12/27/1999
Inception Date
2.58%
YTD Return
(as of 06/11/2021)
$27.39
Price
(as of 06/11/2021)
$2.10 billion
Fund Assets
(as of 05/31/2021)
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.
The risks associated with investing in the Fund can be found in the prospectus.
| Inception Date | 12/27/1999 | |
| Fund Assets | $2.10 billion (05/31/2021) | |
| Currency | USD | |
| Ticker | MATFX | |
| Cusip | 577-130-883 | |
| Portfolio Turnover | 119.8% | |
| Benchmark | MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan Index | |
| Geographic Focus | Asia - Consists of all countries and markets in Asia, including developed, emerging, and frontier countries and markets in the Asian region | |
| Gross Expense Ratio | 1.10% | |
MSCI AC Asia Ex Japan Index since inception value calculated from 12/31/99.
Source: BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. All performance is in US$.
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.
Ratings (as of 03/31/2021)
CATEGORY: Pacific/Asia ex-Japan Stk
Quartile & Rankings (as of 03/31/2021)
CATEGORY: Pacific Ex Japan 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. He manages the firm's Asia Innovators and Korea Strategies and co-manages the Asia Growth Strategy. Michael joined Matthews Asia in 2000 as a Research Analyst 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.
Source: BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.
Source: FactSet Research Systems
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, 2021
For the quarter ending March 31, 2021, the Matthews Asia Innovators Fund returned -0.71% (Investor Class) and -0.67% (Institutional Class), while its benchmark, the MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan Index, returned 2.75%.
Market Environment:
In January and early February, North Asia equities continued to climb, leading the region with strong absolute performance. However, in the middle of February, Asia equity prices became more volatile as growth prospects and talks of U.S. stimulus led to a spike in U.S. Treasury rates. The U.S. dollar strengthened and commodity prices grinded higher causing analysts to speculate about higher inflation. Stocks associated with a cyclical recovery and value-oriented companies outperformed growth stocks. Cyclical sectors like energy, materials, real estate and financials performed well while health care and consumer stocks lagged. By the end of the quarter, Asian large caps and growth stocks suffered the most while small caps and lower quality, cyclically oriented stocks rallied the most.
Chinese equities were particularly volatile in the quarter. During the first six weeks of the reporting period, Chinese equities rose amid the transition of power to a Biden administration and persistent upward revisions to 2021 consensus earnings and GDP growth estimates. China’s broader markets then weakened, ending the quarter slightly negative, led by selling among Chinese retail investors. Meanwhile, Indian equities were a brighter spot in the region. Proposed government spending is favorable for growth. In addition, India’s current account has switched from deficit to surplus as foreign exchange reserves have grown.
Performance Contributors and Detractors:
Stock selection in China was a detractor from performance. Sentiment was negative toward some Chinese growth stocks in the quarter amid regulatory pressures and ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions. While share prices among many Chinese growth stocks were weak in the quarter, many of those same stocks have been strong performers on a three-year basis. China is the largest country weight in the portfolio and we continue to see attractive growth potential in the Chinese markets from a bottom-up perspective. Elsewhere in the region, Indonesia remains a very small weight in the portfolio, but stock selection in Indonesia was a contributor to performance.
Among individual securities, TAL Education Group was a detractor. China’s government introduced a new regulatory framework governing the after-school education industry, attempting to prevent students who participate in these programs from studying too much and experiencing education burnout. At the same time, we continue to like the long-term prospects for the company and added to the position amid share price weakness. Chinese automation equipment manufacturer Leader Harmonious Drive Systems was another detractor in the quarter. We decided to exit the position and reallocate the capital to new opportunities.
Turning to contributors, core portfolio holdings such as Bilibili Inc. and Sea Ltd. continued to enjoy price gains in the quarter. Bilibili is a Chinese video content platform that caters to young viewers. The company attracted new users as the pandemic accelerated demand for online entertainment and social media interaction. We see Bilibili emerging as a new, distinct social media platform in its own right. With a growing user base and distinctive value proposition for its users, we find the company to have attractive long-term prospects. Singapore based gaming and e-commerce company Sea Ltd. is one of the few Internet companies focused on serving customers in South and Southeast Asia with significant businesses in Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand that has achieved significant scale and market share.
Notable Portfolio Changes:
During the quarter, we initiated a new position in Zai Lab Ltd., a Chinese health care company focused on bringing innovative drugs into the Chinese market. As demand for innovative health care solutions in China has risen, the company’s research platform focused on treating cancer, autoimmune and infectious diseases presents attractive long-term growth potential. We also initiated a new position in Trip.com Group, an online travel booking company domiciled in Shanghai. Domestic travel in China is on the rise, as China’s economy was the first major economy to re-open following lockdowns. And we also expect global travel to eventually normalize over the long term. Amid volatility in the Chinese markets, we were able to purchase the stock at an attractive valuation. Positions that we exited in the quarter include Chinese liquor company Wuliangye Yibin.
Outlook:
Following a healthy correction in parts of Asia’s equity markets, particularly China, valuations for innovative companies are looking particularly attractive in our view. We tend to look at valuations from many angles, such as in relation to a company’s own historical averages, as well as in relation to a company’s global industry peers and counterparts. On both fronts, we find many innovative companies in Asia at appealing levels today. As valuations were elevated in 2020, current levels provide a fertile hunting ground for companies that are innovating in areas such as business strategy, business models, products and services, marketing and human capital.
Meanwhile, economic fundamentals across much of Asia are improving. In many parts of the region, we see a return to normalcy, leading to better economic prospects for businesses. Parts of Asia have progressed from recovery to expansion. China has seen a very strong V-shaped recovery and remains poised for continued growth. In our view, there has been a disconnect between Chinese equity prices, which were down in the quarter, and China’s long-term economic prospects, which we believe remain bright. Looking ahead, earnings growth, liquidity and valuations all appear supportive of Asia’s equity markets. We expect strong corporate earnings across Asia in 2021 as the global recovery continues to expand.
As of 3/31/21, the securities mentioned comprised the Matthews Asia Innovators Fund in the following percentages: TAL Education Group ADR, 3.9%; Bilibili, Inc. ADR, 7.2%; Sea, Ltd. ADR, 5.4%; Zai Lab, Ltd. ADR, 1.5%; Trip.com Group, Ltd. ADR, 4.0%. The Fund held no positions in Leader Harmonious Drive Systems and Wuliangye Yibin. Current and future holdings are subject to change and risk.
Average Annual Total Returns - MATFX as of 03/31/2021
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.