04/30/2020
Inception Date
1.43%
YTD Return
(as of 04/15/2024)
$12.03
NAV
(as of 04/15/2024)
-0.12
1 Day NAV Change
(as of 04/15/2024)
Long-term capital appreciation
Under normal circumstances, the Matthews Emerging Markets Equity 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 emerging market countries. Emerging market countries generally include every country in the world except the United States, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and most of the countries in Western Europe. Certain emerging market countries may also be classified as “frontier” market countries, which are a subset of emerging market countries with newer or even less developed economies and markets, such as Sri Lanka and Vietnam. The list of emerging market countries and frontier market countries may change from time to time. The Fund may also invest in companies located in developed countries; however, the Fund may not invest in any company located in a developed country if, at the time of purchase, more than 20% of the Fund’s assets are invested in developed market companies.
Investments in emerging and frontier securities may involve risks such as social and political instability, market illiquidity, exchange-rate fluctuations, a high level of volatility and limited regulation. Additionally, investing in emerging and frontier markets countries are substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile than securities markets in more developed markets.
These and other risks associated with investing in the Fund can be found in the prospectus.
| Inception Date | 04/30/2020 | |
| Fund Assets | $20.49 million (03/31/2024) | |
| Currency | USD | |
| Ticker | MEGMX | |
| Cusip | 577-130-651 | |
| Portfolio Turnover | 26.4% | |
| Benchmark | MSCI Emerging Markets Index | |
| Geographic Focus | Emerging Markets - Countries generally include every country in the world except the United States, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and most of the countries in Western Europe | |
| Gross Expense Ratio | 1.58% | |
| Net Expense Ratio | 1.08% | |
| Objective | Long-term capital appreciation |
| Strategy | Under normal circumstances, the Matthews Emerging Markets Equity 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 emerging market countries. Emerging market countries generally include every country in the world except the United States, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and most of the countries in Western Europe. Certain emerging market countries may also be classified as “frontier” market countries, which are a subset of emerging market countries with newer or even less developed economies and markets, such as Sri Lanka and Vietnam. The list of emerging market countries and frontier market countries may change from time to time. The Fund may also invest in companies located in developed countries; however, the Fund may not invest in any company located in a developed country if, at the time of purchase, more than 20% of the Fund’s assets are invested in developed market companies. |
| Risks |
Investments in emerging and frontier securities may involve risks such as social and political instability, market illiquidity, exchange-rate fluctuations, a high level of volatility and limited regulation. Additionally, investing in emerging and frontier markets countries are substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile than securities markets in more developed markets.
The risks associated with investing in the Fund can be found in the prospectus |
Source: BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. All performance is in US$.
Year to Date and Since Inception performance with less than one year of history represents actual performance, not annualized.
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 03/31/2024)
CATEGORY: Diversified Emerging Mkts
| OVERALL | 3 stars | out of 721 funds |
| 3 YEAR | 3 stars | out of 721 funds |
(as of 03/31/2024)
CATEGORY: Emerging Markets Funds
| 1 YEAR | 2nd | 383 out of 779 funds |
| 3 YEAR | 2nd | 275 out of 688 funds |
| SINCE INCEPTION | 1st | 129 out of 660 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
Alex Zarechnak is a Portfolio Manager at Matthews and manages the firm’s Emerging Markets Equity and Emerging Markets ex China Strategies and co-manages the Emerging Markets Small Companies and Emerging Markets Discovery Strategies. Prior to joining the firm in 2020, he spent a total of 15 years (1998 – 2006 and 2012 – 2019) at Wellington Management as an analyst for the firm’s flagship Emerging Markets Equity fund as a generalist first covering CEEMEA, then Latin America. From 2006-2012, he was a regional equity analyst at Capital Group, covering Emerging Markets with a focus on energy, telecoms and consumer sectors in Latin America and CEEMEA. Alex began his Emerging Markets career as a Russia equity analyst with Templeton Emerging Markets, based in Moscow. He earned a B.A. in Economics and Government from the College of William & Mary. Alex is fluent in Russian.
