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.
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
Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing, directly or indirectly, primarily (i.e., at least 65% of its total net assets) in equities of companies located in or with substantial ties to emerging market countries. Emerging Market countries generally include every country in the world except the United States, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and most of the countries in Western Europe. Certain emerging market countries may also be classified as “frontier” market countries, which are a subset of emerging market countries with newer or even less developed economies and markets, such as Sri Lanka and Vietnam. The list of emerging market countries and frontier market countries may change from time to time. In addition, the Fund may also invest in depositary receipts that are treated as emerging markets investments, including American, European and Global Depositary Receipts.
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.
These and other risks associated with investing in the Fund can be found in the
prospectus.
Emerging Markets - Countries generally include every country in the world except the United States, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and most of the countries in Western Europe
SFDR Classification
Article 8
Fees & Expenses
Management Fee
0.75%
Total Expense Ratio
0.90%
( USD )
0.90%
( GBP )
Objective
Seeks to achieve long term capital appreciation.
Strategy
Under normal market conditions, the Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing, directly or indirectly, primarily (i.e., at least 65% of its total net assets) in equities of companies located in or with substantial ties to emerging market countries. Emerging Market countries generally include every country in the world except the United States, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and most of the countries in Western Europe. Certain emerging market countries may also be classified as “frontier” market countries, which are a subset of emerging market countries with newer or even less developed economies and markets, such as Sri Lanka and Vietnam. The list of emerging market countries and frontier market countries may change from time to time. In addition, the Fund may also invest in depositary receipts that are treated as emerging markets investments, including American, European and Global Depositary Receipts.
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 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 Emerging Markets Equity Fund (USD)
-1.58%
-7.44%
9.81%
9.81%
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
9.09%
15/09/2023
MSCI Emerging Markets Index (USD)
-0.09%
-7.84%
8.05%
8.05%
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
9.85%
Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund (GBP)
-0.27%
-0.98%
11.47%
11.47%
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
8.26%
15/09/2023
MSCI Emerging Markets Index (GBP)
1.40%
-1.29%
9.98%
9.98%
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
8.98%
As of 31/12/2024
Annualized Returns
Name
1MO
3MO
YTD
1YR
3YR
5YR
10YR
Since Inception
Inception Date
Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund (USD)
-1.58%
-7.44%
9.81%
9.81%
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
9.09%
15/09/2023
MSCI Emerging Markets Index (USD)
-0.09%
-7.84%
8.05%
8.05%
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
9.85%
Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund (GBP)
-0.27%
-0.98%
11.47%
11.47%
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
8.26%
15/09/2023
MSCI Emerging Markets Index (GBP)
1.40%
-1.29%
9.98%
9.98%
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
8.98%
For the years ended December 31st
Name
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund (USD)
9.81%
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
MSCI Emerging Markets Index (USD)
8.05%
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund (GBP)
11.47%
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
MSCI Emerging Markets Index (GBP)
9.98%
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
For the period ended 31/12/2024
Name
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
Inception Date
Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund (USD)
9.81%
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
15/09/2023
MSCI Emerging Markets Index (USD)
8.05%
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund (GBP)
11.47%
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
15/09/2023
MSCI Emerging Markets Index (GBP)
9.98%
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
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.
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
Country Allocation
Market Cap Exposure
Sector
Fund
Benchmark
Difference
Information Technology
27.6
24.3
3.3
Financials
25.2
23.7
1.5
Consumer Discretionary
12.8
13.1
-0.3
Communication Services
10.5
9.4
1.1
Industrials
4.0
6.6
-2.6
Real Estate
3.6
1.7
1.9
Health Care
2.8
3.4
-0.6
Consumer Staples
2.1
4.8
-2.7
Energy
1.8
4.6
-2.8
Utilities
0.7
2.7
-2.0
Materials
0.0
5.7
-5.7
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities
8.8
0.0
8.8
Sector data based on MSCI’s revised Global Industry Classification Standards. For more details, visit www.msci.com.
