Form 485BPOS
Matthews
Asia Funds | Prospectus
April 28,
2022 | matthewsasia.com
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS
SHARES
Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund (MIEFX)
Matthews Emerging Markets Small Companies Fund (MISMX)
Matthews Asia Growth Fund (MIAPX)
Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund (MIPTX)
Matthews Asia ESG Fund (MISFX)
Matthews Asia Innovators Fund (MITEX)
Matthews China Fund (MICFX)
Matthews China Small Companies Fund (MICHX)
Matthews India Fund (MIDNX)
Matthews Japan Fund (MIJFX)
Matthews Korea Fund (MIKOX)
Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund (MICSX)
Matthews Asia Dividend Fund (MIPIX)
Matthews China Dividend Fund (MICDX)
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "SEC") has not approved or disapproved the Funds. Also, the SEC has
not passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Anyone who informs
you otherwise is committing a crime.
Paper copies of the Funds’ annual and semi-annual
shareholder reports are no longer being sent by mail, unless you specifically
request paper copies of the reports. Instead, the reports will be made available
on the Funds’ website matthewsasia.com, and you will be notified by mail
each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the
report. You may elect to receive paper copies of shareholder reports and other
communications from the Funds anytime by contacting your financial intermediary
(such as a broker-dealer or bank) or, if you are a direct investor, by calling
800.789.ASIA (2742).
Your election to receive reports in paper will apply to
all Funds held in your account if you invest through your financial intermediary
or all Funds held directly with Matthews Asia Funds.
Matthews
Asia Funds
matthewsasia.com
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FUND
SUMMARIES |
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GLOBAL EMERGING
MARKETS STRATEGIES |
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1 |
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6 |
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ASIA GROWTH
STRATEGIES |
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12 |
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16 |
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20 |
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25 |
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30 |
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34 |
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39 |
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43 |
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47 |
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ASIA GROWTH AND
INCOME STRATEGIES |
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51 |
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55 |
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59 |
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64 |
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Additional Fund Information |
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78 |
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78 |
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78 |
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81 |
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98 |
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105 |
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105 |
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105 |
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108 |
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108 |
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109 |
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110 |
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113 |
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114 |
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114 |
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Please read this document carefully before you make any
investment decision. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact a
Matthews Asia Funds representative at 800.789.ASIA (2742) or visit
matthewsasia.com.
Please
keep this prospectus with your other account documents for future reference.
Matthews
Emerging Markets Equity Fund
FUND SUMMARY
Investment Objective
Long-term
capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the
Fund
This
table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of this Fund.
SHAREHOLDER
FEES
(fees paid directly from your investment)
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Maximum
Account Fee on Redemptions (for wire redemptions only) |
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$9 |
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ANNUAL
OPERATING EXPENSES
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of
the value of your investment)
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Management
Fees |
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0.66% |
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Distribution
(12b‑1) Fees |
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0.00% |
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Other Expenses1 |
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0.72% |
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Administration
and Shareholder Servicing Fees |
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0.14% |
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Total Annual
Fund Operating Expenses |
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1.38% |
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Fee
Waiver and Expense Reimbursement2 |
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(0.48%) |
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Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee
Waiver and Expense Reimbursement |
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0.90% |
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1 |
“Other Expenses” are based
on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year and calculated as a
percentage of the Fund’s
assets. |
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2 |
Matthews
has contractually agreed (i) to waive fees and reimburse expenses to
the extent needed to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding
Rule 12b‑1 fees, taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, short sale
dividend expenses, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or
reorganization or extraordinary expenses such as litigation) of the
Institutional Class to 0.90%. If the operating expenses fall below
the expense limitation within three years after Matthews has made a waiver
or reimbursement, the Fund may reimburse Matthews up to an amount that
does not cause the expenses for that year to exceed the lesser of
(i) the expense limitation applicable at the time of that fee waiver
and/or expense reimbursement or (ii) the expense limitation in effect
at the time of recoupment. This agreement will remain in place until
April 30,
2023 and may be terminated at any time by the Board of
Trustees on behalf of the Fund on 60 days’ written notice to Matthews.
Matthews may decline to renew this agreement by written notice to the
Trust at least 30 days before its annual expiration
date. |
EXAMPLE
OF FUND EXPENSES
This
example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with
the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest
$10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your
shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your
investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses
remain the same. The example reflects the fee waiver for the one year period
only. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these
assumptions your costs would be:
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One year: $92 |
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Three years: $390 |
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Five years: $709 |
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Ten years: $1,616 |
PORTFOLIO
TURNOVER
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
annual fund operating expenses or in the example of fund expenses, affect the
Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio
turnover rate was 89% of the average value of its
portfolio.
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MATTHEWS EMERGING MARKETS EQUITY
FUND |
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Principal Investment
Strategy
Under
normal circumstances, the Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund seeks to achieve
its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which
include borrowings for investment purposes, in the common and preferred stocks
of companies located in 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. The Fund may also invest in companies
located in developed countries; however, the Fund may not invest in any company
located in a developed country if, at the time of purchase, more than 20% of the
Fund’s assets are invested in developed market companies. The Fund has
concentrated its investments (meaning more than 25% of its assets) from time to
time in a single country, including China.
A
company or other issuer is considered to be “located” in a country or a region,
and a security or instrument is deemed to be an emerging market (or specific
country) security or instrument, if it has substantial ties to that country or
region. Matthews currently makes that determination based primarily on one or
more of the following criteria: (A) with respect to a company or issuer,
whether (i) it is organized under the laws of that country or any country
in that region; (ii) it derives at least 50% of its revenues or profits
from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed, or has at
least 50% of its assets located, within that country or region; (iii) it
has the primary trading markets for its securities in that country or region;
(iv) it has its principal place of business in or is otherwise
headquartered in that country or region; or (v) it is a governmental entity
or an agency, instrumentality or a political subdivision of that country or any
country in that region; and (B) with respect to an instrument or issue,
whether (i) its issuer is headquartered or organized in that country or
region; (ii) it is issued to finance a project with significant assets or
operations in that country or region; (iii) it is principally secured or
backed by assets located in that country or region; (iv) it is a component
of or its issuer is included in a recognized securities index for the country or
region; or (v) it is denominated in the currency of an emerging market
country and addresses at least one of the other above criteria. The term
“located” and the associated criteria listed above have been defined in such a
way that Matthews has latitude in determining whether an issuer should be
included within a region or country. The Fund may also invest in depositary
receipts that are treated as emerging markets investments, including American,
European and Global Depositary Receipts.
The
Fund seeks to invest in companies capable of sustainable growth based on the
fundamental characteristics of those companies, including balance sheet
information; number of employees; size and stability of cash flow; management’s
depth, adaptability and integrity; product lines; marketing strategies;
corporate governance; and financial health. Matthews expects that the companies
in which the Fund invests typically will be of medium or large size, but the
Fund may invest in companies of any size. Matthews measures
a
company’s
size with respect to fundamental criteria such as, but not limited to, market
capitalization, book value, revenues, profits, cash flow, dividends paid and
number of employees. The implementation of the principal investment strategies
of the Fund may result in a significant portion of the Fund’s assets being
invested from time to time in one or more sectors, but the Fund may invest in
companies in any sector.
Principal Risks of
Investment
There
is no guarantee that your investment in the Fund will increase in value.
The value of your investment in the Fund could go down,
meaning you could lose money. The principal risks of investing
in the Fund are:
Foreign Investing Risk: Investments in foreign
securities may involve greater risks than investing in U.S. securities. As
compared to U.S. companies, foreign issuers generally disclose less financial
and other information publicly and are subject to less stringent and less
uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards. Foreign
countries typically impose less thorough regulations on brokers, dealers, stock
exchanges, corporate insiders and listed companies than does the U.S., and
foreign securities markets may be less liquid and more volatile than U.S.
markets. Investments in foreign securities generally involve higher costs than
investments in U.S. securities, including higher transaction and custody costs
as well as additional taxes imposed by foreign governments. In addition,
security trading practices abroad may offer less protection to investors such as
the Fund. Political or social instability, civil unrest, acts of terrorism,
regional economic volatility, and the imposition of sanctions, confiscations,
trade restrictions (including tariffs) and other government restrictions by the
U.S. and/or other governments are other potential risks that could impact an
investment in a foreign security. Settlement of transactions in some foreign
markets may be delayed or may be less frequent than in the U.S., which could
affect the liquidity of the Fund’s
portfolio.
