04/30/2015
Inception Date
8.57%
YTD Return
(as of 01/19/2021)
$16.22
Price
(as of 01/19/2021)
$88.03 million
Fund Assets
(as of 12/31/2020)
Long-term capital appreciation
Under normal circumstances, the Matthews Asia ESG 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 of any market capitalization located in Asia that Matthews believes satisfy one or more of its environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) standards. The Fund seeks to invest in companies across the market capitalization spectrum that Matthews believes to be undervalued but of high quality and run by management teams with good operating and governance track records. In addition, the Fund seeks to invest in those Asian companies that have the potential to profit from the long-term opportunities presented by global environmental and social challenges as well as those Asian companies that proactively manage long-term risks presented by these challenges.
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. Matthews Asia ESG Fund’s consideration of ESG factors in making its investment decisions may impact the Fund’s relative investment performance positively or negatively.
The risks associated with investing in the Fund can be found in the prospectus.
| Inception Date | 04/30/2015 | |
| Fund Assets | $88.03 million (12/31/2020) | |
| Currency | USD | |
| Ticker | MASGX | |
| Cusip | 577-130-727 | |
| Portfolio Turnover | 29.67% | |
| Benchmark | MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan Index | |
| Geographic Focus | Asia - Consists of all countries and markets in Asia, including developed, emerging, and frontier countries and markets in the Asian region | |
| Gross Expense Ratio | 1.54% | |
| Net Expense Ratio | 1.38% | |
Source: BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. All performance is in US$.
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 12/31/2020)
CATEGORY: Pacific/Asia ex-Japan Stk
Quartile & Rankings (as of 12/31/2020)
CATEGORY: Pacific Region 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
Vivek Tanneeru is a Portfolio Manager at Matthews Asia and manages the firm's Asia ESG and Asia Small Companies Strategies. Prior to joining Matthews Asia in 2011, Vivek was an Investment Manager on the Global Emerging Markets team of Pictet Asset Management in London. While at Pictet, he also worked on the firm's Global Equities team, managing Japan and Asia ex-Japan markets. Before earning his MBA from the London Business School in 2006, Vivek was a Business Systems Officer at The World Bank and served as a Consultant at Arthur Andersen Business Consulting and Citicorp Infotech Industries. He interned at Generation Investment Management while studying for his MBA Vivek received his Master's in Finance from the Birla Institute of Technology & Science in India. He is fluent in Hindi and Telugu.
Co-Manager
Portfolio Manager
Winnie Chwang is a Portfolio Manager at Matthews Asia and manages the firm's China Small Strategy and co-manages the China and Asia ESG Strategies. She joined the firm in 2004 and has built her investment career at the firm. Winnie earned an MBA from the Haas School of Business and received her B.A. in Economics with a minor in Business Administration from the University of California, Berkeley. She is fluent in Mandarin and conversational in Cantonese.
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 September 30, 2020
For the quarter ending September 30, 2020, the Matthews Asia ESG Fund returned 13.27% (Investor Class) and 13.29% (Institutional Class), while its benchmark, the MSCI All Country Asia ex-Japan Index, returned 10.79%.
Market Environment:
Asia ex-Japan equities continued their upward trajectory in the third quarter. Many Asian equity markets and currencies rallied as economic activity slowly resumed, with earlier pandemic-related lockdowns easing. Malaysia, South Korea and India were the best performing markets during the quarter, while South East Asian countries like Indonesia and Thailand were laggards. The Chinese renminbi gained on the U.S. dollar, as did the South Korean won and the Indian rupee, while the Thailand baht and the Indonesian rupiah depreciated.
For the second quarter in a row, small caps outperformed large caps suggesting that investors are anticipating broader improvement in economic activity. With an eye toward mitigating the health care and economic impacts of the pandemic, North Asia countries have generally been more successful, coordinated and effective in their public health response. South and Southeast Asia have had a relatively tougher time combatting the virus with intermittent imposition of localized lockdowns. For global equity investors, exposure to Asia provided meaningful diversification in the quarter through access to more varied return drivers, including positive local interest rates, faster normalization of economic activity and rising domestic consumption.
Performance Contributors and Detractors:
Our South Korean Electric Vehicle (EV) battery holdings LG Chem and Samsung SDI were the biggest contributors to performance this quarter. The EV sales have been strong in Europe this year, driven by the EU’s regulatory targets for carbon emissions for car makers and also driven by post-COVID stimulus that subsidized EV purchases in many countries across Europe. For both LG Chem and Samsung SDI, Europe is a key end market. The startup of Tesla’s China plant also provided boost to LG Chem’s sales as a key battery supplier. Both LG Chem and Samsung SDI continue to build their order book and we remain positive on the long-term growth prospects of both those companies. EVs are still at a very nascent stage of penetration and the current industry leaders continue to invest heavily in researching those emerging technologies themselves. LG Chem had a few industrial accidents at their chemical plants this year and we have engaged the company about health and safety improvements. Very recently LG Chem has announced ‘M-project’— a large scale safety initiative with a goal of achieving zero major environmental and accidents from 2021.