Co-Manager
Portfolio Manager
Andrew Mattock is a Portfolio Manager at Matthews and manages the firm’s China, China Small Companies, China A-Share and China Discovery Strategies and co-manages the Pacific Tiger, China Dividend and Emerging Markets Equity Strategies. Prior to joining Matthews in 2015, he was a Fund Manager at Henderson Global Investors for 15 years, first in London and then in Singapore, managing Asia Pacific equities. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting from ACU. He began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers and qualified as a Chartered Accountant.
Co-Manager
Portfolio Manager
Peeyush Mittal is a Portfolio Manager at Matthews and manages the firm’s India Strategy and co-manages the Emerging Markets Equity, Emerging Markets ex China, Asia Growth and Pacific Tiger Strategies. Prior to joining the Matthews in 2015, he spent over three years at Franklin Templeton Asset Management India, most recently as a Senior Research Analyst. Previously, he was with Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management New York, from 2009 to 2011, researching U.S. and European stocks in the industrials and materials sectors. Peeyush began his career in 2003 with Scot Forge as an Industrial Engineer, and was responsible for implementing Lean Manufacturing systems on the production shop floor. Peeyush earned his M.B.A from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He received a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from The Ohio State University and received a Bachelor of Technology in Metallurgical Engineering from The Indian Institute of Technology Madras. He is fluent in Hindi.
Co-Manager
Chief Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager
Sean Taylor is Chief Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager at Matthews. As Chief Investment Officer, Sean oversees the firm’s investment process and investment professionals and sets the research agenda for the investment team. He manages the firm’s Pacific Tiger and Asia ex Japan Total Return Equity Strategies and co-manages the firm’s Emerging Markets Equity and Emerging Markets ex China Strategies. Prior to joining Matthews in October 2023, he was Chief Investment Officer APAC, Global Head of Emerging Markets Equity at DWS Group based in Hong Kong since he joined the company in 2013. From 2004 to 2011, he was an Investment Director at GAM, based in London and Dubai. From 1997 to 2004, he was at Societe Generale as Head of International and Emerging Markets. Sean has 30 years of experience, including more than a decade as CIO. He oversaw a number of emerging markets active strategies, including Latin America, India, China, Brazil, Russia as well as international and global strategies. He received his MBA from Manchester Business School and is a graduate of the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.
Co-Manager
Portfolio Manager
Jeremy Sutch is a Portfolio Manager at Matthews and co-manages the firm’s Emerging Markets Equity, Emerging Markets ex China Equity, Emerging Markets Small Companies, Emerging Markets Discovery, Asia Small Companies, Asia ex Japan Total Return Equity and Pacific Tiger Strategies. Prior to joining Matthews in 2015, he was Director and Global Head of Emerging Companies at Standard Chartered Bank in Hong Kong from 2012 to 2015, responsible for the fundamental analysis of companies in Asia, with a particular focus on small- and mid-capitalization companies. From 2009 to 2012, he was Managing Director at MJP Capital in Hong Kong, which he co-founded. His prior experience has included managing small-cap equities at Indus Capital Advisors and serving as Head of Hong Kong Research for ABN AMRO Asia Securities. Jeremy earned an M.A. in French and History from the University of Edinburgh.
Sources: Factset Research Systems, Inc.
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.
Fund Risk Metrics are reflective of Investor share class.
Sources: Zephyr StyleADVISOR
Visit our Glossary of Terms page for definitions and additional information.
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 ex China Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that captures large and mid cap representation across 23 of the 24 Emerging Markets (EM) countries excluding China: Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Egypt, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, 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 MSCI India Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of Indian equities listed in India.
The MSCI Korea Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index of Korean equities listed in Korea.
Indexes are for comparative purposes only and it is not possible to invest directly in an index.
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, 2023
For the year ending December 31, 2023, the Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund returned 8.43% (Investor Class) and 8.63% (Institutional Class), while its benchmark, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, returned 10.27% over the same period. For the fourth quarter, the Fund returned 7.37% (Investor Class) and 7.47% (Institutional Class), while the benchmark returned 7.93%.
Market Environment
2023 was challenging for emerging markets on a number of levels. At the macro level, rising interest rates and a strong U.S. dollar were headwinds while geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China remained elevated and continued to be a significant drag on international sentiment toward China. Another notable trait of the year was the prolonged weakness of the Chinese economy. The rapid post-COVID recovery that many investors expected didn’t materialize and the country struggled with a lack of confidence and problems in specific sectors like real estate. Mitigating China’s woes somewhat was India’s continued resilient growth, supported in part by its domestic infrastructure programs and increasing global trade. Toward the end of the year, there was a general consensus that inflation had peaked in the global economy and that the U.S. Federal Reserve would pivot toward cutting rates in 2024.