Public Health Emergency Risks: Pandemics and
other public health emergencies, including outbreaks of infectious diseases such
as the current outbreak of the novel coronavirus (“COVID‑19”), can result, and
in the case of COVID‑19 has resulted and may continue to result in market
volatility and disruption, and materially and adversely impact economic
conditions in ways that cannot be predicted, all of which could result in
substantial investment losses. Containment efforts and related restrictive
actions by governments and businesses have significantly diminished and
disrupted global economic activity across many industries. Less developed
countries and their health systems may be more vulnerable to these impacts. The
ultimate impact of COVID‑19, including new strains of the underlying virus, or
other health emergencies on global economic conditions and businesses is
impossible to predict accurately. Ongoing and potential additional material
adverse economic effects of indeterminate duration and severity are possible.
The resulting adverse impact on the value of an investment in the Fund could be
significant and prolonged. Other public health emergencies that may arise in the
future could have similar or other unforeseen
effects.
Currency Risk: When the Fund conducts
securities transactions in a foreign currency, there is the risk of the value of
the foreign currency increasing or decreasing against the value of the U.S.
dollar. The value of an investment denominated in a foreign currency will
decline in U.S. dollar terms if that currency weakens against the U.S. dollar.
While the Fund is
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matthewsasia.com | 800.789.ASIA |
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permitted
to hedge currency risks, Matthews does not anticipate doing so at this time.
Additionally, emerging market countries may utilize formal or informal
currency-exchange controls or “capital controls.” Capital controls may impose
restrictions on the Fund’s ability to repatriate investments or income. Such
controls may also affect the value of the Fund’s
holdings.
Risks Associated with Emerging and Frontier
Markets: Emerging and frontier markets are often less stable politically
and economically than developed markets such as the U.S., and investing in these
markets involves different and greater risks. There may be less publicly
available information about companies in many emerging market countries, and the
stock exchanges and brokerage industries in many emerging market countries
typically do not have the level of government oversight as do those in the U.S.
Securities markets of many emerging market countries are also substantially
smaller, less liquid and more volatile than securities markets in the U.S.
Frontier markets, a subset of emerging markets, generally have smaller economies
and even less mature capital markets than emerging markets. As a result, the
risks of investing in emerging market countries are magnified in frontier market
countries. Frontier markets are more susceptible to having abrupt changes in
currency values, less mature markets and settlement practices, and lower trading
volumes, which could lead to greater price volatility and
illiquidity.
Political, Social and Economic Risks of Investing in
Asia: The value of the Fund’s assets may be adversely affected by
political, economic, social and religious instability; inadequate investor
protection; changes in laws or regulations of countries within the Asian region
(including countries in which the Fund invests, as well as the broader region);
international relations with other nations; natural disasters; corruption and
military activity. The economies of many Asian countries differ from the
economies of more developed countries in many respects, such as rate of growth,
inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency, financial system
stability, the national balance of payments position and sensitivity to changes
in global trade.
Growth Stock Risk: Growth stocks may be more
volatile than other stocks because they are more sensitive to investor
perceptions of the issuing company’s growth potential. Growth stocks may go in
and out of favor over time and may perform differently than the market as a
whole.
Depositary Receipts Risk: Although depositary
receipts have risks similar to the securities that they represent, they may also
involve higher expenses and may trade at a discount (or premium) to the
underlying security. In addition, depositary receipts may not pass through
voting and other shareholder rights, and may be less liquid than the underlying
securities listed on an exchange.
Volatility Risk: The smaller size and lower
levels of liquidity in emerging markets, as well as other factors, may result in
changes in the prices of emerging market securities that are more volatile than
those of companies in more developed regions. This volatility can cause the
price of the Fund’s shares to go up or down dramatically. Because of this
volatility, this Fund is better suited for long-term investors (typically five
years or longer).
Risks Associated with Medium‑Size Companies:
Medium‑size companies may be subject to a number of risks not associated with
larger, more established companies, potentially making their stock prices more
volatile and increasing the risk of
loss.
Country Concentration Risk: The Fund may invest
a significant portion of its total net assets in the securities of issuers
located in a single country. An investment in the Fund therefore may entail
greater risk than an investment in a fund that does not concentrate its
investments in a single or small number of countries because these securities
may be more sensitive to adverse social, political, economic or regulatory
developments affecting that country or countries. As a result, events affecting
a single or small number of countries may have a significant and potentially
adverse impact on the Fund’s investments, and the Fund’s performance may be more
volatile than that of funds that invest globally. The Fund has concentrated or
may concentrate its investments in
China.
Risks Associated with China: The Chinese
government exercises significant control over China’s economy through its
industrial policies, monetary policy, management of currency exchange rates, and
management of the payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations. Changes
in these policies could adversely impact affected industries or companies in
China. China’s economy, particularly its export-oriented industries, may be
adversely impacted by trade or political disputes with China’s major trading
partners, including the U.S. In addition, as its consumer class continues to
grow, China’s domestically oriented industries may be especially sensitive to
changes in government policy and investment
cycles.
Risks Associated with Europe: The economies of countries in Europe are
in different stages of economic development and are often closely connected and
interdependent, and events in one country in Europe can have an adverse impact
on other European countries. Efforts by the member countries of the European
Union (“EU”) to continue to unify their economic and monetary policies may
increase the potential for similarities in the movements of European markets and
reduce the potential investment benefits of diversification within the region.
However, the substance of these policies may not address the needs of all
European economies. European financial markets have in recent years experienced
increased volatility due to concerns with some countries’ high levels of
sovereign debt, budget deficits and unemployment. Markets have also been
affected by the decision by the UK to withdraw from the EU (an event commonly
known as “Brexit”). There is uncertainty surrounding the ultimate impact of
Brexit on the UK, the EU and the broader global economy. An exit by any member
countries from the EU or the Economic and Monetary Union of the EU, or even the
prospect of such an exit, could lead to increased volatility in European markets
and negatively affect investments both in issuers in the exiting country and
throughout Europe. In addition, while many countries in western Europe are
considered to have developed markets, many eastern European countries are less
developed, and investments in eastern European countries, even if denominated in
Euros, may involve special risks associated with investments in emerging
markets. See “Risks Associated with Emerging
and Frontier Markets” above. In addition, Russia’s recent military
incursions in Ukraine have led to sanctions being levied against Russia by the
United States, EU and other
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MATTHEWS EMERGING MARKETS EQUITY
FUND |
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3 |
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countries,
which could adversely affect European and global energy and financial markets
and thus could affect the value of a Fund’s
investments.
Risks Associated with Latin America: The
economies of Latin American countries have in the past experienced considerable
difficulties, including high inflation rates, high interest rates, high
unemployment, government overspending and political instability. Similar
conditions in the present or future could impact the Fund’s performance. Many
Latin American countries are highly reliant on the exportation of commodities
and their economies may be significantly impacted by fluctuations in commodity
prices and the global demand for certain commodities. Investments in Latin
American countries may be subject to currency risks, such as restrictions on the
flow of money in and out of a country, extreme volatility relative to the U.S.
dollar, and devaluation, all of which could decrease the value of the Fund’s
investments. Other Latin American investment risks may include inadequate
investor protection, less developed regulatory, accounting, auditing and
financial standards, unfavorable changes in laws or regulations, natural
disasters, corruption and military activity. The governments of many Latin
American countries may also exercise substantial influence over many aspects of
the private sector, and any such exercise could have a significant effect on
companies in which the Fund invests. Securities of companies in Latin American
countries may be subject to significant price volatility, which could impact
Fund performance.
Sector Concentration Risk: To the extent that
the Fund emphasizes, from time to time, investments in a
particular
sector,
the Fund will be subject to a greater degree to the risks particular to that
sector, including the sector described below. Market conditions, interest rates,
and economic, regulatory, or financial developments could significantly affect a
single sector. By focusing its investments in a particular sector, the Fund may
face more risks than if it were diversified broadly over numerous
sectors.
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Information
Technology Sector Risk: As of December 31, 2021, 27% of the
Fund’s assets were invested in the information technology sector.
Information technology companies may be significantly affected by
aggressive pricing as a result of intense competition and by rapid product
obsolescence due to rapid development of technological innovations and
frequent new product introduction. Other factors, such as short product
cycle, possible loss or impairment of intellectual property rights, and
changes in government regulations, may also adversely impact information
technology
companies. |
Cybersecurity Risk: With the increased use of
technologies such as the internet to conduct business, the Fund is susceptible
to operational, information security, and related risks. Cyber incidents
affecting the Fund or its service providers may cause disruptions and impact
business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, interference
with the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV, impediments to trading, the
inability of shareholders to transact business, violations of applicable privacy
and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement
or other compensation costs, or additional compliance
costs.