Country
Fund
Benchmark
Difference
China/Hong Kong
25.2
27.9
-2.7
Taiwan
21.0
19.6
1.4
India
20.5
19.4
1.1
South Korea
9.8
9.0
0.8
Brazil
2.3
4.1
-1.8
Indonesia
2.3
1.5
0.8
South Africa
2.1
2.9
-0.8
Vietnam
1.7
0.0
1.7
United Arab Emirates
1.5
1.4
0.1
Philippines
1.4
0.5
0.9
Singapore
1.4
0.0
1.4
Thailand
0.8
1.4
-0.6
Mexico
0.5
1.8
-1.3
United States
0.5
0.0
0.5
Saudi Arabia
0.0
4.2
-4.2
Malaysia
0.0
1.5
-1.5
Poland
0.0
0.8
-0.8
Qatar
0.0
0.8
-0.8
Kuwait
0.0
0.7
-0.7
Turkey
0.0
0.7
-0.7
Greece
0.0
0.5
-0.5
Chile
0.0
0.4
-0.4
Peru
0.0
0.3
-0.3
Hungary
0.0
0.2
-0.2
Colombia
0.0
0.1
-0.1
Czech Republic
0.0
0.1
-0.1
Egypt
0.0
0.1
-0.1
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities
8.8
0.0
8.8
Not all countries are included in the benchmark index(es).
Equity market cap of issuer
Fund
Benchmark
Difference
Mega Cap (over $25B)
63.2
59.0
4.2
Large Cap ($10B-$25B)
18.0
21.3
-3.3
Mid Cap ($3B-$10B)
8.5
18.9
-10.4
Small Cap (under $3B)
1.5
0.9
0.6
Cash and Other Assets, Less Liabilities
8.8
0.0
8.8
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: 99%
0.0
0.4
-0.4
Tobacco
Fund Coverage: 100%Benchmark Coverage: 99%
0.0
0.4
-0.4
Name
Fund
Benchmark
Difference
UN Global Compact Violators
Fund Coverage: 100%Benchmark Coverage: 99%
0.0
1.2
-1.2
Board Diversity
Fund Coverage: 100%Benchmark Coverage: 99%
21.4
19.8
1.6
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.
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.
Sean Taylor is Chief Investment Officer and Portfolio Manager at Matthews. As Chief Investment Officer, Sean oversees the firm’s investment process and investment professionals and sets the research agenda for the investment team. He manages the firm’s Pacific Tiger, Asia ex Japan Total Return Equity and Emerging Markets Equity Strategies and co-manages the firm’s Emerging Markets ex China Strategy. Prior to joining Matthews in October 2023, he was Chief Investment Officer APAC, Global Head of Emerging Markets Equity at DWS Group based in Hong Kong since he joined the company in 2013. From 2004 to 2011, he was an Investment Director at GAM, based in London and Dubai. From 1997 to 2004, he was at Societe Generale as Head of International and Emerging Markets. Sean has 30 years of experience, including more than a decade as CIO. He oversaw a number of emerging markets active strategies, including Latin America, India, China, Brazil, Russia as well as international and global strategies. He received his MBA from Manchester Business School and is a graduate of the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.
Alex Zarechnak is a Portfolio Manager at Matthews and manages the firm’s Emerging Markets Equity and Emerging Markets ex China Strategies and co-manages the Emerging Markets Small Companies, Emerging Markets Discovery, and Emerging Markets Sustainable Future Strategies. Prior to joining the firm in 2020, he spent a total of 15 years (1998 – 2006 and 2012 – 2019) at Wellington Management as an analyst for the firm’s flagship Emerging Markets Equity fund as a generalist first covering CEEMEA, then Latin America. From 2006-2012, he was a regional equity analyst at Capital Group, covering Emerging Markets with a focus on energy, telecoms and consumer sectors in Latin America and CEEMEA. Alex began his Emerging Markets career as a Russia equity analyst with Templeton Emerging Markets, based in Moscow. He earned a B.A. in Economics and Government from the College of William & Mary. Alex is fluent in Russian.
Andrew Mattock is a Portfolio Manager at Matthews and manages the firm’s China, China Small Companies, China Discovery and China A-Share Strategies and co-manages the Pacific Tiger, China Total Return Equity and Emerging Markets Equity Strategies. Prior to joining Matthews in 2015, he was a Fund Manager at Henderson Global Investors for 15 years, first in London and then in Singapore, managing Asia Pacific equities. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Business majoring in Accounting from ACU. He began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers and qualified as a Chartered Accountant.
