Investing in emerging and frontier markets involves different and greater risks, as these countries are substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile than securities markets in more developed markets. Sector funds may be subject to a higher degree of market risk than diversified funds because of a concentration in a specific sector. The Fund's value may be affected by changes in the science and technology-related industries.
The risks associated with investing in the Fund can be found in the prospectus |
MSCI AC Asia Ex Japan Index since inception value calculated from 12/31/99.
Source: BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. All performance is in US$.
Assumes reinvestment of all dividends and/or distributions before taxes. All performance quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate with market conditions so that when redeemed, shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the return figures quoted. Returns would have been lower if certain of the Fund’s fees and expenses had not been waived. Performance differences between the Institutional class and the Investor class may arise due to differences in fees charged to each class.
Additional performance, attribution, liquidity, value at risk (VaR), security classification and holdings information is available on request for certain time periods.
Source: BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. All performance is in US$.
The performance data and graph do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on dividends, capital gain distributions or redemption of fund shares.
(as of 03/31/2022)
CATEGORY: Pacific/Asia ex-Japan Stk
| OVERALL | 5 stars | out of 52 funds |
| 3 YEAR | 5 stars | out of 52 funds |
| 5 YEAR | 5 stars | out of 46 funds |
| 10 YEAR | 5 stars | out of 34 funds |
(as of 03/31/2022)
CATEGORY: Pacific Ex Japan Funds
| 1 YEAR | 4th | 29 out of 33 funds |
| 3 YEAR | 1st | 2 out of 33 funds |
| 5 YEAR | 1st | 2 out of 28 funds |
| 10 YEAR | 1st | 1 out of 19 funds |
| SINCE INCEPTION | 3rd | 8 out of 10 funds |
Ratings agency calculation methodology
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. High ratings and rankings does not assure favorable performance.
The Overall Morningstar® Rating for a fund is derived from a weighted-average of the performance figures associated with its three-, five- and (if applicable) ten-year ratings.
Morningstar RatingTM for funds, or "star rating", is calculated for managed products (including mutual funds, variable annuity and variable life subaccounts, exchange-traded funds, closed-end funds, and separate accounts) with at least a three-year history. Exchange-traded funds and open-ended mutual funds are considered a single population for comparative purposes. It is calculated based on a Morningstar Risk-Adjusted Return measure that accounts for variation in a managed product's monthly excess performance, placing more emphasis on downward variations and rewarding consistent performance. The Morningstar Rating does not include any adjustment for sales loads. The top 10% of products in each product category receive 5 stars, the next 22.5% receive 4 stars, the next 35% receive 3 stars, the next 22.5% receive 2 stars, and the bottom 10% receive 1 star. The Overall Morningstar Rating for a managed product is derived from a weighted average of the performance figures associated with its three-, five-, and 10-year (if applicable) Morningstar Rating metrics. The weights are: 100% three-year rating for 36-59 months of total returns, 60% five-year rating/40% three-year rating for 60-119 months of total returns, and 50% 10-year rating/30% five-year rating/20% three-year rating for 120 or more months of total returns. While the 10-year overall star rating formula seems to give the most weight to the 10-year period, the most recent three-year period actually has the greatest impact because it is included in all three rating periods.
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., rankings are based on total return, including reinvestment of dividends and capital gains for the stated periods. Funds are assigned a rank within a universe of funds similar in investment objective as determined by Lipper. For the absolute rankings shown the lower the number rank, the better the Fund performed compared to other funds in the classification group. Lipper also calculates a quartile ranking which divides the peer group into quartiles to identify funds of similar quality. Funds in the 1st or 2nd quartile had outperformed the average fund in the peer group while funds in the 3rd or 4th quartile had underperformed.
Lead Manager
Portfolio Manager
Michael Oh is a Portfolio Manager at Matthews Asia and manages the firm’s Asia Innovators and Korea Strategies and co-manages the Asia Growth Strategy. Michael joined Matthews Asia in 2000 and has built his investment career at the firm. Michael was promoted from Research Analyst to Assistant Portfolio Manager in 2003. In 2006 and 2007, he was promoted to Lead Manager of the Matthews Asia Innovators Strategy and the Matthews Korea Strategy, respectively. From 2000-2003, Michael’s research focused on the technology sector supporting multiple strategies managed by the founders of the firm. As a research analyst, he contributed investment ideas to the broader Matthews Asia investment teams. Michael received a B.A. in Political Economy of Industrial Societies from the University of California, Berkeley. He is fluent in Korean.