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matthewsasia.com | 800.789.ASIA |
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Past Performance
The bar chart
below shows the Fund’s performance over certain periods of time and how it has
varied from year to year, reflective of the Fund’s volatility and some
indication of risk. Also shown are the best and worst quarters
for this time period. The table below shows the Fund’s performance over certain
periods of time, along with performance of its benchmark index. The information presented below
is past performance, before and after taxes, and is not a prediction of future
results. Both the bar chart and performance table assume
reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. For the Fund’s most recent
month‑end performance, please visit matthewsasia.com
or call 800.789.ASIA
(2742).
ANNUAL
RETURN FOR YEARS ENDED 12/31
AVERAGE
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2021
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1 year |
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Since Inception
(4/30/20) |
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Matthews
Emerging Markets Equity Fund |
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Return
before taxes |
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-0.43% |
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32.90% |
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Return
after taxes on distributions1 |
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-3.05% |
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30.09% |
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Return
after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares1 |
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0.61% |
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24.82% |
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MSCI
Emerging Markets Index |
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(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses
or taxes) |
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-2.22% |
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21.82% |
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1 |
After‑tax returns are
calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income
tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local
taxes. Actual after‑tax
returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those
shown. After‑tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold
their Fund shares through tax‑deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans
or individual retirement
accounts. |
Investment Advisor
Matthews
International Capital Management, LLC (“Matthews”)
Portfolio Managers
Lead Manager: John Paul Lech has been a
Portfolio Manager of the Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund since its
inception in 2020.
Co-Manager: Alex Zarechnak has been a Portfolio
Manager of the Matthews Emerging Markets Equity Fund since 2022.
The
Lead Manager is primarily responsible for the Fund’s day‑to‑day investment
management decisions. The Lead Manager is supported by and consults with the
Co-Manager, who is not primarily responsible for portfolio management.
For
important information about the Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares; Tax
Information; and Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries,
please turn to page 63.
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MATTHEWS EMERGING MARKETS EQUITY
FUND |
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5 |
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Matthews
Emerging Markets Small Companies Fund
FUND SUMMARY
Investment Objective
Long-term
capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the
Fund
This
table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of this Fund.
SHAREHOLDER
FEES
(fees paid directly from your investment)
|
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Maximum
Account Fee on Redemptions (for wire redemptions only) |
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$9 |
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ANNUAL
OPERATING EXPENSES
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of
the value of your investment)
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Management
Fees |
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1.00% |
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Distribution
(12b‑1) Fees |
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0.00% |
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Other Expenses |
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0.38% |
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Administration
and Shareholder Servicing Fees |
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0.14% |
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Total Annual
Fund Operating Expenses |
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1.38% |
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Fee
Waiver and Expense Reimbursement1 |
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(0.23%) |
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Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee
Waiver and Expense Reimbursement2 |
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1.15% |
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1 |
Matthews
has contractually agreed to waive fees and reimburse expenses to the
extent needed to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding
Rule 12b‑1 fees, taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, short sale
dividend expenses, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or
reorganization or extraordinary expenses such as litigation) of the
Institutional Class to 1.15%. If the operating expenses fall below
the expense limitation within three years after Matthews has made a waiver
or reimbursement, the Fund may reimburse Matthews up to an amount that
does not cause the expenses for that year to exceed the lesser of
(i) the expense limitation applicable at the time of that fee waiver
and/or expense reimbursement or (ii) the expense limitation in effect
at the time of recoupment. This agreement will remain in place until
April 30,
2023 and may be terminated at any time by the Board of
Trustees on behalf of the Fund on 60 days’ written notice to Matthews.
Matthews may decline to renew this agreement by written notice to the
Trust at least 30 days before its annual expiration
date. |
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“Total
Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver and Expense Reimbursement”
do not correlate to the corresponding ratio included in the Fund’s
Financial Highlights because the contractual fee waiver/expense
reimbursement was changed during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021
and was not in effect for that entire fiscal
year. |
EXAMPLE
OF FUND EXPENSES
This
example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with
the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest
$10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your
shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your
investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses
remain the same. The example reflects the expense limitation for the one year
period only. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these
assumptions your costs would be:
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One year: $118 |
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Three years: $415 |
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Five years: $734 |
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Ten years: $1,638 |
PORTFOLIO
TURNOVER
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
annual fund operating expenses or in the example of fund expenses, affect the
Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio
turnover rate was 51% of the average value of its
portfolio.
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Principal Investment
Strategy
Under
normal circumstances, the Matthews Emerging Markets Small Companies Fund seeks
to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets,
which include borrowings for investment purposes, in the common and preferred
stocks of Small Companies (defined below) located in 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. The Fund
may also invest in Small Companies located in developed countries; however, the
Fund may not invest in any company located in a developed country if, at the
time of purchase, more than 20% of the Fund’s assets are invested in developed
market companies. The Fund has concentrated its investments (meaning more than
25% of its assets) from time to time in a single country, including
China.
A
company or other issuer is considered to be “located” in a country or a region,
and a security or instrument is deemed to be an emerging market (or specific
country) security or instrument, if it has substantial ties to that country or
region. Matthews currently makes that determination based primarily on one or
more of the following criteria: (A) with respect to a company or issuer,
whether (i) it is organized under the laws of that country or any
country in that region; (ii) it derives at least 50% of its revenues or
profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed, or
has at least 50% of its assets located, within that country or region;
(iii) it has the primary trading markets for its securities in that country
or region; (iv) it has its principal place of business in or is otherwise
headquartered in that country or region; or (v) it is a governmental entity
or an agency, instrumentality or a political subdivision of that country or any
country in that region; and (B) with respect to an instrument or issue,
whether (i) its issuer is headquartered or organized in that country or
region; (ii) it is issued to finance a project with significant assets or
operations in that country or region; (iii) it is principally secured or
backed by assets located in that country or region; (iv) it is a component
of or its issuer is included in a recognized securities index for the country or
region; or (v) it is denominated in the currency of an emerging market
country and addresses at least one of the other above criteria. The term
“located” and the associated criteria listed above have been defined in such a
way that Matthews has latitude in determining whether an issuer should be
included within a region or country. The Fund may also invest in depositary
receipts that are treated as emerging markets investments, including American,
European and Global Depositary Receipts.
The
Fund seeks to invest in smaller companies capable of sustainable growth based on
the fundamental characteristics of those companies, including balance sheet
information; number of employees; size and stability of cash flow; management’s
depth, adaptability and integrity; product lines; marketing strategies;
corporate governance; and financial health. Matthews generally determines
whether a company should be considered to be a small company based on
its
market
capitalization (the number of the company’s shares outstanding times the market
price per share for such securities). Under normal circumstances, the Fund
invests at least 80% of its net assets in any company that has a market
capitalization no higher than the greater of $5 billion or the market
capitalization of the largest company included in the Fund’s primary benchmark
index (each, a “Small Company” and together, “Small Companies”) The largest
company in the Fund’s primary benchmark, the MSCI Emerging Markets Small Cap
Index, had a market capitalization of $6.22 billion on December 31,
2021. Companies in which the Fund invests typically operate in growth industries
and possess the potential to expand their scope of business over time. A company
may grow to a market capitalization that is higher than the greater of
$5 billion or the market capitalization of the largest company included in
the Fund’s primary benchmark after the Fund has purchased its securities;
nevertheless, the existing holdings of securities of such a company will
continue to be considered a Small Company. If additional purchases of a security
are made, all holdings (including prior purchases) of that security will be
re‑classified with respect to its market capitalization at the time of the last
purchase. The implementation of the principal investment strategies of the Fund
may result in a significant portion of the Fund’s assets being invested from
time to time in one or more sectors, but the Fund may invest in companies in any
sector. The implementation of the Fund’s principal investment strategies may
also result in high portfolio turnover
rates.
Principal Risks of
Investment
There
is no guarantee that your investment in the Fund will increase in value.
The value of your investment in the Fund could go down,
meaning you could lose money. The principal risks of investing
in the Fund are:
Foreign Investing Risk: Investments in foreign
securities may involve greater risks than investing in U.S. securities. As
compared to U.S. companies, foreign issuers generally disclose less financial
and other information publicly and are subject to less stringent and less
uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards. Foreign
countries typically impose less thorough regulations on brokers, dealers, stock
exchanges, corporate insiders and listed companies than does the U.S., and
foreign securities markets may be less liquid and more volatile than U.S.
markets. Investments in foreign securities generally involve higher costs than
investments in U.S. securities, including higher transaction and custody costs
as well as additional taxes imposed by foreign governments. In addition,
security trading practices abroad may offer less protection to investors such as
the Fund. Political or social instability, civil unrest, acts of terrorism,
regional economic volatility, and the imposition of sanctions, confiscations,
trade restrictions (including tariffs) and other government restrictions by the
U.S. and/or other governments are other potential risks that could impact an
investment in a foreign security. Settlement of transactions in some foreign
markets may be delayed or may be less frequent than in the U.S., which could
affect the liquidity of the Fund’s
portfolio.
