10/31/2005
Inception Date
24.12%
YTD Return
(as of 09/17/2021)
$32.63
Price
(as of 09/17/2021)
$820.32 million
Fund Assets
(as of 08/31/2021)
Long-term capital appreciation
Under normal circumstances, the Matthews India Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which include borrowings for investment purposes, in publicly traded common stocks, preferred stocks and convertible securities of companies located in India. The Fund seeks to invest in companies capable of sustainable growth based on the fundamental characteristics of those companies, including balance sheet information; number of employees; size and stability of cash flow; management’s depth, adaptability and integrity; product lines; marketing strategies; corporate governance; and financial health.
Investments in Asian securities may involve risks such as social and political instability, market illiquidity, exchange-rate fluctuations, a high level of volatility and limited regulation. Investing in emerging markets involves different and greater risks, as these countries are substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile than securities markets in more developed markets. In addition, investments in a single-country fund, which is considered a non-diversified fund, may be subject to a higher degree of market risk than diversified funds because of concentration in a specific country.
The risks associated with investing in the Fund can be found in the prospectus.
| Inception Date | 10/31/2005 | |
| Fund Assets | $820.32 million (08/31/2021) | |
| Currency | USD | |
| Ticker | MINDX | |
| Cusip | 577-130-859 | |
| Portfolio Turnover | 57.4% | |
| Benchmark | S&P Bombay Stock Exchange 100 Index | |
| Geographic Focus | India | |
| Gross Expense Ratio | 1.15% | |
Source: BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. All performance is in US$.
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 06/30/2021)
CATEGORY: India Equity
(as of 06/30/2021)
CATEGORY: India 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
Peeyush Mittal is a Portfolio Manager at Matthews Asia and manages the firm's India Strategy. Prior to joining the firm 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
Portfolio Manager
Sharat Shroff is a Portfolio Manager at Matthews Asia and manages the firm's Pacific Tiger Strategy and co-manages the India Strategy. Prior to joining the firm in 2005 as a Research Analyst, Sharat worked in the San Francisco and Hong Kong offices of Morgan Stanley as an Equity Research Associate. Sharat received a Bachelor of Technology from the Institute of Technology in Varanasi, India and an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, in Calcutta, India. He is fluent in Hindi and Bengali.
Sources: BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc., Factset Research Systems, Inc., Zephyr StyleADVISOR, Matthews Asia
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.
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, 2021
For the first half of 2021, the Matthews India Fund returned 11.03% (Investor Class) and 11.07% (Institutional Class) while its benchmark, the S&P Bombay Stock Exchange 100 Index, returned 12.28% over the same period. For the quarter ending June 30, the Fund returned 7.87% (Investor Class) and 7.91% (Institutional Class), while its benchmark returned 6.39%.
Market Environment:
Indian equity markets have been fairly resilient despite a vicious second COVID wave, punchy equity valuations and higher-than-normal inflation outlook. Overall economic sentiment at the start of the year was very robust, as consumer demand and industrial activity continued to recover from last year’s COVID-induced slowdown. Additionally, a pro-growth budget presented by India’s central government, with an emphasis on higher infrastructure spending in the coming years, helped boost consumer confidence. India’s central bank also continued with its accommodative monetary policy, despite inflationary pressures being visible across sectors. However, economic recovery was impaired as a second wave of COVID infections began to engulf India in April. The health impact of this second wave was far worse than the first wave, as it exposed the country’s inadequate health infrastructure, and consequently fatalities were much greater. The crisis began to ease somewhat after many state governments imposed localized lockdowns in the most affected cities and towns. While lockdowns in some parts of the country have continued, the month of June has seen a return to normalcy in mobility across the country.
Indian equities have provided positive returns over the last six months despite many adverse economic events. In part, this is because many Indians are diverting their financial savings from fixed deposits to equity markets given the low interest rates prevailing in the economy despite high inflation. As a result, the number of individual brokerage accounts have doubled in last 12 months.
