12/31/1998
Inception Date
-22.36%
YTD Return
(as of 05/20/2022)
$17.15
Price
(as of 05/20/2022)
$1.16 billion
Fund Assets
(as of 04/30/2022)
Long-term capital appreciation
Under normal circumstances, the Matthews Japan 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 Japan. 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. 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.
These and other risks associated with investing in the Fund can be found in the prospectus.
| Inception Date | 12/31/1998 | |
| Fund Assets | $1.16 billion (04/30/2022) | |
| Currency | USD | |
| Ticker | MJFOX | |
| Cusip | 577-130-800 | |
| Portfolio Turnover | 70.3% | |
| Benchmark | MSCI Japan Index | |
| Geographic Focus | Japan | |
| Gross Expense Ratio | 0.95% | |
| Objective | Long-term capital appreciation |
| Strategy | Under normal circumstances, the Matthews Japan Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which include borrowings for investment purposes, in the common and preferred stocks of companies located in Japan. The Fund seeks to invest in companies capable of sustainable growth based on the fundamental characteristics of those companies, including balance sheet information; number of employees; size and stability of cash flow; management’s depth, adaptability and integrity; product lines; marketing strategies; corporate governance; and financial health. |
| Risks |
Investments in Asian securities may involve risks such as social and political instability, market illiquidity, exchange-rate fluctuations, a high level of volatility and limited regulation. In addition, investments in a single-country fund, which is considered a non-diversified fund, may be subject to a higher degree of market risk than diversified funds because of concentration in a specific country.
The risks associated with investing in the Fund can be found in the prospectus |
Source: BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. All performance is in US$.
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 03/31/2022)
CATEGORY: Japan Stock
| OVERALL | 3 stars | out of 34 funds |
| 3 YEAR | 3 stars | out of 34 funds |
| 5 YEAR | 3 stars | out of 27 funds |
| 10 YEAR | 3 stars | out of 21 funds |
(as of 03/31/2022)
CATEGORY: Japanese Funds
| 1 YEAR | 3rd | 26 out of 34 funds |
| 3 YEAR | 2nd | 14 out of 33 funds |
| 5 YEAR | 3rd | 16 out of 26 funds |
| 10 YEAR | 2nd | 8 out of 20 funds |
| SINCE INCEPTION | 2nd | 3 out of 7 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.
Lead Manager
Portfolio Manager and Head of Research
Shuntaro Takeuchi is a Portfolio Manager at Matthews Asia and manages the firm’s Japan Strategy. Prior to joining the firm in 2016, he was an Executive Director for Japan Equity Sales at UBS Securities LLC in New York. Beginning in 2003, he worked on both Japanese Equity and International Equity Sales at UBS Japan Securities, based in Tokyo, and held the position of Special Situations Analyst from 2006 to 2008, and Head of International Equity Sales from 2009 to 2013. Before that, he worked at Merrill Lynch Japan from 2001 to 2003 in U.S. Equity Sales. Shuntaro received a B.A. in Commerce and Management from Hitotsubashi University in Tokyo. He is fluent in Japanese.
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.
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 March 31, 2022
For the first quarter of the year, the Fund returned -16.16% (Investor Class) and -16.13% (Institutional Class), while its benchmark, the MSCI Japan Index, returned -6.45% over the same period.
Market Environment:
The first quarter saw two significant trends in Japanese equity markets. Japanese stocks performed better than their international peers, excluding U.S. markets, despite the yen weakening to the lowest level since 2015. Ongoing improvements in Japan corporates’ margin capabilities and reasonable valuation levels contributed to this performance. At the same time, Japanese markets experienced a historic quarter for value style investing that was induced by the sharp repricing of bond yields. The month of January saw the largest spread between growth performance and value performance in 30 years.
Performance Contributors and Detractors:
Overall, the first three months of the year were not dissimilar to the first three months of 2021 as our focus on high-quality growth struggled amid a surge in U.S. 10-year bond yields. From a sector perspective, allocations in our key overweight sectors—information technology, health care and industrials—were the largest detractors to the relative performance of the portfolio. Industrials was notably impacted due to its inclusion of commodity price-sensitive trading companies and cyclical-transport enterprises—businesses that have been challenged by surging fuel prices and supply-chain disruption. On the other hand, our overweight and stock selection in consumer staples was the largest contributor to relative performance.