Public Health Emergency Risks: Pandemics and
other public health emergencies, including outbreaks of infectious diseases such
as the current outbreak of the novel coronavirus (“COVID‑19”), can result, and
in the case of COVID‑19 has resulted and may continue to result in market
volatility and disruption, and materially and adversely impact
economic
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MATTHEWS EMERGING MARKETS SMALL COMPANIES FUND |
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conditions
in ways that cannot be predicted, all of which could result in substantial
investment losses. Containment efforts and related restrictive actions by
governments and businesses have significantly diminished and disrupted global
economic activity across many industries. Less developed countries and their
health systems may be more vulnerable to these impacts. The ultimate impact of
COVID‑19, including new strains of the underlying virus, or other health
emergencies on global economic conditions and businesses is impossible to
predict accurately. Ongoing and potential additional material adverse economic
effects of indeterminate duration and severity are possible. The resulting
adverse impact on the value of an investment in the Fund could be significant
and prolonged. Other public health emergencies that may arise in the future
could have similar or other unforeseen
effects.
Currency Risk: When the Fund conducts
securities transactions in a foreign currency, there is the risk of the value of
the foreign currency increasing or decreasing against the value of the U.S.
dollar. The value of an investment denominated in a foreign currency will
decline in U.S. dollar terms if that currency weakens against the U.S. dollar.
While the Fund is permitted to hedge currency risks, Matthews does not
anticipate doing so at this time. Additionally, emerging market countries may
utilize formal or informal currency-exchange controls or “capital controls.”
Capital controls may impose restrictions on the Fund’s ability to repatriate
investments or income. Such controls may also affect the value of the Fund’s
holdings.
Risks Associated with Emerging and Frontier
Markets: Emerging and frontier markets are often less stable politically
and economically than developed markets such as the U.S., and investing in these
markets involves different and greater risks. There may be less publicly
available information about companies in many emerging market countries, and the
stock exchanges and brokerage industries in many emerging market countries
typically do not have the level of government oversight as do those in the U.S.
Securities markets of many emerging market countries are also substantially
smaller, less liquid and more volatile than securities markets in the U.S.
Frontier markets, a subset of emerging markets, generally have smaller economies
and even less mature capital markets than emerging markets. As a result, the
risks of investing in emerging market countries are magnified in frontier market
countries. Frontier markets are more susceptible to having abrupt changes in
currency values, less mature markets and settlement practices, and lower trading
volumes, which could lead to greater price volatility and
illiquidity.
Political, Social and Economic Risks of Investing in
Asia: The value of the Fund’s assets may be adversely affected by
political, economic, social and religious instability; inadequate investor
protection; changes in laws or regulations of countries within the Asian region
(including countries in which the Fund invests, as well as the broader region);
international relations with other nations; natural disasters; corruption and
military activity. The economies of many Asian countries differ from the
economies of more developed countries in many respects, such as rate of growth,
inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency, financial system
stability, the national balance of payments position and sensitivity to changes
in global trade.
Risks Associated with Smaller Companies:
Smaller companies may offer substantial opportunities for capital growth; they
also involve substantial risks, and investments in
smaller
companies
may be considered speculative. Such companies often have limited product lines,
markets or financial resources. Smaller companies may be more dependent on one
or few key persons and may lack depth of management. Larger portions of their
stock may be held by a small number of investors (including founders and
management) than is typical of larger companies. Credit may be more difficult to
obtain (and on less advantageous terms) than for larger companies. As a result,
the influence of creditors (and the impact of financial or operating
restrictions associated with debt financing) on smaller companies may be greater
than that of larger or more established companies. The Fund may have more
difficulty obtaining information about smaller companies, making it more
difficult to evaluate the impact of market, economic, regulatory and other
factors on them. Informational difficulties may also make valuing or disposing
of their securities more difficult than it would for larger companies.
Securities of smaller companies may trade less frequently and in lesser volume
than more widely held securities and the securities of smaller companies
generally are subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than more widely
held or larger, more established companies or the market indices in general. The
value of securities of smaller companies may react differently to political,
market and economic developments than the markets as a whole or than other types
of stocks.
High Portfolio Turnover Risk: The Fund’s
principal investment strategies may result in high portfolio turnover rates,
which may increase the Fund’s brokerage commission costs and negatively impact
the Fund’s performance. Such portfolio turnover also may generate higher taxable
gains for shareholders of the
Fund.
Growth Stock Risk: Growth stocks may be more
volatile than other stocks because they are more sensitive to investor
perceptions of the issuing company’s growth potential. Growth stocks may go in
and out of favor over time and may perform differently than the market as a
whole.
Depositary Receipts Risk: Although depositary
receipts have risks similar to the securities that they represent, they may also
involve higher expenses and may trade at a discount (or premium) to the
underlying security. In addition, depositary receipts may not pass through
voting and other shareholder rights, and may be less liquid than the underlying
securities listed on an exchange.
Volatility Risk: The smaller size and lower
levels of liquidity in emerging markets, as well as other factors, may result in
changes in the prices of emerging market securities that are more volatile than
those of companies in more developed regions. This volatility can cause the
price of the Fund’s shares to go up or down dramatically. Because of this
volatility, this Fund is better suited for long-term investors (typically five
years or longer).
Risks Associated with Medium‑Size Companies:
Medium‑size companies may be subject to a number of risks not associated with
larger, more established companies, potentially making their stock prices more
volatile and increasing the risk of
loss.
Country Concentration Risk: The Fund may invest
a significant portion of its total net assets in the securities of issuers
located in a single country. An investment in the Fund therefore may entail
greater risk than an investment in a fund
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that
does not concentrate its investments in a single or small number of countries
because these securities may be more sensitive to adverse social, political,
economic or regulatory developments affecting that country or countries. As a
result, events affecting a single or small number of countries may have a
significant and potentially adverse impact on the Fund’s investments, and the
Fund’s performance may be more volatile than that of funds that invest globally.
The Fund has concentrated or may concentrate its investments in
China.
Risks Associated with China: The Chinese
government exercises significant control over China’s economy through its
industrial policies, monetary policy, management of currency exchange rates, and
management of the payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations. Changes
in these policies could adversely impact affected industries or companies in
China. China’s economy, particularly its export-oriented industries, may be
adversely impacted by trade or political disputes with China’s major trading
partners, including the U.S. In addition, as its consumer class continues to
grow, China’s domestically oriented industries may be especially sensitive to
changes in government policy and investment
cycles.
Risks Associated with India: Government
actions, bureaucratic obstacles and inconsistent economic reform within the
Indian government have had a significant effect on the Indian economy and could
adversely affect market conditions, economic growth and the profitability of
private enterprises in India. Global factors and foreign actions may inhibit the
flow of foreign capital on which India is dependent to sustain its growth. Large
portions of many Indian companies remain in the hands of their founders
(including members of their families). Corporate governance standards of
family-controlled companies may be weaker and less transparent, which increases
the potential for loss and unequal treatment of investors. India experiences
many of the risks associated with developing economies, including relatively low
levels of liquidity, which may result in extreme volatility in the prices of
Indian securities.
Religious,
cultural and military disputes persist in India and between India and Pakistan
(as well as sectarian groups within each country). Both India and Pakistan have
tested nuclear arms, and the threat of deployment of such weapons could hinder
development of the Indian economy, and escalating tensions could impact the
broader region, including China.
Risks Associated with Europe: The
economies of countries in Europe are in different stages of economic development
and are often closely connected and interdependent, and events in one country in
Europe can have an adverse impact on other European countries. Efforts by the
member countries of the European Union (“EU”) to continue to unify their
economic and monetary policies may increase the potential for similarities in
the movements of European markets and reduce the potential investment benefits
of diversification within the region. However, the substance of these policies
may not address the needs of all European economies. European financial markets
have in recent years experienced increased volatility due to concerns with some
countries’ high levels of sovereign debt, budget deficits and unemployment.
Markets have also been affected by the decision by the UK to withdraw from the
EU (an event commonly known as “Brexit”). There is uncertainty surrounding the
ultimate impact of Brexit on the UK, the EU and the broader global economy. An
exit by any
member
countries from the EU or the Economic and Monetary Union of the EU, or even the
prospect of such an exit, could lead to increased volatility in European markets
and negatively affect investments both in issuers in the exiting country and
throughout Europe. In addition, while many countries in western Europe are
considered to have developed markets, many eastern European countries are less
developed, and investments in eastern European countries, even if denominated in
Euros, may involve special risks associated with investments in emerging
markets. See “Risks Associated with Emerging
and Frontier Markets” above. In addition, Russia’s recent military
incursions in Ukraine have led to sanctions being levied against Russia by the
United States, EU and other countries, which could adversely affect European and
global energy and financial markets and thus could affect the value of a Fund’s
investments.
