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.
These and other risks associated with investing in the Fund can be found in the
prospectus.
Asia ex Japan - Consists of all countries and markets in Asia excluding Japan, but including all other developed, emerging, and frontier countries and markets in the Asian region
Fees & Expenses
Gross Expense Ratio
1.29%
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
Performance
Monthly
Quarterly
Calendar Year
As of 03/31/2026
Average Annual Total Returns
Name
1MO
3MO
YTD
1YR
3YR
5YR
10YR
Since Inception
Inception Date
Matthews Asia Innovators Fund - MATFX
12/27/1999
MATFX
-8.79%
7.83%
7.83%
37.76%
16.17%
1.12%
11.87%
5.80%
MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan Index
-13.70%
-1.13%
-1.13%
29.09%
14.66%
3.36%
8.61%
6.55%
As of 03/31/2026
Average Annual Total Returns
Name
1MO
3MO
YTD
1YR
3YR
5YR
10YR
Since Inception
Inception Date
Matthews Asia Innovators Fund - MATFX
12/27/1999
MATFX
-8.79%
7.83%
7.83%
37.76%
16.17%
1.12%
11.87%
5.80%
MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan Index
-13.70%
-1.13%
-1.13%
29.09%
14.66%
3.36%
8.61%
6.55%
For the years ended December 31st
Name
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
Matthews Asia Innovators Fund - MATFX
MATFX
30.22%
16.47%
-1.77%
-24.80%
-13.10%
86.72%
29.60%
-18.62%
52.88%
-9.10%
MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan Index (USD)
33.02%
12.51%
6.34%
-19.36%
-4.46%
25.36%
18.52%
-14.12%
42.08%
5.76%
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.
Growth of a Hypothetical $10,000 Investment Since Inception
(as of 03/31/2026)
Source: BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. All performance is in US$.
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.
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.
Tiffany Hsiao is a Portfolio Manager at Matthews. She originally joined Matthews in April 2014 and departed in August 2020 to launch a China-focused private fund at Artisan Partners. Prior to her departure, Tiffany managed the firm’s China Small Companies, former Asia Small Companies (now Emerging Markets Small Companies) and Asia Innovators strategies. Previously, she was a Vice President at Goldman Sachs Investment Partners in Hong Kong and Tokyo from 2007 to 2013, responsible for Asia Pacific investments with an emphasis on equities in China. Previous to this, she spent six years at Franklin Templeton Investments, where she managed the firm’s global communications fund. Tiffany earned her Master of Science and Information Technology from Carnegie Mellon University and received a B.A. in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley. She is fluent in Mandarin and Taiwanese, and conversational in Cantonese.
Portfolio Characteristics
(as of 03/31/2026)
Fund
Benchmark
Number of Positions
59
1,021
Weighted Average Market Cap
$250.4 billion
$348.9 billion
Active Share
71.6
n.a.
P/E using FY1 estimates
18.5x
12.2x
P/E using FY2 estimates
14.5x
10.6x
Price/Cash Flow
20.4
10.1
Price/Book
4.8
2.1
Return On Equity
20.7
19.7
EPS Growth (3 Yr)
26.8%
20.4%
Sources: Factset Research Systems, Inc.
Risk Metrics (3 Yr Return)
(as of 03/31/2026)
Category
3YR Return Metric
Alpha
2.13%
Beta
0.92
Upside Capture
99.34%
Downside Capture
92.75%
Sharpe Ratio
0.68
Information Ratio
0.21
Tracking Error
7.17%
R²
81.83
2.13%
Alpha
0.92
Beta
99.34%
Upside Capture
92.75%
Downside Capture
0.68
Sharpe Ratio
0.21
Information Ratio
7.17%
Tracking Error
81.83
R²
Fund Risk Metrics are reflective of Investor share class.
Top 10 holdings may combine more than one security from the same issuer and related depositary receipts.
Source: BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc.
Portfolio Breakdown (%)
(as of 03/31/2026)
Sector Allocation
Country Allocation
Market Cap Exposure
Sector
Fund
Benchmark
Difference
Information Technology
54.1
36.4
17.7
Industrials
23.3
8.3
15.0
Consumer Discretionary
6.5
11.3
-4.8
Health Care
5.6
3.2
2.4
Communication Services
3.7
8.1
-4.4
Energy
2.0
2.8
-0.8
Financials
1.9
19.5
-17.6
Materials
0.0
3.9
-3.9
Consumer Staples
0.0
2.7
-2.7
Utilities
0.0
2.1
-2.1
Real Estate
0.0
1.8
-1.8
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities
2.8
0.0
2.8
Sector data based on MSCI’s revised Global Industry Classification Standards. For more details, visit www.msci.com.
