Snapshot
- Bottom-up Asia credit strategy, with a focus on risk-adjusted returns
- Invest primarily in USD-denominated high yield Asian bonds
- Flexibility to invest across the spectrum of credit quality and issuers’ capital structure
30/09/2015
Inception Date
-1.42%
YTD Return (USD)
(as of 19/01/2021)
$9.74
Price (USD)
(as of 19/01/2021)
$22.03 million
Fund Assets
(as of 31/12/2020)
Objective
Total return over the long term.
Strategy
Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 65% of its net assets in income-producing securities including, but not limited to, debt and debt-related instruments and derivative instruments with fixed income characteristics, issued by governments, quasi-governmental entities, supra-national institutions and companies in Asia. On an ancillary basis, the Fund may invest in dividend-paying equity securities of the foregoing issuers. Investments may be denominated in any currency, and may represent any part of a company’s capital structure from debt to equity or with features of both.
Risks
The value of an investment in the Fund can go down as well as up and possible loss of principal is a risk of investing. Investments in international and emerging market securities may involve risks such as social and political instability, market illiquidity, exchange-rate fluctuations, a high level of volatility and limited regulation. Fixed income investments are subject to additional risks, including, but not limited to, interest rate, credit and inflation risks. The Fund may invest in the following: derivatives which can be volatile and affect Fund performance; high yield bonds (junk bonds) which can subject the Fund to substantial risk of loss; and structured investments which can change the risk or return, or replicate the risk or return of an underlying asset. The Fund invests in holdings denominated in foreign currencies, and is exposed to the risk that the value of the foreign currency will increase or decrease.
The risks associated with investing in the Fund can be found in the prospectus.
Fund Facts
| Inception Date | 30/09/2015 | |
| Fund Assets | $22.03 million (31/12/2020) | |
| Base Currency | USD | |
| ISIN: | LU1275263116 (USD) LU1275263389 (GBP) | |
| Bloomberg Symbol | MACOIUS:LX (USD) MACOIGB:LX (GBP) | |
| Benchmark | J.P. Morgan Asia Credit Index | |
| Geographic Focus | Asia: Consists of all countries and markets in Asia, including developed, emerging, and frontier countries and markets in the Asian region | |
Fees & Expenses
| Management Fee | 0.65% | |
| Total Expense Ratio As of 31/03/2020 | 1.25% ( USD ) 1.25% ( GBP ) | |
Performance
- Monthly
- Quarterly
- Calendar Year
- Rolling 12 Month
Returns
As of 31/12/2020
As of 31/12/2020
For the years ended December 31st
For the period ended 31/12/2020
Source: Brown Brothers Harriman (Luxembourg) S.C.A., Index data from J.P. Morgan.
Since inception performance for share classes with less than one year of history represents actual performance, not annualised. In addition, for share classes less than a year old, Year to Date Return is calculated since inception. Where no past performance is shown there was insufficient data available in that year to provide performance.
Performance details provided are based on a NAV-to-NAV basis with any dividends reinvested, and are net of management fees and other expenses. Performance data has been calculated in the respective currencies stated above, including ongoing charges and excluding subscription fee and redemption fee you might have to pay.
All performance quoted represents past performance and is not indicative of future performance. Investors may not get back the full amount invested. Investors investing in funds denominated in non-local currency should be aware of the risk of currency exchange fluctuations that may cause a loss of principal.
Additional performance, attribution, liquidity, value at risk (VaR), security classification and holdings information is available on request for certain time periods.
Yield
(as of 31/12/2020)
6.94%
Yield to Worst
Source: FactSet Research Systems, Bloomberg, Matthews
Portfolio Characteristics
(as of 31/12/2020)3.1
Modified Duration
29
Number of Positions
Source: Brown Brothers Harriman (Luxembourg) S.C.A
Top 10 Positions
(as of 31/12/2020)Top 10 holdings may combine more than one security from the same issuer and related depositary receipts.