Risks Associated with Latin America: The
economies of Latin American countries have in the past experienced considerable
difficulties, including high inflation rates, high interest rates, high
unemployment, government overspending and political instability. Similar
conditions in the present or future could impact the Fund’s performance. Many
Latin American countries are highly reliant on the exportation of commodities
and their economies may be significantly impacted by fluctuations in commodity
prices and the global demand for certain commodities. Investments in Latin
American countries may be subject to currency risks, such as restrictions on the
flow of money in and out of a country, extreme volatility relative to the U.S.
dollar, and devaluation, all of which could decrease the value of the Fund’s
investments. Other Latin American investment risks may include inadequate
investor protection, less developed regulatory, accounting, auditing and
financial standards, unfavorable changes in laws or regulations, natural
disasters, corruption and military activity. The governments of many Latin
American countries may also exercise substantial influence over many aspects of
the private sector, and any such exercise could have a significant effect on
companies in which the Fund invests. Securities of companies in Latin American
countries may be subject to significant price volatility, which could impact
Fund performance.
Sector Concentration Risk: To the extent that
the Fund emphasizes, from time to time, investments in a particular sector, the
Fund will be subject to a greater degree to the risks particular to that sector,
including the sectors described below. Market conditions, interest rates, and
economic, regulatory, or financial developments could significantly affect a
single sector. By focusing its investments in a particular sector, the Fund may
face more risks than if it were diversified broadly over numerous
sectors.
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Industrial
Sector Risk: As of December 31, 2021, 28% of the Fund’s
assets were invested in the industrial sector. Industrial companies are
affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or service
and for industrial sector products in general. Government regulation,
world events, exchange rates and economic conditions, technological
developments and liabilities for environmental damage and general civil
liabilities will likewise affect the performance of these
companies. |
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Information
Technology Sector Risk: As of December 31, 2021, 25% of the
Fund’s assets were invested in the information technology sector.
Information technology companies may be significantly affected by
aggressive pricing as a result
of |
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MATTHEWS EMERGING MARKETS SMALL COMPANIES FUND |
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intense competition and
by rapid product obsolescence due to rapid development of technological
innovations and frequent new product introduction. Other factors, such as
short product cycle, possible loss or impairment of intellectual property
rights, and changes in government regulations, may also adversely impact
information technology
companies. |
Cybersecurity Risk: With the increased use of
technologies such as the internet to conduct business, the Fund
is
susceptible
to operational, information security, and related risks. Cyber incidents
affecting the Fund or its service providers may cause disruptions and impact
business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, interference
with the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV, impediments to trading, the
inability of shareholders to transact business, violations of applicable privacy
and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement
or other compensation costs, or additional compliance
costs.
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Past Performance
The bar chart
below shows the Fund’s performance for each full calendar year since its
inception and how it has varied from year to year, reflective of the Fund’s
volatility and some indication of risk. Also shown are the best
and worst quarters for this time period. The table below shows the Fund’s
performance over certain periods of time, along with performance of its
benchmark index. Before April 30, 2021, the Fund was managed with a
materially different investment strategy and may have achieved materially
different performance results under its current investment strategy from the
performance shown for periods before that date. The information presented below
is past performance, before and after taxes, and is not a prediction of future
results. Both the bar chart and performance table assume
reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. For the Fund’s most recent
month‑end performance, please visit matthewsasia.com
or call 800.789.ASIA
(2742).
ANNUAL
RETURN FOR YEARS ENDED 12/31
AVERAGE
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2021
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1 year |
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5 years |
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Since Inception
(4/30/13) |
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Matthews
Emerging Markets Small Companies Fund |
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Return
before taxes |
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22.39% |
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17.37% |
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9.70% |
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Return
after taxes on distributions1 |
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19.89% |
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15.33% |
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8.58% |
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Return
after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares1 |
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13.58% |
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13.28% |
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7.50% |
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MSCI
Emerging Markets Small Cap Index |
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(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses
or taxes) |
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19.29% |
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11.88% |
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5.73% |
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1 |
After‑tax returns are
calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income
tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local
taxes. Actual after‑tax
returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those
shown. After‑tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold
their Fund shares through tax‑deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans
or individual retirement
accounts. |
Investment Advisor
Matthews
International Capital Management, LLC (“Matthews”)
Portfolio Managers
Lead Manager: Vivek Tanneeru has been a
Portfolio Manager of the Matthews Emerging Markets Small Companies Fund since
2020.
Co‑Manager: Jeremy Sutch, CFA, has been a
Portfolio Manager of the Matthews Emerging Markets Small Companies Fund since
2021.
The
Lead Manager is primarily responsible for the Fund’s day‑to‑day investment
management decisions. The Lead Manager is supported by and consults with the
Co-Manager, who is not primarily responsible for portfolio management.
For
important information about the Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares; Tax
Information; and Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries,
please turn to page 63.
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Matthews
Asia Growth Fund
FUND SUMMARY
Investment Objective
Long-term
capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the
Fund
This
table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of this Fund.
SHAREHOLDER
FEES
(fees paid directly from your investment)
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Maximum
Account Fee on Redemptions (for wire redemptions only) |
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$9 |
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ANNUAL
OPERATING EXPENSES
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of
the value of your investment)
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Management
Fees |
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0.66% |
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Distribution
(12b‑1) Fees |
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0.00% |
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Other Expenses |
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0.26% |
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Administration
and Shareholder Servicing Fees |
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0.14% |
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Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses |
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0.92% |
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EXAMPLE
OF FUND EXPENSES
This
example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with
the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest
$10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your
shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your
investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses
remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on
these assumptions your costs would be:
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One year: $94 |
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Three years: $293 |
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Five years: $509 |
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Ten years: $1,131 |
PORTFOLIO
TURNOVER
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
annual fund operating expenses or in the example of fund expenses, affect the
Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio
turnover rate was 42% of the average value of its
portfolio.
Principal Investment
Strategy
Under
normal circumstances, the Matthews Asia Growth Fund seeks to achieve its
investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which include
borrowings for investment purposes, in the common and preferred stocks of
companies located in Asia. The Fund may also invest in convertible securities of
any duration or quality, including those that are unrated, or would be below
investment grade (referred to as “junk bonds”) if rated, of Asian companies.
Asia consists of all countries and markets in Asia, and includes developed,
emerging, and frontier countries and markets in the Asian region. 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. A company or
other issuer is considered to be “located” in a country or a region, and a
security or instrument is deemed to be an Asian (or specific country) security
or instrument, if it has substantial ties to that country or region. Matthews
currently makes that determination based primarily on one or more of the
following criteria: (A) with respect to a company or issuer, whether
(i) it is organized under the laws of that country or any country in
that region; (ii) it derives at least 50% of its revenues or profits from
goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed, or has at least
50% of its assets located, within that country or region; (iii) it has the
primary trading markets for its securities in
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that
country or region; (iv) it has its principal place of business in or is
otherwise headquartered in that country or region; or (v) it is a
governmental entity or an agency, instrumentality or a political subdivision of
that country or any country in that region; and (B) with respect to an
instrument or issue, whether (i) its issuer is headquartered or organized
in that country or region; (ii) it is issued to finance a project with
significant assets or operations in that country or region; (iii) it is
principally secured or backed by assets located in that country or region;
(iv) it is a component of or its issuer is included in a recognized
securities index for the country or region; or (v) it is denominated in the
currency of an Asian country and addresses at least one of the other above
criteria. The term “located” and the associated criteria listed above have been
defined in such a way that Matthews has latitude in determining whether an
issuer should be included within a region or country. The Fund may also invest
in depositary receipts, including American, European, and Global Depositary
Receipts.
The
Fund seeks to invest in companies capable of sustainable growth based on the
fundamental characteristics of those companies, including balance sheet
information; number of employees; size and stability of cash flow; management’s
depth, adaptability and integrity; product lines; marketing strategies;
corporate governance; and financial health. Matthews expects that the companies
in which the Fund invests typically will be of medium or large size, but the
Fund may invest in companies of any size. Matthews measures a company’s size
with respect to fundamental criteria such as, but not limited to, market
capitalization, book value, revenues, profits, cash flow, dividends paid and
number of employees. The implementation of the principal investment strategies
of the Fund may result in a significant portion of the Fund’s assets being
invested from time to time in one or more sectors, but the Fund may invest in
companies in any sector.
Principal Risks of
Investment
There
is no guarantee that your investment in the Fund will increase in value.