Country
Fund
Benchmark
Difference
China/Hong Kong
35.6
34.0
1.6
Taiwan
31.9
25.8
6.1
South Korea
21.1
17.8
3.3
India
5.7
14.4
-8.7
Japan
2.9
0.0
2.9
Singapore
0.0
3.8
-3.8
Malaysia
0.0
1.4
-1.4
Thailand
0.0
1.3
-1.3
Indonesia
0.0
1.0
-1.0
Philippines
0.0
0.4
-0.4
Macau
0.0
0.1
-0.1
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities
2.8
0.0
2.8
Not all countries are included in the benchmark index(es).
Equity market cap of issuer
Fund
Benchmark
Difference
Mega Cap (over $25B)
54.6
69.8
-15.2
Large Cap ($10B-$25B)
21.7
20.2
1.5
Mid Cap ($3B-$10B)
10.5
10.0
0.5
Small Cap (under $3B)
10.4
0.1
10.3
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities
2.8
0.0
2.8
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.
There is no guarantee that the Fund will pay or continue to pay distributions.
Past performance 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.
Asian equities experienced volatility in the first quarter as markets surged in the first two months—supported by increasing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and an easing of the global macro environment—and in March experienced a sharp pullback as the Iran conflict threatened oil and gas shipments and triggered a spike in energy prices.
Taiwan and South Korea delivered strong returns as positive sentiment around their global leadership in AI-related chipmaking offset concerns over their dependence on oil and gas imports. In contrast, India posted the largest decline among major Asian markets as higher oil prices added to concerns over weaker economic growth and AI disruption of its IT sector.
China’s market declined, mainly due to investor rotation out of Chinese large caps that had previously delivered strong gains, and into other markets with clearer growth attributes.
In Southeast Asia, Singapore and Malaysia were among the better-performing markets, due to the resilience and diversification of their economies, while markets such as Vietnam and Indonesia posted large declines due to concerns over elevated energy prices.
Contributors and Detractors
For the quarter ended March 31, 2026, the Matthews Asia Innovators Fund returned 7.83%, (Investor Class) and 7.87% (Institutional Class) while its benchmark, the MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan Index, returned -1.13% over the same period.
On a country basis, the top three contributors to relative performance were Taiwan and South Korea due to stock selection and India due to an underweight allocation. The top three detractors were the U.S. due to an off-benchmark allocation, Singapore due to stock selection and Thailand due to zero allocation.
On a sector basis, the top three contributors to relative performance were information technology (IT), materials and industrials due to stock selection. The top three detractors were consumer discretionary due to stock selection, health care due to an overweight allocation and utilities due to zero allocation.
The largest contributors to absolute performance included Samsung Electronics, a South Korean semiconductor and consumer electronics maker, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., (TSMC), a globally leading chipmaker, and LandMark Optoelectronics Corp., a Taiwanese provider of specialist semiconductor materials. The top three detractors included Tencent Holdings, a Chinese online gaming and social media conglomerate, MakeMyTrip Ltd., an Indian consumer discretionary company, and Alibaba Group, the largest e-commerce platform company in China.
Outlook
Disruption in energy distribution and elevated oil and gas prices stemming from the Iran conflict are expected to be a dampener on global economic growth. However, the uncertainty surrounding the crisis make it difficult to assess potential scenarios with reasonable degrees of conviction.
The diversity of Asian markets means the impact of disruption to energy supplies will be uneven. While the economies, currencies and consumers of Southeast Asia and India will likely face the inflationary pressures of higher oil prices in the months ahead, thereby impacting market sentiment, South Korea and Taiwan may continue to benefit from the global dominance of their AI hardware segments.
The planned summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and China’s Xi Jinping in May is another geopolitical variable that may hold significance for markets. The outcome of the meeting could signal an improvement or a deterioration in relations, which could quickly impact market sentiment.
We believe the structural drivers of emerging markets and Asia, including the AI supply chain and global re-industrialization that impacts defense, shipping and energy, remain intact. The asset class had an impressive start to the year, backed by significant investor inflows. The conflict has placed a pause on this to some extent but we do not believe the story has paused.
Average Annual Total Returns - MATFX as of 03/31/2026
1YR
3YR
5YR
10YR
Since Inception
Inception Date
37.76%
16.17%
1.12%
11.87%
5.80%
12/27/1999
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. For the Fund's most recent month-end performance visit matthewsasia.com
Fees & Expenses
Gross Expense Ratio
1.29%
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 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.
The MSCI Korea 25/50 Index is designed to measure the performance of the large and mid cap segments of the Korean market. It applies certain investment limits that are imposed on regulated investment companies, or RICs, under the current US Internal Revenue Code.
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 March 31, 2026
Market Environment
Contributors and Detractors
Outlook
View the Fund's Top 10 holdings as of March 31, 2026. Current and future holdings are subject to change and risk.
Average Annual Total Returns - MATFX as of 03/31/2026
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. For the Fund's most recent month-end performance visit matthewsasia.com
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.