From a market cap point of view, our overweight in small cap stocks—those under $3 billion—was also a detractor to performance. Our underweight in mega cap and mid cap stocks was also a large detractor.
Turning to individual securities, technology conglomerate Sony Group Corp. was the largest detractor to Fund performance. Soon after the stock approached near all-time high prices on the second trading day of 2022 it faced profit-taking selling pressure even after reporting strong third-quarter results. Like Sony, Recruit Holdings Co., a leading HR and media marketing-solution provider, was one of the portfolio’s top contributors last year. But in the first quarter of 2022, Recruit was the second-largest detractor. Its HR Tech segment, comprising indeed.com and Glassdoor, has reported record high margins with over 40% in topline growth and so it will face tough year-over-year sales comparisons in the next fiscal year.
On the positive side, Seven & i Holdings Co., the operator of 7-Eleven stores in Japan and the U.S., was the largest contributor to performance. We believe the company’s U.S. operation (7-Eleven Inc. and Speedway, the gas-station/convenience-store chain) will continue to benefit from high fuel prices, as well as from the group’s ability to achieve synergies and pass-through costs. Longer term, there’s also potential for improved corporate governance. Trading giant Mitsubishi Corp. was the second-largest contributor. The company continues to benefit from high commodity prices and a weaker yen. Additionally, we think Mitsubishi will improve its focus on total shareholder return along with its investments for renewable energy.
Notable Portfolio Changes:
One significant adjustment within our portfolio is the increase in defensive sectors such as consumer staples. While we still see economic growth recovery as the world reopens from the pandemic, ongoing uncertainty over the war in Ukraine, coupled with inflation risks and a rising interest-rate environment, warrant a more balanced approach towards growth in our view.
In the first quarter, we initiated a position in NTT Data Corp., an IT service company that is benefiting from domestic government demand for digital transformation projects and restructuring efforts bearing fruit in its overseas business. We took advantage of recent market weakness which sent the shares down to lower valuation levels.
We also initiated a position in IHI Corp. We believe the heavy machinery company will benefit from an aircraft-parts recovery as economic activity reopens. We also think the company’s liquified natural gas (LNG) boilers and nuclear facility after-service businesses will gain from high energy prices.
In order to make positions for new names we exited Advantest Corp., Eisai Co., Ibiden Co., JMDC Inc., Kakaku.com Inc., Mitsui High-tec Inc., Net Protections Holdings Inc., Nintendo Co., OBIC Business Consultants Co., Sansan Inc. and Sysmex Corp.
Outlook:
2022, just like 2021, is off to a tough start for high-quality growth strategies. The velocity of the widening of growth-value spreads has made it challenging to adapt our strategy quickly. But while extremely loose monetary policy from all major central banks has come to an end and the Federal Reserve has officially started to tighten, we believe that the long-value/short-growth trade has now fully unwound back to pre-pandemic levels. And during the first quarter, growth companies continued to improve their margins and strengthen their cashflow generation abilities.
So, while we are taking a more balanced approach towards multiple stages of growth and valuation levels, we believe the earnings capability of Japanese companies has improved meaningfully over the past economic cycle, helped by productivity improvements, better corporate governance, innovation and a higher focus on capital efficiency.
For many years, Japanese equities have not been considered a place to invest but rather a place to trade in and out of. However, the dynamic has meaningfully changed since 2010 as Japanese corporates have been generating improving levels of profits in each bottom of the cycle. 2020 showed another resiliency of Japanese corporate profits. We believe Japanese equity market fundamentals have turned from pure value to cyclical growth. While many global investors are skeptical of this change, we believe that is where the investment opportunity lies.
View the Fund’s Top 10 holdings as of March 31, 2022. Current and future holdings are subject to change and risk.
Average Annual Total Returns - MJFOX as of 03/31/2022
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. 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.