Co-Manager
Portfolio Manager
Taizo Ishida is a Portfolio Manager at Matthews Asia and manages the firm’s Asia Growth and Japan Strategies, and co-manages the firm’s Asia Innovators Strategy. Prior to joining Matthews Asia in 2006, Taizo spent six years on the global and international teams at Wellington Management Company as a Vice President and Portfolio Manager. From 1997 to 2000, he was a Senior Securities Analyst and a member of the international investment team at USAA Investment Management Company. From 1990 to 1997, he was a Principal and Senior Research Analyst at Sanford Bernstein & Co. Prior to beginning his investment career at Yamaichi International (America), Inc. as a Research Analyst, he spent two years in Dhaka, Bangladesh as a Program Officer with the United Nations Development Program. Taizo received a B.A. in Social Science from International Christian University in Tokyo and an M.A. in International Relations from The City College of New York. He is fluent in Japanese.
Sources: Factset Research Systems, Inc.
Fund Risk Metrics are reflective of Investor share class.
Sources: Zephyr StyleADVISOR
Top 10 holdings may combine more than one security from the same issuer and related depositary receipts.
Source: BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.
Sector data based on MSCI’s revised Global Industry Classification Standards. For more details, visit www.msci.com.
Not all countries are included in the benchmark index(es).
Source: FactSet Research Systems.
Percentage values in data are rounded to the nearest tenth of one percent, so the values may not sum to 100% due to rounding. Percentage values may be derived from different data sources and may not be consistent with other Fund literature.
Visit our Glossary of Terms page for definitions and additional information.
The Markit iBoxx Asian Local Bond Index tracks the total return performance of a bond portfolio consisting of local-currency denominated, high quality and liquid bonds in Asia ex-Japan. The Markit iBoxx Asian Local Bond Index includes bonds from the following countries: China (on- and offshore markets), Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.
The J.P. Morgan Asia Credit Index (JACI) tracks the total return performance of the Asia fixed-rate dollar bond market. JACI is a market cap-weighted index comprising sovereign, quasi-sovereign and corporate bonds and is partitioned by country, sector and credit rating. JACI includes bonds from the following countries: China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand.
The MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan Index is a free float–adjusted market capitalization–weighted index of the stock markets of China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.
The MSCI All Country Asia Pacific Index is a free float–adjusted market capitalization–weighted index of the stock markets of Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.
The MSCI China Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of Chinese equities that includes H shares listed on the Hong Kong exchange, B shares listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges, Hong Kong-listed securities known as Red chips (issued by entities owned by national or local governments in China) and P Chips (issued by companies controlled by individuals in China and deriving substantial revenues in China) and foreign listings (e.g. ADRs).
The MSCI China All Shares Index captures large and mid-cap representation across China A shares, B shares, H shares, Red chips (issued by entities owned by national or local governments in China), P chips (issued by companies controlled by individuals in China and deriving substantial revenues in China), and foreign listings (e.g. ADRs). The index aims to reflect the opportunity set of China share classes listed in Hong Kong,Shanghai, Shenzhen and outside of China.
The MSCI Emerging Markets (EM) Asia Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index of the stock markets of China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of the stock markets of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.
The MSCI Emerging Markets Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of the stock markets of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.
The MSCI Emerging Markets Small Cap Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted small cap index of the stock markets of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungry, India, Indonesia, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan Thailand, Turkey and United Arab Emirates.
The S&P Bombay Stock Exchange 100 (S&P BSE 100) Index is a free float–adjusted market capitalization–weighted index of 100 stocks listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange.
The MSCI Japan Index is a free float–adjusted market capitalization–weighted index of Japanese equities listed in Japan.
The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) is a market capitalization–weighted index of all common stocks listed on the Korea Stock Exchange.
The MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan Small Cap Index is a free float–adjusted market capitalization–weighted small cap index of the stock markets of China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand.
The MSCI China Small Cap Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted small cap index of the Chinese equity securities markets, including H shares listed on the Hong Kong exchange, B shares listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges,Hong Kong-listed securities known as Red Chips (issued by entities owned by national or local governments in China) and P Chips (issued by companies controlled by individuals in China and deriving substantial revenues in China), and foreign listings (e.g., ADRs).
The information contained herein has been derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate at the time of compilation, but no representation or warranty (express or implied) is made as to the accuracy or completeness of any of this information. Neither the funds nor the Investment Advisor accept any liability for losses either direct or consequential caused by the use of this information.
The views and opinions in the commentary were as of the report date, subject to change and may not reflect current views. They are not guarantees of performance or investment results and should not be taken as investment advice. Investment decisions reflect a variety of factors, and the managers reserve the right to change their views about individual stocks, sectors, and the markets at any time. As a result, the views expressed should not be relied upon as a forecast of the Fund's future investment intent. It should not be assumed that any investment will be profitable or will equal the performance of any securities or any sectors mentioned herein. The information does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any securities mentioned.
Commentary
Period ended March 31, 2022
For the quarter ending March 31, 2022, the Matthews Asia Innovators Fund returned -18.93% (Investor Class) and -18.92% (Institutional Class), while its benchmark, the MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan Index, returned -7.95% over the same period.
