Snapshot
- Total return strategy seeks to access the growth of China with lower volatility
- Unconstrained all-cap portfolio with a quality bias
- Flexible approach offers participation in both growth and value markets
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.
31/01/2013
Inception Date
-4.27%
YTD Return (USD)
(as of 27/03/2024)
$14.13
NAV (USD)
(as of 27/03/2024)
-0.11
1 Day NAV Change
(as of 27/03/2024)
Seeks total return with an emphasis on providing current income.
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.
The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing, directly or indirectly, at least 65% of its total assets, in income-paying publicly traded common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible preferred stocks, and other equity-related instruments of companies located in China. For purpose of this policy, China includes the People's Republic of China, its administrative and other districts, such as Hong Kong, as well as Taiwan. The Fund may also invest in convertible fixed-income securities.
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. Investing in Chinese securities involve risks. Heightened risks related to the regulatory environment and the potential actions by the Chinese government could negatively impact performance. 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. There is no guarantee that the Fund or the companies in its portfolio will pay or continue to pay dividends. 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.
Inception Date | 31/01/2013 | |
Fund Assets | $5.25 million (29/02/2024) | |
Base Currency | USD | |
ISIN: | LU0871673488 (USD) | |
Bloomberg Symbol | MATACDI:LX (USD) | |
Benchmark | MSCI China Index | |
Geographic Focus | China and Taiwan: China includes its administrative and other districts, such as Hong Kong | |
SFDR Classification | Article 8 |
Management Fee | 0.75% | |
Total Expense Ratio As of 31/03/2022 | 1.00% ( USD ) |
Objective | Seeks total return with an emphasis on providing current income. |
Strategy | The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing, directly or indirectly, at least 65% of its total assets, in income-paying publicly traded common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible preferred stocks, and other equity-related instruments of companies located in China. For purpose of this policy, China includes the People's Republic of China, its administrative and other districts, such as Hong Kong, as well as Taiwan. The Fund may also invest in convertible fixed-income securities. |
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. Investing in Chinese securities involve risks. Heightened risks related to the regulatory environment and the potential actions by the Chinese government could negatively impact performance. 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. There is no guarantee that the Fund or the companies in its portfolio will pay or continue to pay dividends. 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 |
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.
Dividend Yield | 3.84% |
Source: FactSet Research Systems, Bloomberg, Matthews Asia
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.
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.
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.
For more information, please refer to our Responsible Investment and Stewardship Policy and our ESG-Related Investment Policy of Matthews Asia Funds.
Lead Manager
Portfolio Manager
Sherwood Zhang is a Portfolio Manager at Matthews and manages the firm’s China Dividend and China A-Shares Strategies and co-manages the China and Asia ex Japan Total Return Equity Strategies. Prior to joining Matthews in 2011, Sherwood was an analyst at Passport Capital from 2007 to 2010, where he focused on such industries as property and basic materials in China as well as consumer-related sectors. Before earning his MBA in 2007, Sherwood served as a Senior Treasury Officer for Hang Seng Bank in Shanghai and Hong Kong, and worked as a Foreign Exchange Trader at Shanghai Pudong Development Bank in Shanghai. He received his MBA from the University of Maryland and his Bachelor of Economics in Finance from Shanghai University. Sherwood is fluent in Mandarin and speaks conversational Cantonese.
Lead Manager
Portfolio Manager
Winnie Chwang is a Portfolio Manager at Matthews and manages the firm’s China Small Companies, China Dividend and China Discovery Strategies and co-manages the China, Pacific Tiger and Asia Dividend Strategies. She joined the firm in 2004 and has built her investment career at the firm. Winnie earned an MBA from the Haas School of Business and received her B.A. in Economics with a minor in Business Administration from the University of California, Berkeley. She is fluent in Mandarin and conversational in Cantonese.
Co-Manager
Portfolio Manager
Andrew Mattock is a Portfolio Manager at Matthews and manages the firm’s China, China Small Companies, China A-Share and China Discovery Strategies and co-manages the Pacific Tiger, China Dividend 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.
Co-Manager
Portfolio Manager
Elli Lee is a Portfolio Manager at Matthews and manages the firm’s Korea Strategy and co-manages the Asia Dividend, China Dividend and Asian Growth and Income Strategies. Prior to joining Matthews in 2016, Elli worked at Bank of America Merrill Lynch for 10 years, most recently in Korean Equity Sales and previously as an Equity Research Analyst covering South Korea’s engineering, construction, steel and education sectors. From 2003 to 2005, Elli was an Investor Relations Specialist at Hana Financial Group in Seoul. She earned a Master of Science in Global Finance from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Business School and New York University Stern School of Business, and received a B.A. in Economics from Bates College. Elli is fluent in Korean.
