A focus on Asia—and providing compelling investment solutions for our clients—is what we believe distinguishes us among investment managers. Our insights into investment opportunities and risks are backed by proprietary research, a collaborative culture and 30 years of experience.
High-conviction growth strategy seeks alpha in Japan
Unconstrained all-cap approach seeking Japanese companies positioned to benefit from Asia's growth
Invests in companies leveraged to the fast growing consumer demand across Asia, global industry leaders and entrepreneurial companies providing innovative domestic solutions
The Fund promotes environmental and social characteristics according to Article 8 of SFDR. Furthermore, the Fund uses both activity- and norm-based exclusions. Information relating to the environmental and social characteristics of this Fund is available in the prospectus.
Strategy
The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing, directly or indirectly, at least 65% of its total net assets, in publicly traded common stocks, preferred stocks and convertible securities of companies located in Japan, and may invest the remainder of its net assets in other permitted assets on a worldwide basis.
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 market securities may involve risks such as social and political instability, market illiquidity, exchange-rate fluctuations, a high level of volatility and limited regulation. The Fund invests in holdings denominated in foreign currency, and is exposed to the risk that the value of the foreign currency will increase or decrease. The Fund invests primarily in equity securities, which may result in increased volatility. Investments in a single-country 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.
The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing, directly or indirectly, at least 65% of its total net assets, in publicly traded common stocks, preferred stocks and convertible securities of companies located in Japan, and may invest the remainder of its net assets in other permitted assets on a worldwide basis.
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 market securities may involve risks such as social and political instability, market illiquidity, exchange-rate fluctuations, a high level of volatility and limited regulation. The Fund invests in holdings denominated in foreign currency, and is exposed to the risk that the value of the foreign currency will increase or decrease. The Fund invests primarily in equity securities, which may result in increased volatility. Investments in a single-country 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
Performance
Monthly
Quarterly
Calendar Year
Rolling 12 Month Returns
As of 31/12/2024
Annualized Returns
Name
1MO
3MO
YTD
1YR
3YR
5YR
10YR
Since Inception
Inception Date
Matthews Japan Fund (USD)
-1.12%
-5.13%
16.58%
16.58%
0.81%
5.93%
n.a.
6.56%
30/04/2015
MSCI Japan Index (USD)
-0.33%
-3.58%
8.68%
8.68%
3.18%
5.19%
n.a.
5.39%
Matthews Japan Fund (GBP)
0.22%
1.43%
18.26%
18.26%
3.26%
7.02%
n.a.
8.83%
30/04/2015
MSCI Japan Index (GBP)
1.16%
3.27%
10.62%
10.62%
5.91%
6.38%
n.a.
7.65%
Matthews Japan Fund (USD Hedged)
3.77%
5.38%
33.63%
33.63%
15.78%
16.34%
n.a.
13.81%
03/04/2017
MSCI Japan Index 100% Hedged to USD (USD Hedged)
4.64%
7.27%
27.09%
27.09%
19.43%
16.42%
n.a.
13.88%
As of 31/12/2024
Annualized Returns
Name
1MO
3MO
YTD
1YR
3YR
5YR
10YR
Since Inception
Inception Date
Matthews Japan Fund (USD)
-1.12%
-5.13%
16.58%
16.58%
0.81%
5.93%
n.a.
6.56%
30/04/2015
MSCI Japan Index (USD)
-0.33%
-3.58%
8.68%
8.68%
3.18%
5.19%
n.a.
5.39%
Matthews Japan Fund (GBP)
0.22%
1.43%
18.26%
18.26%
3.26%
7.02%
n.a.
8.83%
30/04/2015
MSCI Japan Index (GBP)
1.16%
3.27%
10.62%
10.62%
5.91%
6.38%
n.a.
7.65%
Matthews Japan Fund (USD Hedged)
3.77%
5.38%
33.63%
33.63%
15.78%
16.34%
n.a.
13.81%
03/04/2017
MSCI Japan Index 100% Hedged to USD (USD Hedged)
4.64%
7.27%
27.09%
27.09%
19.43%
16.42%
n.a.
13.88%
For the years ended December 31st
Name
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
Matthews Japan Fund (USD)
16.58%
20.15%
-26.87%
-1.96%
32.83%
25.54%
-20.58%
33.40%
0.19%
MSCI Japan Index (USD)
8.68%
20.77%
-16.31%
2.04%
14.91%
20.07%
-12.58%
24.39%
2.73%
Matthews Japan Fund (GBP)
18.26%
13.70%
-18.12%
-0.63%
28.30%
21.61%
-16.16%
21.57%
20.43%
MSCI Japan Index (GBP)
10.62%
13.96%
-5.76%
2.98%
11.36%
15.44%
-7.14%
13.62%
22.53%
Matthews Japan Fund (USD Hedged)
33.63%
35.89%
-14.54%
9.63%
25.29%
26.94%
-20.85%
n.a.
n.a.