The value of your investment in the Fund could go down,
meaning you could lose money. The principal risks of investing
in the Fund are:
Political, Social and Economic Risks of Investing in
Asia: The value of the Fund’s assets may be adversely affected by
political, economic, social and religious instability; inadequate investor
protection; changes in laws or regulations of countries within the Asian region
(including countries in which the Fund invests, as well as the broader region);
international relations with other nations; natural disasters; corruption and
military activity. The economies of many Asian countries differ from the
economies of more developed countries in many respects, such as rate of growth,
inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency, financial system
stability, the national balance of payments position and sensitivity to changes
in global trade.
Public Health Emergency Risks: Pandemics and
other public health emergencies, including outbreaks of infectious diseases such
as the current outbreak of the novel coronavirus (“COVID‑19”), can result, and
in the case of COVID‑19 has resulted and may continue to result in market
volatility and disruption, and materially and adversely impact economic
conditions in ways that cannot be predicted, all of which could result in
substantial investment losses. Containment
efforts
and related restrictive actions by governments and businesses have significantly
diminished and disrupted global economic activity across many industries. Less
developed countries and their health systems may be more vulnerable to these
impacts. The ultimate impact of COVID‑19, including new strains of the
underlying virus, or other health emergencies on global economic conditions and
businesses is impossible to predict accurately. Ongoing and potential additional
material adverse economic effects of indeterminate duration and severity are
possible. The resulting adverse impact on the value of an investment in the Fund
could be significant and prolonged. Other public health emergencies that may
arise in the future could have similar or other unforeseen
effects.
Currency Risk: When the Fund conducts
securities transactions in a foreign currency, there is the risk of the value of
the foreign currency increasing or decreasing against the value of the U.S.
dollar. The value of an investment denominated in a foreign currency will
decline in U.S. dollar terms if that currency weakens against the U.S. dollar.
While the Fund is permitted to hedge currency risks, Matthews does not
anticipate doing so at this time. Additionally, Asian countries may utilize
formal or informal currency-exchange controls or “capital controls.” Capital
controls may impose restrictions on the Fund’s ability to repatriate investments
or income. Such controls may also affect the value of the Fund’s
holdings.
Risks Associated with Emerging and Frontier
Markets: Many Asian countries are considered emerging or frontier
markets. Such markets are often less stable politically and economically than
developed markets such as the United States, and investing in these markets
involves different and greater risks. There may be less publicly available
information about companies in many Asian countries, and the stock exchanges and
brokerage industries in many Asian countries typically do not have the level of
government oversight as do those in the United States. Securities markets
of many Asian countries are also substantially smaller, less liquid and more
volatile than securities markets in the United
States.
Growth Stock Risk: Growth stocks may be more
volatile than other stocks because they are more sensitive to investor
perceptions of the issuing company’s growth potential. Growth stocks may go in
and out of favor over time and may perform differently than the market as a
whole.
Depositary Receipts Risk: Although depositary
receipts have risks similar to the securities that they represent, they may also
involve higher expenses and may trade at a discount (or premium) to the
underlying security. In addition, depositary receipts may not pass through
voting and other shareholder rights, and may be less liquid than the underlying
securities listed on an exchange.
Volatility Risk: The smaller size and lower
levels of liquidity in emerging markets, as well as other factors, may result in
changes in the prices of Asian securities that are more volatile than those of
companies in more developed regions. This volatility can cause the price of the
Fund’s shares to go up or down dramatically. Because of this volatility, this
Fund is better suited for long-term investors (typically five years or
longer).
Convertible Securities Risk: The Fund may
invest in convertible preferred stocks, and convertible bonds and debentures.
The risks of convertible bonds and debentures include repayment risk and
interest rate risk. Many Asian
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convertible
securities are not rated by rating agencies. The Fund may invest in convertible
debt securities of any maturity and in those that are unrated, or would be below
investment grade (referred to as “junk bonds”) if rated. Therefore, credit risk
may be greater for the Fund than for other funds that invest in higher-grade
securities. These securities are also subject to greater liquidity risk than
many other securities.
Risks Associated with Smaller Companies:
Smaller companies may offer substantial opportunities for capital growth; they
also involve substantial risks, and investments in smaller companies may be
considered speculative. Such companies often have limited product lines, markets
or financial resources. Securities of smaller companies may trade less
frequently and in lesser volume than more widely held securities and the
securities of smaller companies generally are subject to more abrupt or erratic
price movements than more widely held or larger, more established companies or
the market indices in general.
Risks Associated with Medium‑Size Companies:
Medium‑size companies may be subject to a number of risks not associated
with larger, more established companies, potentially making their stock prices
more volatile and increasing the risk of
loss.
Risks Associated with Japan: The Japanese
economy has only recently emerged from a prolonged economic downturn. Since the
year 2000, Japan’s economic growth rate has remained relatively low. The
Japanese economy is characterized by an aging demographic, declining population,
large government debt and highly regulated labor market. Economic growth in
Japan is dependent on domestic consumption, deregulation and consistent
government policy. International trade, particularly with the U.S., also impacts
growth of the Japanese economy, and adverse economic conditions in the U.S. or
other trade partners may affect
Japan.
Risks Associated with China and Hong Kong: The
Chinese government exercises significant control over China’s economy through
its industrial policies, monetary policy, management of currency exchange rates,
and management of the payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations.
Changes in these policies could adversely impact affected industries or
companies in China. China’s economy, particularly its export-oriented
industries, may be adversely impacted by trade or political disputes with
China’s major
trading
partners, including the U.S. In addition, as its consumer class continues to
grow, China’s domestically oriented industries may be especially sensitive to
changes in government policy and investment cycles. As demonstrated by Hong Kong
protests in recent years over political, economic, and legal freedoms, and the
Chinese government’s response to them, considerable political uncertainty
continues to exist within Hong Kong. Due to the interconnected nature of the
Hong Kong and Chinese economies, this instability in Hong Kong may cause
uncertainty in the Hong Kong and Chinese markets. If China were to exert its
authority so as to alter the economic, political or legal structures or the
existing social policy of Hong Kong, investor and business confidence in Hong
Kong could be negatively affected and have an adverse effect on the Fund’s
investments.
Sector Concentration Risk: To the extent that
the Fund emphasizes, from time to time, investments in a particular sector, the
Fund will be subject to a greater degree to the risks particular to that sector,
including the sector described below. Market conditions, interest rates, and
economic, regulatory, or financial developments could significantly affect a
single sector. By focusing its investments in a particular sector, the Fund may
face more risks than if it were diversified broadly over numerous
sectors.
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Health Care
Sector Risk: As of December 31, 2021, 31% of the Fund’s
assets were invested in the health care sector. Companies in the health
care sector may be affected by various factors, including extensive
government regulations, heavy dependence on patent protection, pricing
pressure, increased cost of medical products and services, and product
liability claims. Health care companies may be thinly capitalized and may
be susceptible to product
obsolescence. |
Cybersecurity Risk: With the increased use of
technologies such as the internet to conduct business, the Fund is susceptible
to operational, information security, and related risks. Cyber incidents
affecting the Fund or its service providers may cause disruptions and impact
business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, interference
with the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV, impediments to trading, the
inability of shareholders to transact business, violations of applicable privacy
and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement
or other compensation costs, or additional compliance
costs.
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Past Performance
The bar chart
below shows the Fund’s performance for the past 10 years and how it has varied
from year to year, reflective of the Fund’s volatility and some indication of
risk. Also shown are the best and worst quarters for this time
period. The table below shows the Fund’s performance over certain periods of
time, along with performance of its benchmark index. The information presented below
is past performance, before and after taxes, and is not a prediction of future
results. Both the bar chart and performance table assume
reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. For the Fund’s most recent
month‑end performance, please visit matthewsasia.com
or call 800.789.ASIA
(2742).
ANNUAL
RETURNS FOR YEARS ENDED 12/31
AVERAGE
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2021
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1 year |
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5 years |
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10 years |
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Since Inception
(10/29/10) |
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Matthews
Asia Growth Fund |
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Return
before taxes |
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-14.55% |
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13.21% |
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10.42% |
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8.23% |
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Return
after taxes on distributions1 |
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-15.73% |
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12.07% |
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9.72% |
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7.56% |
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Return
after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares1 |
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-8.07% |
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10.39% |
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8.47% |
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6.61% |
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MSCI
All Country Asia Pacific Index |
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(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses
or taxes) |
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-1.19% |
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10.23% |
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8.29% |
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6.46% |
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1 |
After‑tax returns are
calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income
tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local
taxes. Actual after‑tax
returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those
shown. After‑tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold
their Fund shares through tax‑deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans
or individual retirement
accounts. |
Investment Advisor
Matthews
International Capital Management, LLC (“Matthews”)
Portfolio Managers
Lead Manager: Taizo Ishida has been a Portfolio
Manager of the Matthews Asia Growth Fund since 2007.
