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.
30/04/2013
Inception Date
3.29%
YTD Return (USD)
(as of 28/03/2023)
$20.72
NAV (USD)
(as of 28/03/2023)
-0.17
1 Day NAV Change
(as of 28/03/2023)
Seeks to achieve long term capital appreciation.
The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing, directly or indirectly, at least 65% of its total net assets, in equities of small companies located in the Asia ex Japan Region, and may invest in other permitted assets on worldwide. The Fund defines Small Companies as companies with market capitalization no higher than the greater of US $5 billion or the market capitalization of the largest company included in the Fund's primary benchmark, the MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan Small Cap Index.
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, emerging and frontier market securities may involve risks such as social and political instability, market illiquidity, exchange-rate fluctuations, a high level of volatility and limited regulation, which may adversely affect the value of the Fund's assets. 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 Fund invests primarily in equity securities, which may result in increased volatility. The Fund invests in smaller companies, which are more volatile and less liquid than larger companies.
These and other risks associated with investing in the Fund can be found in the prospectus.
| Inception Date | 30/04/2013 | |
| Fund Assets | $126.58 million (28/02/2023) | |
| Base Currency | USD | |
| ISIN: | LU0871674296 (USD) LU0871674379 (GBP) LU0871674023 (EUR) | |
| Bloomberg Symbol | MATASCI:LX (USD) MATASSI:LX (GBP) MAASCIE:LX (EUR) | |
| Benchmark | MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan Small Cap Index | |
| Geographic Focus | Asia Ex Japan: Consists of all countries and markets in Asia, excluding Japan but including all developed, emerging and frontier countries and markets in Asia | |
| Management Fee | 1.00% | |
| Total Expense Ratio As of 31/03/2022 | 1.15% ( USD ) 1.15% ( GBP ) 1.15% ( EUR ) | |
| Objective | Seeks to achieve long term capital appreciation. |
| Strategy | The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing, directly or indirectly, at least 65% of its total net assets, in equities of small companies located in the Asia ex Japan Region, and may invest in other permitted assets on worldwide. The Fund defines Small Companies as companies with market capitalization no higher than the greater of US $5 billion or the market capitalization of the largest company included in the Fund's primary benchmark, the MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan Small Cap Index. |
| 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, emerging and frontier market securities may involve risks such as social and political instability, market illiquidity, exchange-rate fluctuations, a high level of volatility and limited regulation, which may adversely affect the value of the Fund's assets. 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 Fund invests primarily in equity securities, which may result in increased volatility. The Fund invests in smaller companies, which are more volatile and less liquid than larger companies.
The risks associated with investing in the Fund can be found in the prospectus |
Source: Brown Brothers Harriman (Luxembourg) S.C.A.
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.
Sources: Factset Research Systems, Inc.
Fund Risk Metrics are reflective of Class I USD ACC shares.
Sources: Zephyr StyleADVISOR
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
Sector data based on MSCI’s revised Global Industry Classification Standards. For more details, visit www.msci.com.
Not all countries are included in the benchmark index(es).
The Portfolio’s market cap exposure breakdown presented is used for comparison purposes and the definition of the capitalization breakdown is from MSCI.
The Fund defines Small Companies as companies with market capitalization no higher than the greater of US$5 billion or the market capitalization of the largest company included in the Fund's primary benchmark, the MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan Small Cap Index.
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.
(as of 28/02/2023)
CATEGORY: Asia ex-Japan Small/Mid-Cap Equity
| OVERALL | 5 stars |
| 3 YEAR | 5 stars |
| 5 YEAR | 5 stars |
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. High ratings and rankings does not assure favorable performance.
Overall Morningstar RatingTM is reflective of the noted share class. Fund ratings represent an opinion only and are not a recommendation to buy or sell any fund. Copyright ©2023 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.
Lead Manager
Portfolio Manager
Vivek Tanneeru is a Portfolio Manager at Matthews Asia and manages the firm’s Emerging Markets Sustainable Future, Emerging Markets Small Companies, Asia Small Companies and Asia Sustainable Future 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
Jeremy Sutch is a Porfolio Manager at Matthews Asia and co-manages the firm’s Emerging Markets Small Companies, Asia Small Companies and Asia ex Japan Total Return Equity Strategies. Prior to joining the firm in 2015, he was Director and Global Head of Emerging Companies at Standard Chartered Bank in Hong Kong from 2012 to 2015, responsible for the fundamental analysis of companies in Asia, with a particular focus on small- and mid-capitalization companies. From 2009 to 2012, he was Managing Director at MJP Capital in Hong Kong, which he co-founded. His prior experience has included managing small-cap equities at Indus Capital Advisors and serving as Head of Hong Kong Research for ABN AMRO Asia Securities. Jeremy earned an M.A. in French and History from the University of Edinburgh.
To find documents in additional languages, please visit the Fund Literature page in our Resources section.