Performance Contributors and Detractors:
For the first six month of the year, our strong stock selection in health care, information technology and consumer staples sectors contributed to performance. On the other hand, stock selection in financials, consumer discretionary and materials sectors detracted.
Security selection within the health care sector continued to be a bright spot. Laurus Labs, a mid-cap pharmaceutical company focused on producing medication targeting HIV disease treatment in poor countries in Africa, contributed the most to Fund’s absolute and relative performance during the first half of the year. From being an API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) manufacturer, Laurus Labs has evolved into a fully vertically integrated manufacturer, which has helped it gain market share and improve its margins. Laurus Labs is also diversifying into other types of therapies in an effort to reduce its reliance on anti-virals, which we think is a much larger market and will likely allow the company to scale its business beyond current levels.
On the other hand, Bandhan Bank Ltd., a financial services company providing full service banking including microfinance products to traditionally underserved markets, detracted the most during the period. Bandhan Bank has had many external headwinds negatively impact its business in the last few years. However, despite the headwinds, Bandhan Bank continues to be a very well capitalized, profitable company. We expect the business will begin to normalize as COVID vaccination efforts gather steam and the impact of the pandemic starts to recede.
Notable Portfolio Changes:
We made a few changes to the portfolio in the second quarter, including initiating a position in one of southern India’s largest cement producers. Ramco Cements is expected to increase its capacity in the next three to six months. We believe the large capacity expansion makes the company very well positioned to benefit from the pick up in infrastructure spending and construction activity, which we anticipate will focus slightly more in southern India as compared to previous years. We expect the additional cash flow generated would be used to de-lever the balance sheet and to positively benefit its equity shareholders.
Given the negative impact the second wave of COVID has had on India’s economy in general, and many households in particular, we have taken a more conservative approach to portfolio positioning. We have opted to remain in liquid and cash-rich businesses rather than more levered businesses. As a consequence, we decided to exit some of our smaller financial holdings, including DCB Bank Ltd. and Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited, where we believe credit quality has likely deteriorated and the road to recovery would be long.
Outlook:
While the second wave of COVID infections seems to have abated in India, there is already some indications of the potential for a third wave to start soon. It is also likely that in the near term, discretionary consumption may be reduced as household savings of many have been negatively impacted due to higher health care spending in recent months. However, as vaccination efforts in India continue to gather pace, we believe COVID’s impact on human health and India’s economy will continue to recede in the coming months.
Despite near-term COVID challenges, we remain optimistic about India’s cyclical recovery, aided by increased infrastructure spending and a likely pick up in private sector capital spending. We are also seeing signs of increased manufacturing activity in India and greater acceptance of the governments’ ”Make in India” initiative. We also anticipate that India’s central bank will continue with its accommodating monetary policy, even if inflation remains elevated.
Given the existing conditions, we will continue with our conservative approach to portfolio construction, which includes investing in businesses with strong balance sheets and cash flows, and that will benefit from cyclical economic recovery ahead.
As of June 30, 2021, the securities mentioned comprised the Matthews India Fund in the following percentages: Laurus Labs, Ltd., 2.3%; Bandhan Bank, Ltd., 2.2%; and Ramco Cements, LtdThe Fund held no positions in DCB Bank, Ltd. and Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services, Ltd.
Current and future portfolio holdings are subject to change and risk.
Average Annual Total Returns - MINDX as of 06/30/2021
All performance quoted is past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate with changing market conditions so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the return figures quoted. Returns would have been lower if certain of the Fund's fees and expenses had not been waived. Please see the Fund's most recent month-end performance.
Fees & Expenses
Investments in Asian securities may involve risks such as social and political instability, market illiquidity, exchange-rate fluctuations, a high level of volatility and limited regulation. Investing in emerging markets involves different and greater risks, as these countries are substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile than securities markets in more developed markets. In addition, investments in a single-country fund, which is considered a non-diversified fund, may be subject to a higher degree of market risk than diversified funds because of concentration in a specific country.