A detractor was Legend Biotech, a China-based global biotech company with a leading CAR-T cell therapy— a form of immunotherapy that helps patients’ T cells to fight cancer—in clinical trials. During the quarter there was news about CEO Frank Zhang being placed under residential surveillance for pending investigation by Chinese customs authorities, dampening investor sentiment toward Legend Biotech. Zhang is also the Chairman of Genscript, the parent company of Legend Biotech. Evidence suggests that the investigation potentially pertains to Genscript’s product line and is unrelated to Legend’s products and pipeline. Legend Biotech has appointed the CFO as an interim-CEO. We continue to believe that the company is well positioned with its innovative CAR-T cell therapy globally including in the U.S., where Johnson & Johnson’s biotech unit Janssen is a partner.
From a country perspective South Korean, Chinese and Bangladeshi holdings contributed most to relative performance during the quarter, while Taiwanese holdings detracted from performance. From a sector perspective, stock selection in financials and industrials contributed to relative performance. On the other hand, stock selection in information technology and consumer discretionary detracted.
Notable Portfolio Changes:
During the quarter, we initiated several new positions, including Marico Industries, a consumer beauty and wellness company in India. Marico is a market leader in key segments of the hair oil industry and also a leader in the healthy cooking oil market in India. Marico, a well-run consumer staples company, benefited from increased demand for its cooking oil products due to COVID-19 induced work from home situation. Its core hair care products also benefit from customers’ renewed focus on value. Marico has also rolled out several new products to address the increased hygiene/sanitation needs as well as more emphasis on health and wellness as India gets through COVID-19. The company has an excellent ESG profile spanning areas such as water conservation, renewable energy reliance and responsible packaging policies. The company also procures more than half of their agricultural raw materials directly from farmers and has a track record of extensively and successfully working with farmers to improve productivity. Meanwhile, we exited several small positions, including Kingsoft Cloud, after they had a strong run-up in stock prices during the quarter.
Outlook:
The ongoing pandemic continues to highlight the importance of ESG inputs and outcomes in Asia. Access to health care and gainful employment, for example, are key components for maintaining the region’s economic recovery. From an investment perspective, we believe companies with stronger ESG attributes may be well positioned for long-term growth.
Stepping back from some of the near-term issues in the region, we are encouraged by the progress of economic reforms in Asia. Amid the pandemic, many of Asia’s policymakers have accelerated efforts toward further opening capital markets to foreign investments, as well as toward reforming labor laws, giving employers greater flexibility in managing their workforces. While the nature of reforms varies among countries in different stages of economic development, the overall trend is unifying and positive for Asia’s capital markets. These economic reforms, combined with rising household incomes and growing domestic consumption, make Asia an attractive destination in our view for long-term equity investors. We continue to look for companies with real cash flows, sound balance sheets and skilled management teams that may offer compelling growth opportunities.
As of 9/30/2020, the securities mentioned comprised the Matthews Asia ESG Fund in the following percentages: LG Chem, Ltd., Pfd., 6.0%; Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Pfd., 4.1%; Legend Biotech Corp. ADR, 2.3%; Marico, Ltd., 1.5%; The Fund held no positions in Tesla, Genscript, Johnson & Johnson, or Kingsoft Cloud. Current and future portfolio holdings are subject to change and risk.
Average Annual Total Returns - MASGX as of 12/31/2020
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 (i) to waive fees and reimburse expenses to the extent needed to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding Rule 12b-1 fees, taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, short sale dividend expenses, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or reorganization or extraordinary expenses such as litigation) of the Institutional Class (which is offered through a separate prospectus to eligible investors) to 1.20%, first by waiving class specific expenses (e.g., shareholder service fees specific to a particular class) of the Institutional Class and then, to the extent necessary, by waiving nonclass specific expenses (e.g., custody fees) of the Institutional Class, and (ii) if any Fund-wide expenses (i.e., expenses that apply to both the Institutional Class and the Investor Class) are waived for the Institutional Class to maintain the 1.20% expense limitation, to waive an equal amount (in annual percentage terms) of those same expenses for the Investor Class. The Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement for the Investor Class may vary from year to year and will in some years exceed 1.20%. If the operating expenses fall below the expense limitation in a year within three years after Matthews has made a waiver or reimbursement, the Fund may reimburse Matthews up to an amount that does not cause the expenses for that year to exceed the lesser of (i) the expense limitation applicable at the time of that fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement or (ii) the expense limitation in effect at the time of recoupment. This agreement will remain in place until April 30, 2021 and may be terminated at any time by the Board of Trustees on behalf of the Fund on 60 days’ written notice to Matthews. Matthews may decline to renew this agreement by written notice to the Trust at least 30 days before its annual expiration date.