MSCI Japan Index 100% Hedged to USD (USD Hedged)
27.09%
36.24%
-1.62%
13.96%
10.14%
21.81%
-13.31%
n.a.
n.a.
For the period ended 31/12/2024
Name
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
Inception Date
Matthews Japan Fund (USD)
16.58%
20.15%
-26.87%
-1.96%
32.83%
30/04/2015
MSCI Japan Index (USD)
8.68%
20.77%
-16.31%
2.04%
14.91%
Matthews Japan Fund (GBP)
18.26%
13.70%
-18.12%
-0.63%
28.30%
30/04/2015
MSCI Japan Index (GBP)
10.62%
13.96%
-5.76%
2.98%
11.36%
Matthews Japan Fund (USD Hedged)
33.63%
35.89%
-14.54%
9.63%
25.29%
03/04/2017
MSCI Japan Index 100% Hedged to USD (USD Hedged)
27.09%
36.24%
-1.62%
13.96%
10.14%
Source: Brown Brothers Harriman (Luxembourg) S.C.A.
All returns over 1 year are annualized
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.
Portfolio Characteristics
(as of 31/12/2024)
Fund
Benchmark
Number of Positions
45
191
Weighted Average Market Cap
$63.8 billion
$66.9 billion
Active Share
60.7
n.a.
P/E using FY1 estimates
17.6x
15.3x
P/E using FY2 estimates
15.9x
14.3x
Price/Cash Flow
12.8
9.9
Price/Book
1.9
1.5
Return On Equity
12.7
11.8
EPS Growth (3 Yr)
9.2%
10.0%
Sources: Factset Research Systems, Inc.
Risk Metrics (3 Yr Return)
(as of 31/12/2024)
Category
3YR Return Metric
Alpha
-1.89%
Beta
1.11
Upside Capture
116.2%
Downside Capture
119.59%
Sharpe Ratio
-0.17
Information Ratio
-0.4
Tracking Error
5.88%
R²
91.14
-1.89%
Alpha
1.11
Beta
116.20%
Upside Capture
119.59%
Downside Capture
-0.17
Sharpe Ratio
-0.40
Information Ratio
5.88%
Tracking Error
91.14
R²
Fund Risk Metrics are reflective of Class I USD ACC shares.
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 31/12/2024)
Sector Allocation
Market Cap Exposure
Sector
Fund
Benchmark
Difference
Industrials
23.7
23.4
0.3
Consumer Discretionary
20.5
18.9
1.6
Financials
16.0
15.7
0.3
Information Technology
13.7
13.8
-0.1
Health Care
6.0
7.7
-1.7
Communication Services
5.6
7.3
-1.7
Consumer Staples
5.4
5.2
0.2
Materials
5.0
3.8
1.2
Real Estate
1.5
2.3
-0.8
Utilities
0.0
1.0
-1.0
Energy
0.0
0.8
-0.8
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities
2.6
0.0
2.6
Sector data based on MSCI’s revised Global Industry Classification Standards. For more details, visit www.msci.com.
Equity market cap of issuer
Fund
Benchmark
Difference
Mega Cap (over $25B)
60.9
68.7
-7.8
Large Cap ($10B-$25B)
17.4
20.7
-3.3
Mid Cap ($3B-$10B)
12.8
10.6
2.2
Small Cap (under $3B)
6.3
0.0
6.3
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities
2.6
0.0
2.6
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.
ESG Characteristics
(as of 30/09/2024)
Business Involvement
Sustainability Attributes
Name
Fund
Benchmark
Difference
Controversial Weapons
Fund Coverage: 100%Benchmark Coverage: 100%
0.0
0.9
-0.9
Tobacco
Fund Coverage: 100%Benchmark Coverage: 100%
0.0
0.9
-0.9
Name
Fund
Benchmark
Difference
UN Global Compact Violators
Fund Coverage: 100%Benchmark Coverage: 100%
0.0
0.0
0.0
Board Diversity
Fund Coverage: 100%Benchmark Coverage: 100%
17.0
18.3
-1.3
Board Diversity: Represents the weighted average ratio of female board members in investee companies. Tobacco: Represents companies that generate more than 5% of revenue from tobacco manufacturing exposure to or production or that generate more than 50% of revenue from tobacco retail. UN Global Compact Violators: Represents companies that have been assessed as failing to comply with the 10 United Nations Global Compact Principles by ISS-ESG Norms-Based Research. Different ESG research providers may come to different conclusions on the severity of the violation. Controversial weapons include companies with involvement in the following: anti-personnel mines; biological and chemical weapons; cluster weapons; depleted uranium; nuclear weapons and white phosphorus. A company is excluded if it is directly involved in the production, selling and/or distribution of (parts of) controversial weapons and this involvement concerns the core weapon system, or components/services of the core weapon system that are tailor-made and essential for the lethal use of the weapon.