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 2023
For the year ending 31 December 2023, the Matthews China Dividend Fund returned -20.65%, while its benchmark, the MSCI China Index returned -11.04%. For the fourth quarter of the year, the Fund returned -8.78% versus -4.21% for the benchmark
Market Environment
2023 was a disappointing year for Chinese equities and the Chinese economy overall. It’s disappointing, in our view, not just in the sense of the underwhelming recovery of Chinese consumer spending post-COVID lockdowns but also due to the lack of any significant stimulus measures by the government. Although the government did start to gradually loosen property purchase-restrictions across most cities in China, the expectations of potential home buyers regarding future house prices and their own income levels have changed. As a result, these policy changes barely helped to arrest the slump in the real estate market. As the year progressed, investors gradually gave up on the idea that the Chinese central government would step in to engineer a stronger consumption rebound.
The challenging real estate market and the soft consumption environment have combined to create a potential formula for deflation, in our view. From what we can see, many entrepreneurs—whose animal spirits were curbed during the COVID period—are now hesitating to start any new investments in this environment. From a geopolitical standpoint, the highly anticipated Biden-Xi summit in San Francsico in November didn’t really impact the ongoing concerns of the market. And staying at the macro level, Chinese equites were a key exception in a November global equities rally that followed signals by U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Jay Powell that the U.S. interest rate-upcycle was near an end.
Performance Contributors and Detractors
An overweight to small- and mid-cap stocks detracted from relative returns in 2023 as these holdings were hurt by the weakness of China’s economic recovery. Stock selection in mega caps also detracted.
At the sector level, stock selections in consumer discretionary, financials and real estate were the biggest detractors to total and relative returns in the period. On the flip side, stock selection in communication services was the top contributor. The portfolio’s cash position also helped cushion some downside during the year.
At the holdings level, Xtep International, a sportswear company, was the worst performer and second-biggest detractor to relative returns. While the company’s business has been strong in recent years, the market has started to worry about the inventory condition of the whole industry and whether domestic brands will lose market share to global brands. Alibaba Group was among the biggest detractors to total return, largely as a result of the company abruptly walking back a plan to separate and spin off its cloud business. China Education Group, a provider of vocational education services, was another detractor after the company reported increased impairment losses, narrowing margins and weaker profitability in its full-year results.
On the other hand, CITIC Telecom International Holdings, the parent company of Macau’s leading fixed line and mobile telecom operator, was the top contributor to total and relative returns during the year, as the company maintained a stable business operation and a high dividend payout policy. Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Holdings was another top contributor, as the company continued to win orders for new ships and new environment standards are seeming to prolong the current global ship ordering cycle. Miniso Group, a discount retailer with worldwide presence, also contributed although its share price experienced high volatility during the last quarter as its valuation became rich.
Notable Portfolio Changes
We initiated a position in Fuyao Glass Industry Group, a leading automotive glass manufacturer, in the last quarter of the year. We believe the company is well positioned as new electric vehicles (EVs) continue to include more glass content compared with traditional vehicles. In addition, we added a position in Kanzhun, a high profile recruiting platform. Although we have not seen a clear recovery of hiring across all segments in China, a feature of Kanzhun’s services—enabling hiring managers and job applicants to communicate online—makes it especially attractive to younger segments of the workforce.
In contrast, we sold our position in China Vanke, a real estate developer, given the significant difficulties that these firms face in trying to sell new residential properties and monetize other commercial real estate assets, such as shopping malls or warehouses, in such an uncertain environment. We also exited OPT Machine Vision Technology, a supplier of factory equipment, as the company disappointed in securing new orders in its new EV batteries business while its traditional consumer electronics customers didn’t bring in much growth.
Outlook
We remain cautious on Chinese equities. Both domestic and international investors have had their confidence severely tested over the last three years. Unlike many other equities markets, there is no “natural” inflow into China’s market through pensions or retirement savings plans. That’s left only selected groups of companies with strong cash flow and balance sheets being active in the market, buying back their own shares.
Among the traditional drivers of Chinese economic growth, aside from real estate, the export sector is still demonstrating some strength. However, as China grows its share of global industrial output, it raises the specter of more trade frictions alongside continuing U.S. tariffs. In terms of consumption, the third economic driver, Chinese consumers are likely to continue to behave very conservatively due to a lackluster employment market and bleak outlook for income growth. Industries with high paying jobs have unfortunately become casualties of tightened regulation and some have been subject to pay-cut directives from the government.
Chinese policymakers, in our view, have not yet realized the real threat of deflation to the economy. Although we don’t fully subscribe to the theory of a “Japanification” of China, we believe the government needs to do a lot more to avoid this trap and the risk of a “lost decade.”
Rolling 12 Month Returns For the period ended 31/12/2023 - I (Acc)
Sources: Brown Brothers Harriman (Luxembourg) S.C.A, Matthews Asia, FactSet Research Systems, Bloomberg