01/03/1995
Inception Date
7.52%
YTD Return
(as of 04/09/2021)
$6.58
Price
(as of 04/09/2021)
$155.70 million
Fund Assets
(as of 03/31/2021)
Long-term capital appreciation
Under normal circumstances, the Matthews Korea 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 South Korea. 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 markets involves different and greater risks, as these countries are substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile than securities markets in more developed markets. In addition, investments in a single-country fund, which is considered a non-diversified fund, may be subject to a higher degree of market risk than diversified funds because of concentration in a specific country.
The risks associated with investing in the Fund can be found in the prospectus.
| Inception Date | 01/03/1995 | |
| Fund Assets | $155.70 million (03/31/2021) | |
| Currency | USD | |
| Ticker | MAKOX | |
| Cusip | 577-130-305 | |
| Portfolio Turnover | 39.6% | |
| Benchmark | Korea Composite Stock Price Index | |
| Geographic Focus | South Korea | |
| Gross Expense Ratio | 1.15% | |
KOSPI performance data may be readjusted periodically by the Korea Exchange due to certain factors, including the declaration of dividends.
Source: BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. All performance is in US$.
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.
Due to current market volatility associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, funds may experience significant negative short-term performance.
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.
Quartile & Rankings (as of 12/31/2020)
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.
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.
Co-Manager
Portfolio Manager
Elli Lee is a Portfolio Manager at Matthews Asia, and co-manages the firm's Korea Strategy. Prior to joining the firm as a Research Analyst in 2016, Elli worked at Bank of America Merrill Lynch for 10 years, most recently in Korean Equity Sales and previously as an Equity Research Analyst covering South Korea's engineering, construction, steel and education sectors. From 2003 to 2005, Elli was an Investor Relations Specialist at Hana Financial Group in Seoul. She received a B.A. in Economics from Bates College, and 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.
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 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 December 31, 2020
For the year ending December 31, 2020, the Matthews Korea Fund returned 40.77% (Investor Class) and 40.76% (Institutional Class), while its benchmark, the Korea Composite Stock Price Index, returned 39.76%. For the fourth quarter, the Fund returned 29.53% (Investor Class) and 29.62% (Institutional Class) versus 32.53% for the Index.
Market Environment:
South Korean equities were the region’s strongest performers in 2020. A combination of low valuations, a rebound in earnings and a cyclical bounce coming out of COVID-19 proved to be a confluence of upside catalysts, which propelled Korean equity prices higher. Early year optimism surrounding the U.S. – China trade resolution faded quickly as investors weighed potential negative spillover of the coronavirus into slower trade, tourism and demand for Korean products. Korea’s response to COVID-19 was prompt and effective resulting in a relatively fast control over the spread of cases. Upside momentum in South Korean equities continued late into 2020 with improving earnings outlook for 2021 and a rotation to cyclically oriented names driven by global pandemic recovery.
Performance Contributors and Detractors:
From a sector perspective, stock selection in information technology and communication services was a notable contributor for the full year. By market cap, stock selection among mega-cap and mid-cap stocks was also a contributor. Among individual stocks, a contributor was Kakao Corp., South Korea’s largest chat platform. The company’s return on investment improved significantly from 2019 with successful monetization into advertisement and commerce revenue. Its financial and content platforms are turning profitable with scale. We expect it to continue to strengthen its network effect within domestic users in Korea even after the COVID-19. LG Chem, a lithium ion battery (LiB) manufacturer for automobiles, was another contributor. The company’s management has been establishing solid brand equity and technology in automotive LiB over the last few years. We view management’s decision to separate the LiB business from its existing chemical business to continue focusing on global expansions to be positive in the longer term.
On the other hand, stock selection in consumer staples, including LG Household & Health Care, was a detractor. LG Household and Health Care produces cosmetics and health care products. The company’s high-end cosmetic brand ‘Whoo’ is especially popular amongst Chinese customers and tourists. With the COVID-19 outbreak, travel bans negatively affected LG Household & Health Care sales in its tourist platform while it continued to maintain and improve brand equity in China. We continue to see the company attractive at this valuation with strong brand equity and the marketing capability of the management team.
Notable Portfolio Changes:
In the fourth quarter, we re-initiated a position in Amorepacific Corp, which had previously been a long-held position in the Fund. It recently had a new management team come in to improve channel and brand strategy for both Korea and China. We believe Amorepacific has a solid heritage in its brands and revamping its marketing strategy could improve its bottom line. We continue to monitor the progress of its new management team and how well the team can execute on its strategy in China. We also added Korea’s largest steel mill, POSCO. As the global economy improves, we believe demand for high-end steel will increase.
Outlook:
Looking ahead, we expect global consumption to see some recovery in 2021 with COVID-19 vaccinations. As always, we believe active security selection is essential to capturing South Korea’s long-term growth potential. We continue to look for companies that can benefit from domestic consumption within Korea, as well as those companies headquartered in Korea that are effectively competing and innovating in global markets. As bottom-up investors, we look for companies that can grow organically without the assistance of strong macroeconomic tailwinds. We also look for companies who can further strengthen business models and bargaining power over the next few years against customers and peers.
As of 12/31/2020, the securities mentioned comprised the Matthews Korea Fund in the following percentages: Kakao Corp., 4.2%; LG Chem, Ltd., Pfd., 4.8%; LG Household & Health Care, Ltd., Pfd., 4.1%; Amorepacific Corp., 1.0%, POSCO, 2.0%. Current and future holdings are subject to change and risk.
Average Annual Total Returns - MAKOX 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 markets involves different and greater risks, as these countries are substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile than securities markets in more developed markets. In addition, investments in a single-country fund, which is considered a non-diversified fund, may be subject to a higher degree of market risk than diversified funds because of concentration in a specific country.