Fund Coverage: 99%; Benchmark Coverage: 100% as of 30/09/2024
GHG Intensity: Represents the normalized portfolio’s total weighted average (scope 1 + scope 2) carbon emissions intensity, using the most recently available data (emissions data from 2020, 2021). Carbon intensity represents the issuer’s total carbon emissions per EUR million of revenue (tCO2e divided by EUR million in revenue).
Source: Sourced from ISS ESG. Where not covered by external data providers, we have tried to source these data points.
Sustainability-related Disclosures
This Fund
Yes
No
Complies with Article 8 of SFDR
Investment process integrates ESG factors and sustainability risks based on proprietary and third-party research
Applies norms- and activity-based exclusions
Promotes environmental and social characteristics
Has a sustainable investment objective
Conducts engagement
Exercises Voting Rights
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 Fund’s investment objective and risk factors.
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.
Shuntaro Takeuchi is a Portfolio Manager at Matthews and manages the firm’s Japan Strategy and co-manages the Asia Growth Strategy. Prior to joining Matthews 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.
Donghoon Han is a Portfolio Manager at Matthews and manages the firm’s Japan Strategy and co-manages the Asia Dividend Strategy. Prior to joining Matthews in 2020, Donghoon was Vice President and portfolio manager at Goldman Sachs Asset Management in Tokyo, responsible for investments in technology, automotive and transportation sectors in Japan. From 2014 to 2016, he was a senior associate at Citadel Global Equities researching technology and industrial sectors in Japan. From 2010 to 2014, Donghoon worked at Dodge & Cox as an equity research associate covering global technology sector with a focus on semiconductors and electronic components. He received B.A. in International Liberal Arts from Waseda University in Tokyo. Donghoon is fluent in Japanese and Korean. He is a Chartered Member of the Securities Analysts Association of Japan.
Japan had a strong start to the year. In the first quarter, the market surpassed an historical peak set back in 1989 thanks, in part, to capital efficiency reforms that encouraged higher dividends and more buybacks and attracted inflows from global investors.
As the year progressed, Japanese companies generated robust earnings growth across sectors including financials, energy and utilities, and sentiment was favorable as investors anticipated a Federal Reserve rate-cutting cycle and with it a weakening of the U.S. dollar. That mindset was upended in August when a poorly signaled interest rate-hike by the Bank of Japan blindsided markets and triggered a selloff.
Markets recovered after the central bank played down its hawkish posture before more uncertainty descended in October when the coalition government failed to win a majority in the election and Shigeru Ishiba needed a runoff vote to be confirmed as prime minister. These two second-half developments, we believe, dissuaded many international investors from seeking or adding exposure to Japan.
Contributors and Detractors
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Japan Fund returned 16.58%, (I Acc USD) while its benchmark, the MSCI Japan Index, returned 8.68% over the same period.
On a sector basis, the top three contributors to relative performance were consumer discretionary, industrials and information technology (IT) due to stock selection. The top three detractors were materials due to an overweight allocation and stock selection, financials due to stock selection and energy due to zero allocation.
The top three contributors to absolute performance included Hitachi, a multinational electronics conglomerate, Asics, a sportswear maker, and Tokio Marine Holdings, an insurance company. The largest detractors included Renesas Electronics, a semiconductor manufacturing company, Shin-Etsu Chemical, a chemicals company, and Honda Motor, Global manufacturer of motorcycles, automobiles and power products.
Outlook
Macro developments regarding domestic interest rates and the strength of the U.S. dollar will continue to play a role in influencing sentiment toward Japanese equities in the coming months, in our view. The trade posture of the incoming Trump administration will also likely have an impact.
But we believe longer term that Japanese equities are driven by earnings and that means successful stock picking will be key in 2025. We will be looking for companies that have good earnings growth which are positioned to beat expectations and whose valuations don’t price this in.
In terms of sectors, we remain cautious on some cyclical areas like autos and non-artificial intelligence (AI)-related semiconductors and are positioned more favorably to areas including banks and financials.
Rolling 12 Month Returns For the period ended 31/12/2024 - I (Acc)
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 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 China A Onshore Index captures large and mid cap representation across China securities listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges. Index is for comparative purposes only and it is not possible to invest directly in an index.
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 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.
Indexes are for comparative purposes only and it is not possible to invest directly in an index.
Commentary
Period ended 31 December 2024
Market Environment
Contributors and Detractors
Outlook
Rolling 12 Month Returns For the period ended 31/12/2024 - I (Acc)
Sources: Brown Brothers Harriman (Luxembourg) S.C.A, Matthews Asia, FactSet Research Systems, Bloomberg