It is also encouraging to reflect on the economic conditions of most emerging markets coming out of the pandemic. COVID was a ‘stress test’ that most of these markets passed as far as macroeconomic policy and financial conditions are concerned. Emerging markets stimulated less fiscally and monetarily compared with developed markets and that left them with lower relative debt levels and more monetary policy credibility.
Performance Contributors and Detractors
At the regional level, our overweight and stock selection in Mexico was the biggest contributor to total and relative returns in 2023, benefiting from gains in real estate, cement and banking stocks. An underweight to China also supported relative performance, as did our off-benchmark positions in Vietnam and the U.S., the latter buoyed by semiconductor equipment and enterprise software positions. On the other hand, stock selection in India was the biggest detractor to relative returns. We think we got our India allocation decision right, but poor stock selection more than offset that. Our underweight in technology companies in Taiwan and underweight and stock selection in South Korea also detracted.
At the sector level, stock selection in real estate contributed the most to relative returns in the period. An overweight to IT also contributed, as did an underweight and stock selection in consumer staples. In contrast, stock selection in consumer discretionary was the biggest detractor to relative performance due to holdings in China. Stock selection in energy also impacted relative returns.
At the holdings level, Prologis Property Mexico, a Mexican real estate developer, FPT Corp., a Vietnamese IT services company, Banco BTG Pactual, a Brazilian investment bank and Globant, an enterprise software company with coders located throughout emerging markets, were among the top contributors to total and relative returns in 2023. Prologis benefited from the growing demand for quality warehouse space in Mexico, driven partly by re-shoring of supply chains from Asia. Globant bucked the trend of weaker enterprise software demand by nimbly emphasizing new verticals, like sports and entertainment, and leaning into vibrant geographies like Latin America and the Middle East. On the other hand, Chinese e-commerce company JD.com was the biggest detractor to total returns and was among the biggest detractors to relative returns. The company struggled against the backdrop of weak consumption as well as rising competitive intensity in the industry. First Quantum Minerals, a Canadian-based miner with global operations, also detracted, following a forced shutdown of its copper mine in Panama after countrywide protests. We exited that position toward the end of the year. Asia focused insurers AIA Group and Prudential also declined in 2023.
Notable Portfolio Changes
The portfolio added a number of new positions, including Emaar Properties, a real estate developer in Dubai, and Prio, a Brazilian oil and gas producer. Emaar will benefit, we believe, as Dubai’s reforms attract capital and stimulate economic growth. Prio is building a strong oil production business, in our view, by buying and rehabilitating fields which larger companies no longer want. On the flip side, we sold positions in companies including First Quantum, CapitaLand, a real estate investment trust in Singapore, and Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS), a hospital operator.
Outlook
We continue to find many attractive emerging markets companies to consider for the portfolio. Even in uncertain times they are solving problems for their societies, or creating value for their customers. Inflation in emerging markets is also on the way down, and interest rate cuts around the world this year could help overall liquidity conditions. Near-shoring and ‘China+1’ trends also continue to benefit countries in Southeast Asia, Central Europe and Latin America. In the Middle East, the landscape has been changing as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates diversify away from oil. In Asia, we believe economies are finding their feet post COVID and we expect some cyclical growth to return. We also see opportunities coming from domestic structural drivers like infrastructure spend in certain markets, notably India, and these could help counter any slowdown in global trade and economic activity.
Top 10 holdings as of December 31, 2023. Current and future holdings are subject to change and risk.
Average Annual Total Returns - MEGMX as of 03/31/2024
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
Matthews has contractually agreed to waive fees and reimburse expenses to limit the Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses until April 30, 2024. Please see the Fund’s prospectus for additional details.
Investments in emerging and frontier securities may involve risks such as social and political instability, market illiquidity, exchange-rate fluctuations, a high level of volatility and limited regulation. Additionally, investing in emerging and frontier markets countries are substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile than securities markets in more developed markets.