Market Environment:
The first quarter of 2022 was broadly negative and choppy for Asian equity markets for the third consecutive quarter, led down by Chinese internet names which remained under regulatory pressure. Economic headwinds hurt risk assets globally as surging commodity prices and higher inflation introduced rhetoric of slowing global growth and prospects of stagflation. The U.S. Federal Reserve hiked rates for the first time since 2018 and signaled toward further tightening ahead. In addition, by mid-February, markets were laser focused on the fallout and implications of Russia’s unilateral, unprovoked invasion of the Ukraine.
Growth names lagged significantly behind value names across Asia, especially in Japan, as innovative companies continue to navigate supply-chain bottle necks and a less growth-conducive macro environments. These challenges serve as a reminder of the importance of holding a long-term view in Asia and the emerging markets.
Performance Contributors and Detractors:
From a regional perspective, the Fund’s overweight and stock selection in China/Hong Kong detracted the most from performance as investors sold down holdings amid concerns over China’s regulatory interventions. On the other hand, the Fund’s overweight to Vietnam and India contributed to relative performance.
From a sector perspective, health care, communication services and consumer discretionary detracted the most from relative performance. Consumer discretionary is our biggest sector allocation—it’s where we believe innovation can flourish and where China’s regulatory moves have also hit hard. Conversely, stock selection in real estate was the top contributor to performance. While we remain interested in the real estate sector, we’re mindful that it is now highly regulated and companies in the sector don’t have complete control over their destinies.
Looking at our holdings, some of our consumer discretionary stocks detracted the most from both absolute and relative performance. In the consumer discretionary sector, XPeng Inc. was the largest detractor to the Funds’ performance over the quarter. XPeng, a Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, is one of the fastest growing EV startups that has seen an increase in sales and is posting impressive delivery numbers. We believe XPeng is a fundamentally sound business that has been hurt by negative market sentiment. In the communications services sector, Bilibili, Inc., a Chinese video content company, was one of the biggest detractors. The company’s operational metrics from user acquisition and engagement still trend positively but China’s policies to regulate the health and development of the country’s internet industry continue to put pressure on names in the sector. While we are cautious about the ongoing regulations, we continue to hold Bilibili as the fundamentals of the company remain healthy and its position as one of the dominant players in its field has strengthened as a result of more regulatory scrutiny.
On the other hand, Reliance Industries was one of the biggest contributors to performance over the quarter. Reliance Industries is an Indian multinational company that has diversified businesses including energy, petrochemicals, natural gas, retail, telecommunications, mass media and textiles. Not only did Reliance profit from increasing commodity prices, it also benefited from a joint venture to create a world-class electronic manufacturing hub, strengthening the new economy in India.
Notable Portfolio Changes:
During the quarter, we initiated a position in Trip.com, a Chinese online travel company that provides services including accommodation reservation, transportation ticketing, packaged tours and corporate travel management. We believe Trip.com is well positioned to benefit from the global re-opening and increased tourism. Additionally, we continue to increase our exposure to Southeast Asian countries, initiating positions in Bank Mandiri Persero TBK and Bank of the Philippine Islands, large commercial banks providing digital banking services in Indonesia and the Philippines, respectively.
Outlook:
Concerns over China’s regulatory environment may continue to cause more volatility in the region. We continue to monitor the situation very closely, though the valuation of Chinese internet companies looks very attractive currently despite these risks and we will continue to build positions in companies that we believe are well positioned to grow and benefit from consumption growth. Despite all the challenges, we are also increasingly optimistic about the negotiations around ADR delisting of Chinese stocks. We believe the outlook for offshore Chinese shares listed in Hong Kong is potentially positive and there is huge potential upside.
We are excited to see significant developments in countries like India, South Korea, Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries as well. We continue to find many innovative companies in Asia at appealing levels today and the current levels continue to provide fertile hunting ground for companies that are innovating in areas such as business strategy, products and services, marketing and human capital.
View the Fund’s top 10 holdings as of March 31, 2022. Current and future holdings are subject to change and risk.
Average Annual Total Returns - MATFX as of 03/31/2022
All performance quoted is past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate with changing market conditions so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the return figures quoted. Returns would have been lower if certain of the Fund's fees and expenses had not been waived. Please see the Fund's most recent month-end performance.
Fees & Expenses
Investments in Asian securities may involve risks such as social and political instability, market illiquidity, exchange-rate fluctuations, a high level of volatility and limited regulation. Investing in emerging and frontier markets involves different and greater risks, as these countries are substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile than securities markets in more developed markets. Sector funds may be subject to a higher degree of market risk than diversified funds because of a concentration in a specific sector. The Fund's value may be affected by changes in the science and technology-related industries.