10/31/2003
Inception Date
-29.04%
YTD Return
(as of 08/09/2022)
$22.70
NAV
(as of 08/09/2022)
-0.12
1 Day NAV Change
(as of 08/09/2022)
Long-term capital appreciation.
Under normal circumstances, the Matthews Asia Growth 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. The Fund may also invest in the convertible securities, of any duration or quality, of Asian companies. 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.
These and other risks associated with investing in the Fund can be found in the prospectus.
| Inception Date | 10/31/2003 | |
| Fund Assets | $907.65 million (07/31/2022) | |
| Currency | USD | |
| Ticker | MPACX | |
| Cusip | 577-130-867 | |
| Portfolio Turnover | 42.4% | |
| Benchmark | MSCI All Country Asia Pacific Index | |
| Geographic Focus | Asia - Consists of all countries and markets in Asia, including developed, emerging, and frontier countries and markets in the Asian region | |
| Gross Expense Ratio | 1.07% | |
| Objective | Long-term capital appreciation. |
| Strategy | Under normal circumstances, the Matthews Asia Growth Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which include borrowings for investment purposes, in the common and preferred stocks of companies located in Asia. The Fund may also invest in the convertible securities, of any duration or quality, of Asian companies. The Fund seeks to invest in companies capable of sustainable growth based on the fundamental characteristics of those companies, including balance sheet information; number of employees; size and stability of cash flow; management’s depth, adaptability and integrity; product lines; marketing strategies; corporate governance; and financial health. |
| Risks |
Investments in Asian securities may involve risks such as social and political instability, market illiquidity, exchange-rate fluctuations, a high level of volatility and limited regulation. Investing in emerging and frontier markets involves different and greater risks, as these countries are substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile than securities markets in more developed markets.
The risks associated with investing in the Fund can be found in the prospectus |
Source: BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. All performance is in US$.
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 06/30/2022)
CATEGORY: Diversified Pacific/Asia
| OVERALL | 1 stars | out of 10 funds |
| 3 YEAR | 1 stars | out of 10 funds |
| 5 YEAR | 1 stars | out of 10 funds |
(as of 06/30/2022)
CATEGORY: Pacific Region Funds
| 1 YEAR | 4th | 25 out of 25 funds |
| 3 YEAR | 4th | 20 out of 25 funds |
| 5 YEAR | 3rd | 13 out of 23 funds |
| 10 YEAR | 1st | 4 out of 20 funds |
| SINCE INCEPTION | 2nd | 4 out of 9 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
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.
Co-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.
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 June 30, 2022
For the first half of 2022, the Matthews Asia Growth Fund returned -31.29% (Investor Class) and -31.24% (Institutional Class), while its benchmark, the MSCI All Country Asia Pacific Index, returned -16.99% over the same period. For the quarter ending June 30, 2022, the Fund returned -12.39% (Investor Class) and -12.38% (Institutional Class), while the benchmark returned -11.78%.
Market Environment:
The first half of the year was a challenging period. Elevated inflation data and diminishing consumer spending in many regions dampened global sentiment and sparked recessionary fears. While Asian equity markets endured choppy waters they performed well in the second quarter, experiencing less downside than commodity heavy, weak-performing EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) and LatAm regions. In particular, Chinese equities saw a strong rebound—in both Hong Kong-listed stocks and local A-Shares. Chinese fiscal and monetary support, combined with more lenient zero-COVID policy implementation, a reduction of regulatory pressure on internet and platform monopolies and progress on real estate re-financing roadblocks enabled a rebound in sentiment and economic activity. Conversely, South Korea was a major market laggard followed by Taiwan, Japan and India. In terms of investing styles, Asian growth stocks continued to trail value stocks, especially in Japan, and small caps suffered more than their larger cap regional peers.
Performance Contributors and Detractors:
From a regional perspective, China/Hong Kong and Japan detracted the most from relative performance during the first half of the year. Once again, the returns from our Japanese holdings were impacted by the weakening of the yen against the U.S. dollar as Japan maintains a loose monetary policy and the Federal Reserve aggressively tightens and hikes rates to combat inflation. On the other hand, our underweight in South Korea and Taiwan contributed positively to performance.
From a sector perspective, our overweight and stock selection within health care and our stock selection within information technology (IT) detracted from performance while our underweight in the industrials sector contributed the most to relative performance for the first half.
Turning to individual securities, Japanese IT names Tokyo Electron and GMO Payment Gateway were among the largest detractors to absolute performance over the period. Tokyo Electron is one of the largest semiconductor equipment companies in the world and a sudden change in investor mindset toward the industry in early June drove stock prices down. The concern may be that the risk of recession will lower end-demand for semiconductors over the next few quarters. GMO Payment is a high valuation stock in Japan when the market is still favoring low P/E value names. We still think that company has a steady 20-25% growth rate on solid fundamentals.
On the positive side, Chinese health-care holding Legend Biotech Corp. and Japanese health-care holding Daiichi Sankyo contributed the most to relative performance during the first half of the year. These companies were the exceptions from the onslaught of the entire health care sector in the first half and bucked the trend by announcing positive clinical data at the annual American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting in early June. Investors appear to give extra credit to “first-in-class” innovative drug development close to commercialization. Both Legend’s CATR-T therapy and Daiichi’s antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) would be competing against the global giants in the cancer treatment in the U.S. and elsewhere.
Notable Portfolio Changes:
During the second quarter, we took the opportunity to close out of several smaller positions including Wuxi Apptec, a Chinese biologics company and Sansan Inc, a Japanese mobile software solutions company.
We also initiated positions in Huazhu Hotel Group, a leading hotel chain in China that we believe should benefit from increased travel, and Hitachi, a Japanese multinational conglomerate focused primarily on digital systems and services as well as green energy solutions. Both companies are quality growth names in our view which should be well suited for the uncertain investment environment we are in right now.
Outlook:
Looking ahead, we believe markets may see more volatility as they come to terms with the severity of Fed hikes, tighter global liquidity and protracted inflation. That said, we believe that markets have priced in a substantial amount of uncertainty, especially within Asia and China, and not withstanding a sudden and severe downturn of global economic activity or a geopolitical shift, we believe there may be plenty of upside to come.
In particular, China should be positioned well for a pickup in domestic activity as the government is starting to support consumers and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through gradual release of stimulus programs. Unlike the interest rate cycle in the West, interest rates are easing in China which may help lower the cost of capital for companies. In other parts of Asia, shopping mall operators in Southeast Asia stand to benefit from resumption of tourism activities.
View the Fund’s Top 10 holdings as of June 30, 2022. Current and future holdings are subject to change and risk.
Average Annual Total Returns - MPACX as of 06/30/2022
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.