Co-Manager: Michael J. Oh, CFA, has been a
Portfolio Manager of the Matthews Asia Growth Fund since 2020.
The
Lead Manager is primarily responsible for the Fund’s day‑to‑day investment
management decisions. The Lead Manager is supported by and consults with the
Co‑Manager, who is not primarily responsible for portfolio management.
For
important information about the Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares; Tax
Information; and Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries,
please turn to page 63.
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MATTHEWS ASIA GROWTH FUND |
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Matthews
Pacific Tiger Fund
FUND SUMMARY
Investment Objective
Long-term
capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the
Fund
This
table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of this Fund.
SHAREHOLDER
FEES
(fees paid directly from your investment)
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Maximum
Account Fee on Redemptions (for wire redemptions only) |
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$9 |
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ANNUAL
OPERATING EXPENSES
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of
the value of your investment)
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Management
Fees |
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0.66% |
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Distribution
(12b‑1) Fees |
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0.00% |
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Other Expenses |
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0.26% |
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Administration
and Shareholder Servicing Fees |
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0.14% |
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Total Annual
Fund Operating Expenses |
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0.92% |
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Fee
Waiver and Expense Reimbursement1 |
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(0.02%) |
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Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee
Waiver and Expense Reimbursement |
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0.90% |
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1 |
Matthews
has contractually agreed to waive a portion of its advisory fee and
administrative and shareholder services fee if the Fund’s average daily
net assets are over $3 billion, as follows: for every
$2.5 billion average daily net assets of the Fund that are over
$3 billion, the advisory fee rate and the administrative and
shareholder services fee rate for the Fund with respect to such excess
average daily net assets will be each reduced by 0.01%, in each case
without reducing such fee rate below 0.00%. Any amount waived by Matthews
pursuant to this agreement may not be recouped by Matthews. This agreement
will remain in place until April 30,
2023 and may be terminated (i) at any time by the
Board of Trustees upon 60 days’ prior written notice to Matthews; or
(ii) by Matthews at the annual expiration date of the agreement upon
60 days’ prior written notice to the Trust, in each case without payment
of any penalty. |
EXAMPLE
OF FUND EXPENSES
This
example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with
the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest
$10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your
shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your
investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses
remain the same. The example reflects the fee waiver for the one year period
only. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these
assumptions your costs would be:
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One year: $92 |
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Three years: $291 |
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Five years: $507 |
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Ten years: $1,129 |
PORTFOLIO
TURNOVER
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
annual fund operating expenses or in the example of fund expenses, affect the
Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio
turnover rate was 47% of the average value of its
portfolio.
Principal Investment
Strategy
Under
normal circumstances, the Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund seeks to achieve its
investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which include
borrowings for investment purposes, in the common and preferred stocks of
companies located in Asia ex Japan, which consists of all countries and markets
in Asia excluding Japan, but including all other developed, emerging, and
frontier countries and markets in the Asian region. 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. A company
or
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other
issuer is considered to be “located” in a country or a region, and a security or
instrument is deemed to be an Asian (or specific country) security or
instrument, if it has substantial ties to that country or region. Matthews
currently makes that determination based primarily on one or more of the
following criteria: (A) with respect to a company or issuer, whether
(i) it is organized under the laws of that country or any country in
that region; (ii) it derives at least 50% of its revenues or profits from
goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed, or has at least
50% of its assets located, within that country or region; (iii) it has the
primary trading markets for its securities in that country or region;
(iv) it has its principal place of business in or is otherwise
headquartered in that country or region; or (v) it is a governmental entity
or an agency, instrumentality or a political subdivision of that country or any
country in that region; and (B) with respect to an instrument or issue,
whether (i) its issuer is headquartered or organized in that country or
region; (ii) it is issued to finance a project with significant assets or
operations in that country or region; (iii) it is principally secured or
backed by assets located in that country or region; (iv) it is a component
of or its issuer is included in a recognized securities index for the country or
region; or (v) it is denominated in the currency of an Asian country and
addresses at least one of the other above criteria. The term “located” and the
associated criteria listed above have been defined in such a way that Matthews
has latitude in determining whether an issuer should be included within a region
or country. The Fund may also invest in depositary receipts, including American,
European and Global Depositary
Receipts.
The
Fund seeks to invest in companies capable of sustainable growth based on the
fundamental characteristics of those companies, including balance sheet
information; number of employees; size and stability of cash flow; management’s
depth, adaptability and integrity; product lines; marketing strategies;
corporate governance; and financial health. Matthews expects that the companies
in which the Fund invests typically will be of medium or large size, but the
Fund may invest in companies of any size. Matthews measures a company’s size
with respect to fundamental criteria such as, but not limited to, market
capitalization, book value, revenues, profits, cash flow, dividends paid and
number of employees. The implementation of the principal investment strategies
of the Fund may result in a significant portion of the Fund’s assets being
invested from time to time in one or more sectors, but the Fund may invest in
companies in any sector.
Matthews
may also take into consideration environmental, social and governance (ESG)
characteristics of companies in selecting portfolio investments as part of the
investment process for this Fund in an effort to reduce what it regards as the
sustainability risks of its investments. Through these efforts, Matthews also
hopes to promote the sustainability practices of those companies. For example,
it may view favorably companies that have a commitment to mitigating climate
change through reducing their carbon footprint and those with sound governance
practices. Not all investments will demonstrate those characteristics, and there
could be instances where Matthews is unable to assess whether companies have
such a commitment or follow good governance practices. Matthews’ investment
process in this regard is carried out through a combination of exclusionary ESG
screens and the use of ESG data. Matthews uses various sources of information,
including but not limited to third-party ESG rating firms and
Matthews’
own
analysis, in assessing a company’s ESG characteristics. In addition, once
invested in a company, Matthews may engage with its portfolio companies on
sustainability and governance matters through active dialogue, exercising
shareholder rights and by encouraging enhanced ESG disclosure and
implementation.
Principal Risks of
Investment
There
is no guarantee that your investment in the Fund will increase in value.
The value of your investment in the Fund could go down,
meaning you could lose money. The principal risks of investing
in the Fund are:
Political, Social and Economic Risks of Investing in
Asia: The value of the Fund’s assets may be adversely affected by
political, economic, social and religious instability; inadequate investor
protection; changes in laws or regulations of countries within the Asian region
(including countries in which the Fund invests, as well as the broader region);
international relations with other nations; natural disasters; corruption and
military activity. The economies of many Asian countries differ from the
economies of more developed countries in many respects, such as rate of growth,
inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency, financial system
stability, the national balance of payments position and sensitivity to changes
in global trade.
Public Health Emergency Risks: Pandemics and
other public health emergencies, including outbreaks of infectious diseases such
as the current outbreak of the novel coronavirus (“COVID‑19”), can result, and
in the case of COVID‑19 has resulted and may continue to result in market
volatility and disruption, and materially and adversely impact economic
conditions in ways that cannot be predicted, all of which could result in
substantial investment losses. Containment efforts and related restrictive
actions by governments and businesses have significantly diminished and
disrupted global economic activity across many industries. Less developed
countries and their health systems may be more vulnerable to these impacts. The
ultimate impact of COVID‑19, including new strains of the underlying virus, or
other health emergencies on global economic conditions and businesses is
impossible to predict accurately. Ongoing and potential additional material
adverse economic effects of indeterminate duration and severity are possible.
The resulting adverse impact on the value of an investment in the Fund could be
significant and prolonged. Other public health emergencies that may arise in the
future could have similar or other unforeseen
effects.
Currency Risk: When the Fund conducts
securities transactions in a foreign currency, there is the risk of the value of
the foreign currency increasing or decreasing against the value of the U.S.
dollar. The value of an investment denominated in a foreign currency will
decline in U.S. dollar terms if that currency weakens against the U.S. dollar.
While the Fund is permitted to hedge currency risks, Matthews does not
anticipate doing so at this time. Additionally, Asian countries may utilize
formal or informal currency-exchange controls or “capital controls.” Capital
controls may impose restrictions on the Fund’s ability to repatriate investments
or income. Such controls may also affect the value of the Fund’s
holdings.
Risks Associated with Emerging and Frontier Markets:
Many Asian countries are considered emerging or frontier markets. Such
markets are often less stable politically and economically than developed
markets such as the United States, and investing in these markets involves
different and
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greater
risks. There may be less publicly available information about companies in many
Asian countries, and the stock exchanges and brokerage industries in many Asian
countries typically do not have the level of government oversight as do those in
the United States. Securities markets of many Asian countries are also
substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile than securities markets in
the United States.
Growth Stock Risk: Growth stocks may be more
volatile than other stocks because they are more sensitive to investor
perceptions of the issuing company’s growth potential. Growth stocks may go in
and out of favor over time and may perform differently than the market as a
whole.