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 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 31 December 2022
For the year ending 31 December 2022, the Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund returned -14.49%, while its benchmark, the MSCI All Country Asia ex Japan Small Cap Index returned -19.93%. For the fourth quarter of the year, the Fund returned 10.77% versus 8.76% for the benchmark.
Market Environment:
In 2022, the U.S. and many other parts of the developed world saw high rates of inflation that they hadn’t experienced since the 1980s. The U.S. Federal Reserve increased the Fed funds rate seven times last year after guiding for a transitory inflation for much of 2021. This led to strong U.S. dollar performance that peaked around the end of the third quarter.
Inflation was less of a challenge in key emerging markets like China, partly because of suppressed economic activity resulting from China’s zero COVID policy which was in place for much of 2022, and because where inflation was elevated, a number of central banks proactively addressed it by sharply increasing rates.
Nonetheless, Asia emerging markets currencies were not completely immune to the impact of a very strong greenback. The Hong Kong dollar, Thai baht and Malaysian Ringgit were the least affected against the dollar last year while the Indian rupee, Taiwanese dollar and Philippine peso were the worst performers. For perspective, some major developed market currencies, such as the Japanese yen and British pound, fared worse than some Asia market currencies.
For the year, Thailand was the best-performing Asia small-cap emerging market, followed by India and Malaysia. On the other hand, South Korea, Taiwan and China/Hong Kong were the worst-performers. These poor performers turned in robust performances in the fourth quarter as they were aided by China’s lifting of its pandemic restrictions and on the hopes of technology supply chain inventory potentially nearing its peak.
Performance Contributors and Detractors:
On a country basis, our stock selection in India was the biggest contributor to relative performance during the year, followed by our overweight and stock selection in Indonesia. Our underweight allocation to Taiwan and South Korea also helped performance. On the other hand, our stock selection in China/Hong Kong detracted from performance though that was mitigated by our overweight position.
From a sector perspective, our stock selection in consumer discretionary was the biggest contributor to relative performance during the year. Our overweight and stock selection in industrials was also a top contributor. Additionally, stock selections in health care and real estate were strong contributors. On the flip side, stock selection in information technology was the biggest detractor.
At the stock level, our Indian holdings benefited from the normalization of economic activity in the country. Lemon Tree Hotels and Phoenix Mills, a retail mall operator, were top contributors as they gained from higher sales and stronger pricing respectively compared with pre-pandemic levels. Shriram Finance, an Indian non-banking financial company, also benefited from economic normalization and loan growth resumption. In Indonesia, as the economy as well as mall foot traffic normalized, Mitra Adiperkasa, a retailer with a broad exposure to discretionary consumer spending, was also a top performer. On the other hand, Taiwan technology holding Silergy was the largest detractor. Concerns over a post-COVID global consumer softening in demand for consumer appliances and communications products, in addition to general weakness in Chinese economic activity, proved to be a drag on stock performance. The broader build up in semiconductor inventory globally also contributed to negative sentiment toward the technology sector in general. We continue to like the long-term prospects of Silergy and its positioning in the analog semiconductor industry.
Notable Portfolio Changes:
In the last quarter we initiated a new position in Tongcheng Travel Holdings, a Chinese online travel agency. We expect the company to benefit from a recovery in tourism as well as easing mobility restrictions in China. Higher savings and pent-up demand for travel after a long period of China’s zero COVID policy should aid demand. The company has a strong lower-tier presence and China business. It has been making concerted efforts to increase its exposure to the international package travel area and while that is a relatively smaller proportion of its business, these efforts should aid further growth over the long term.
Outlook:
The Fed’s interest rate strategy and the market’s expectation of its evolution continue to be the most important variables impacting the near-term regional, sector and currency performance in emerging markets. We expect the impact of Fed’s actions in 2023 to be less than it was in 2022 as the tightening cycle enters late stages. In addition, we are also wary of the cumulative impact of the Fed’s interest rate hikes on U.S. and developed world economic activity.
Our other key focus in 2022 was the evolution of China’s zero-COVID policy and its impact on economic activity in the country. This has largely been resolved given the unexpected lifting of most COVID restrictions in China in late 2022. Elsewhere, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its effect on energy prices— alongside OPEC’s efforts to keep the prices high—needs careful watching, especially as Chinese economic activity is likely to pick up as 2023 progresses.
Over the coming years, we expect the emerging markets gross domestic product (GDP) growth-differential with developed markets to improve from a 23-year low reached in 2022. This development, alongside relatively attractive valuations, should potentially lend support to better equity performance against developed markets compared with the last decade.
As the global economy embarks on a likely tricky 2023, we believe small companies in Asian emerging markets will continue to offer long-term growth opportunities given their innovation and domestic consumption orientation. There are also currently quality businesses at attractive valuations in this asset class.
Rolling 12 Month Returns For the period ended 31/12/2022 - I (Acc)
Sources: Brown Brothers Harriman (Luxembourg) S.C.A, Matthews Asia, FactSet Research Systems, Bloomberg