Source: Brown Brothers Harriman (Luxembourg) S.C.A
Portfolio Breakdown (%)
(as of 31/12/2020)- Sector Allocation
- Country Allocation
- Currency Allocation
- Quality Distribution
- Asset Type Breakdown
Source: FactSet Research Systems unless otherwise noted.
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.
Ratings
Ratings (as of 31/12/2020)
CATEGORY: Asia High Yield Bond
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. High ratings and rankings does not assure favorable performance.
Overall Morningstar RatingTM is reflective of the USD Accumulation Share class. Fund ratings represent an opinion only and are not a recommendation to buy or sell any fund. Copyright ©2020 Morningstar, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The information contained herein: (1) is proprietary to Morningstar and/or its content providers; (2) may not be copied or distributed; and (3) is provided for reference purposes only.
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.
Portfolio Managers
Teresa Kong, CFA
Lead Manager
Teresa Kong, CFA
Portfolio Manager
Teresa Kong is a Portfolio Manager at Matthews Asia and manages the firm’s Asia Total Return Bond and Asia Credit Opportunities Strategies. Prior to joining Matthews Asia in 2010, she was Head of Emerging Market Investments at Barclays Global Investors, now known as BlackRock, and responsible for managing the firm’s investment strategies in Emerging Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa and Latin America. She developed and managed strategies spanning absolute return, active long-only and exchange-traded funds. In addition to founding the Fixed Income Emerging Markets Group at BlackRock, she was also Senior Portfolio Manager and Credit Strategist on the Fixed Income credit team. Previously, Teresa was a Senior Securities Analyst in the High Yield Group with Oppenheimer Funds, and began her career with J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., where she worked in the Structured Products Group and Latin America Capital Markets Group. She received both a B.A. in Economics and Political Science and an M.A. in International Development Policies from Stanford University. She speaks Cantonese fluently and is conversational in Mandarin.
Satya Patel
Lead Manager
Satya Patel
Portfolio Manager
Satya Patel is a Portfolio Manager at Matthews Asia and manages the firm's Asia Credit Opportunities Strategy and co-manages the Asia Total Return Bond and Asian Growth and Income Strategies. Prior to joining Matthews Asia in 2011, Satya was an Investment Analyst with Concerto Asset Management. He earned his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in 2010. In 2009, Satya worked as an Investment Associate in Private Placements for Metlife Investments and from 2006 to 2008, he was an Associate in Credit Hedge Fund Sales for Deutsche Bank in London. He holds a Master's in Accounting and Finance from the London School of Economics and a B.A. in Business Administration and Public Health from the University of Georgia. Satya is proficient in Gujarati.
Distributions
Performance figures discussed in the Fund Manager Commentary above reflect that of the Institutional Accumulation Class Shares and has been calculated in USD. Performance details provided for the Fund are based on a NAV-to-NAV basis, with any dividends reinvested, and are net of management fees and other expenses. Past performance information is not indicative of future performance. Investors may not get back the full amount invested.
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. Matthews Asia and its affiliates do not accept any liability for losses either direct or consequential caused by the use of this information.
Information contained herein is sourced from Matthews Asia unless otherwise stated. The views and opinions in this commentary were as of the report date, subject to change and may not reflect the writer’s 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.
Investors should not invest in the Fund solely based on the information in this material alone. Please refer to the Prospectus for further details of the risk factors.
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 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 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).
Commentary
Period ended 30 September 2020
For the quarter ending 30 September 2020, the Matthews Asia Credit Opportunities Fund returned 2.66% (A Dist) and 2.83% (I Dist) while its benchmark, the JP Morgan Asia Credit Index (JACI) returned 2.12%.
Market Environment:
The third quarter was characterized initially by optimism and improvement in market sentiment before market conditions deteriorated near the end of the quarter. The average spread of JACI was 18 basis points (0.18%) tighter on the quarter. The average spread of the high yield portion of JACI was 34 basis points (0.34%) tighter in the quarter.