Peeyush Mittal is a Portfolio Manager at Matthews and manages the firm’s India Strategy and co-manages the Emerging Markets Equity, Emerging Markets ex China, Asia Growth and Pacific Tiger Strategies. Prior to joining the Matthews 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.
Jeremy Sutch is a Portfolio Manager at Matthews and manages the firm’s Emerging Markets ex China Strategy and co-manages the firm’s Emerging Markets Equity, Emerging Markets Small Companies, Emerging Markets Discovery, Asia Discovery, Asia ex Japan Total Return Equity and Pacific Tiger Strategies. Prior to joining Matthews 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.
Emerging markets fared pretty well in 2024 but there were divergent trends within regions and between markets. Changing expectations for U.S. interest rates and a fluctuation in the U.S. dollar were big influencers as was the ongoing strength in the artificial intelligence (AI) space.
After a strong start, India’s market experienced a selloff when Prime Minister Modi failed to win a majority in the elections in June, but quickly recovered after Modi secured a ruling coalition with allies. Later in the year, the market experienced a small correction as economic expansion eased and there was a downgrade in earnings, particularly in the consumer space.
Taiwan’s market powered through the year thanks to demand for its AI chips while South Korea was one of the biggest underperformers in emerging markets amid softening demand in the auto sector and a cyclical downturn in segments such as heavy industries. The market also experienced volatility after South Korea’s president briefly imposed martial law and then was impeached.
Chinese equities had a volatile start to the year and then rallied through the spring helped by government initiatives to support the property sector. The market sagged through the summer before surging in September as the government unveiled a broad package of stimulus measures aimed at kickstarting a recovery in the real estate market, lifting consumer confidence and improving liquidity in the stock market.
Latin America was a significant underperformer. Mexico experienced negative sentiment through most of the year in anticipation of, and then in response to, the election of Claudia Sheinbaum as president in June, and the potential impact her reform agenda may have on the private sector. In Brazil, equities underperformed and the Brazilian real declined as the central bank battled inflation and worries mounted over the government’s spending and fiscal management.
Contributors and Detractors
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Emerging Markets Equity Fund returned 9.81%, (I Acc USD) while its benchmark, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, returned 8.05% over the same period.
On a country basis, the top three contributors to relative performance were China/Hong Kong due to stock selection, Vietnam due to an off-benchmark allocation and Taiwan due to stock selection. The top three detractors were Mexico, South Korea and Indonesia due to stock selection.
On a sector basis, the top three contributors to relative performance were consumer discretionary, real estate and communication services due to stock selection. The top three detractors were financials and energy due to stock selection and information technology (IT) due to an underweight allocation.
The top three contributors to absolute performance included Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), a leading Taiwanese chipmaker, Meituan, China’s largest food delivery service and internet platform company, and Tencent Holdings, a Chinese online gaming and social media conglomerate. The largest detractors included Samsung Electronics, a South Korean semiconductor and consumer electronics maker, Globant, an Argentinian IT and software development company, and Prologis Property Mexico, a Mexican real estate developer.
Outlook
A key narrative for emerging markets could be the scale of the impact of the new Trump administration. Its policies could support a higher dollar, U.S. Treasury yields and interest rates and it could also impose tariffs on countries including China and Mexico. At the same time, a Trump administration could also stoke a stronger U.S. economy and that’s good for global growth and for risk assets.
After the first quarter of 2025, provided there is more clarity on U.S. trade policy as well as from China on its fiscal plans to boost its lackluster economy and real estate sector, we think volatility may subside and the outlook for emerging markets will improve. Taiwan should continue to benefit from strong demand for AI-related chips while in India we are focused more on financials, large caps and companies with consistent earnings growth where expectations aren’t so high.
At the global macro level, we will likely continue to see Federal Reserve rate cuts. This may not be a clear tailwind for emerging markets but will be less of a headwind, in our view. At this juncture, we would say that a large component of returns from emerging markets in 2025 will be backloaded into the second half of the year.
Rolling 12 Month Returns For the period ended 31/12/2024 - I (Acc)
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 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