A number of factors whip-sawed risk sentiment. Throughout the quarter, news flow pointed to progress in the race to manufacture an effective COVID-19 vaccine. Beyond the potential forced sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations, there was no significant deterioration in U.S. – China relations. Toward the end of the quarter, sentiment shifted, with daily confirmed COVID cases rising in the U.S. and Europe and a lack of progress on a second round of stimulus in the U.S. With the U.S. election quickly approaching, markets focused on the uncertainty, in particular regarding the accuracy of final vote count as well as a potential messy transfer of power.
Within Asian credit, China was the single largest contributor to positive performance, given its large index weight and positive performance. During the third quarter, one of the most significant negative news for Chinese companies came from the large property developer Evergrande. A letter circulated suggesting the company was seeking government support and considering a restructuring. Even though the company denied the authenticity of the letter, it was enough to drive credit spreads wider across Asia. We believe Evergrande’s issues to be idiosyncratic and not an indication of the overall health of Chinese developers. We have avoided companies such as Evergrande on credit concerns and generally prefer higher quality Chinese property names.
Performance Contributors and Detractors:
Long-duration investment-grade names, such as Syngenta and China Jinmao perpetual bonds contributed to performance during the quarter as investors reached for yield without straying too far from credit quality. Across the board, high yield companies generally did well and had positive performance in the quarter. The top returning sector continued to be Chinese property developers, with China Jinmao and Dalian Wanda as the two biggest contributors to outperformance.
The top detractors were perpetual bonds of Philippines fast-food conglomerate Jollibee, convertible bonds of Baozun, a Chinese e-commerce solutions company, and PB International, an Indonesian textile manufacturer. Jollibeehas been experiencing an uneven recovery from COVID. However, given the long-term operating track record of the company, we believe the bonds have long-term upside potential. Pan Brothers faces market scrutiny due to its upcoming bank loan refinancing needs, but we feel comfortable holding the bond due to the continued strength in operations, which have been buoyed by a shift towards manufacturing of personal protective equipment.
Notable Portfolio Changes:
During the third quarter, we exited Cikarang Listrindo, an Indonesian company. These bonds had recovered quite well, and we felt there was limited remaining upside. We also exited the contingent convertible securities of HSBC.
We added bonds issued by Tata Motors after the company committed to significantly reducing its outstanding debt in the next few years. We also added bonds of Poseidon Finance, a financing vehicle of China Shipbuilding Investment Corporation that are exchangeable into shares of Postal Savings Bank in China. While Postal Savings Bank equity will continue to come under pressure, the credit quality of China Shipbuilding Investment Corporation, as a wholly owned central government enterprise, is that of a quasi-sovereign. The yield on the bonds reflected the challenging outlook for the underlying equity, but compensates well for the minimal default risk.
Outlook:
Looking ahead, there are numerous uncertainties on the horizon in the coming quarters. With voting already underway in the United States, the November election will give markets a direction after a rollercoaster year. Even with the election settled, the true extent of the coronavirus spread in U.S. and emerging markets remains uncertain, with an imminent vaccine more of a hope than a foregone conclusion at this point.
As markets continue to assess the uncertainties mentioned above, we expect idiosyncratic risks and company specific risks to be the dominant concern. We believe the market will focus on determining the degree to which a sector and company is impacted by the pandemic. As a result, dispersion between geographical regions and between different credit qualities will in our view increase going forward. Given the high macro risks, we continue to favor companies with good credit quality and low liquidity risks, which should give them the best buffers to withstand macro uncertainties.
Looking still further ahead, we note that the importance of geopolitics will not wane once the U.S. election is decided, particularly between the U.S. and China, where trade and intellectual property disputes can be expected to continue for years to come. In addition to U.S. – China relations, we are increasingly worried about uncertainties in U.S. election vote counting as well as implications of a potential disruptive power transfer in U.S. Although this is a small probability tail risk, we believe it deserves further attention.
Rolling 12 Month Returns For the period ended 31/12/2020 - I (Dist)
Sources: Brown Brothers Harriman (Luxembourg) S.C.A, Matthews Asia, FactSet Research Systems, Bloomberg