Depositary Receipts Risk: Although depositary
receipts have risks similar to the securities that they represent, they may also
involve higher expenses and may trade at a discount (or premium) to the
underlying security. In addition, depositary receipts may not pass through
voting and other shareholder rights, and may be less liquid than the underlying
securities listed on an exchange.
Volatility Risk: The smaller size and lower
levels of liquidity in emerging markets, as well as other factors, may result in
changes in the prices of Asian securities that are more volatile than those of
companies in more developed regions. This volatility can cause the price of the
Fund’s shares to go up or down dramatically. Because of this volatility, this
Fund is better suited for long-term investors (typically five years or
longer).
Risks Associated with Medium‑Size Companies:
Medium‑size companies may be subject to a number of risks not associated
with larger, more established companies, potentially making their stock prices
more volatile and increasing the risk of
loss.
Risks Associated with China and Hong Kong: The
Chinese government exercises significant control over China’s economy through
its industrial policies, monetary policy, management of currency exchange rates,
and management of the payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations.
Changes in these policies could adversely impact affected industries or
companies in China. China’s economy, particularly its export-oriented
industries, may be adversely impacted by trade or political disputes with
China’s major trading partners, including the U.S. In addition, as its consumer
class continues to grow, China’s domestically oriented industries may be
especially sensitive to changes in government policy and investment cycles. As
demonstrated by Hong Kong protests in recent years over political, economic, and
legal freedoms, and the Chinese government’s response to them, considerable
political uncertainty continues to exist within Hong Kong. Due to the
interconnected nature of the Hong Kong and Chinese economies, this instability
in Hong Kong may cause uncertainty in the Hong Kong and Chinese markets. If
China were to exert its authority so as to alter the economic, political or
legal structures or the existing social policy of Hong Kong, investor and
business confidence in Hong Kong could be negatively affected and have an
adverse effect on the Fund’s
investments.
Sustainability Risk: Sustainability risk means
an environmental, social or governance (ESG) event or condition that, if it
occurs, could cause an actual or a potential material negative impact on the
value of the investments made by the Fund. ESG events could result from climate
change (so-called physical risks) or from society’s response to climate
change
(so-called
transition risks), social events (e.g., inequality, inclusiveness, labor
relations, investment in human capital, accident prevention, changing customer
behavior, etc.) or governance shortcomings (e.g., diversity and inclusion
issues, recurrent significant breach of international agreements, bribery
issues, products quality and safety, selling practices, etc.), which may result
in unanticipated potential or actual material negative impact on the Fund’s
investments and, therefore, would have an adverse impact on the value of the
Fund.
ESG Investing Risk: Because the Fund may take
into consideration the environmental, social and governance characteristics of
portfolio companies in which it may invest, the Fund may select or exclude
securities of certain issuers for reasons other than potential performance. The
Fund’s consideration of ESG characteristics in making its investment decisions
may affect the Fund’s exposure to certain issuers, industries, sectors, regions
or countries, and the Fund’s performance will likely differ—positively or
negatively—as compared to funds that do not utilize these considerations,
depending on whether the Fund’s investments made according to considerations of
ESG characteristics are in or out of favor in the market. The consideration of
ESG characteristics is qualitative and subjective by nature, and there is no
guarantee that the ESG characteristics used by Matthews or any judgment
exercised by Matthews will reflect the opinions of any particular investor.
Although an investment by the Fund in a company may satisfy one or more ESG
factors in the view of the portfolio managers, there is no guarantee that such
company actually promotes positive environmental, social or economic
developments, and that same company may also fail to satisfy other ESG factors.
Funds with ESG investment strategies are generally suited for long-term rather
than short-term investors.
Sector Concentration Risk: To the extent that
the Fund emphasizes, from time to time, investments in a particular sector, the
Fund will be subject to a greater degree to the risks particular to that sector,
including the sector described below. Market conditions, interest rates, and
economic, regulatory, or financial developments could significantly affect a
single sector. By focusing its investments in a particular sector, the Fund may
face more risks than if it were diversified broadly over numerous
sectors.
– |
|
Information
Technology Sector Risk: As of December 31, 2021, 27% of the
Fund’s assets were invested in the information technology sector.
Information technology companies may be significantly affected by
aggressive pricing as a result of intense competition and by rapid product
obsolescence due to rapid development of technological innovations and
frequent new product introduction. Other factors, such as short product
cycle, possible loss or impairment of intellectual property rights, and
changes in government regulations, may also adversely impact information
technology
companies. |
Cybersecurity Risk: With the increased use of
technologies such as the internet to conduct business, the Fund is susceptible
to operational, information security, and related risks. Cyber incidents
affecting the Fund or its service providers may cause disruptions and impact
business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, interference
with the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV, impediments to trading, the
inability of shareholders to transact business, violations of applicable privacy
and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement
or other compensation costs, or additional compliance
costs.
|
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|
18 |
|
matthewsasia.com | 800.789.ASIA |
|
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|
Past Performance
The bar chart
below shows the Fund’s performance for the past 10 years and how it has varied
from year to year, reflective of the Fund’s volatility and some indication of
risk. Also shown are the best and worst quarters for this time
period. The table below shows the Fund’s performance over certain periods of
time, along with performance of its benchmark index. The information presented below
is past performance, before and after taxes, and is not a prediction of future
results. Both the bar chart and performance table assume
reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. For the Fund’s most recent
month‑end performance, please visit matthewsasia.com
or call 800.789.ASIA
(2742).
ANNUAL
RETURNS FOR YEARS ENDED 12/31
AVERAGE
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2021
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
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|
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|
|
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|
|
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|
1 year |
|
|
5 years |
|
|
10 years |
|
|
Since Inception
(10/29/10) |
|
Matthews
Pacific Tiger Fund |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return
before taxes |
|
|
-4.29% |
|
|
|
11.31% |
|
|
|
9.07% |
|
|
|
6.99% |
|
Return
after taxes on distributions1 |
|
|
-8.38% |
|
|
|
9.56% |
|
|
|
7.71% |
|
|
|
5.78% |
|
Return
after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares1 |
|
|
0.27% |
|
|
|
8.93% |
|
|
|
7.26% |
|
|
|
5.55% |
|
MSCI
All Country Asia ex Japan Index |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses
or taxes) |
|
|
-4.46% |
|
|
|
11.61% |
|
|
|
8.32% |
|
|
|
6.00% |
|
|
1 |
After‑tax returns are
calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income
tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local
taxes. Actual after‑tax
returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those
shown. After‑tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold
their Fund shares through tax‑deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans
or individual retirement
accounts. |
Investment Advisor
Matthews
International Capital Management, LLC (“Matthews”)
Portfolio Managers
Lead Manager: Sharat Shroff, CFA, has been a
Portfolio Manager of the Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund since 2008.
Lead Manager: Inbok Song has been a Portfolio
Manager of the Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund since 2019.
Co‑Manager: Winnie Chwang has been a Portfolio
Manager of the Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund since 2021.
Co-Manager: Andrew Mattock has been a Portfolio
Manager of the Matthews Pacific Tiger Fund since 2022.
The
Lead Manager is primarily responsible for the Fund’s day‑to‑day investment
management decisions (and jointly responsible with the other Lead Manager). The
Lead Manager is supported by and consults with the the Co-Managers, who are not
primarily responsible for portfolio management.
For
important information about the Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares; Tax
Information; and Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries,
please turn to page 63.
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|
MATTHEWS PACIFIC TIGER FUND |
|
|
19 |
|
Matthews
Asia ESG Fund
FUND SUMMARY
Investment Objective
Long-term
capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the
Fund
This
table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of this Fund.
SHAREHOLDER
FEES
(fees paid directly from your investment)
|
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|
Maximum
Account Fee on Redemptions (for wire redemptions only) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$9 |
|
ANNUAL
OPERATING EXPENSES
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of
the value of your investment)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management
Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.66% |
|
Distribution
(12b‑1) Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.00% |
|
Other Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.41% |
|
|
|
|
Administration
and Shareholder Servicing Fees |
|
|
0.14% |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual
Fund Operating Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.07% |
|
Fee
Waiver and Expense Reimbursement1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.13% |
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee
Waiver and Expense Reimbursement |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.20% |
|
|
1 |
Matthews
has contractually agreed to waive fees and reimburse expenses to the
extent needed to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding
Rule 12b‑1 fees, taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, short sale
dividend expenses, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or
reorganization or extraordinary expenses such as litigation) of the
Institutional Class to 1.20%. The amount shown reflects a recoupment
of expenses previously waived under the expense cap for the Institutional
Class. If the operating expenses fall below the expense limitation within
three years after Matthews has made a waiver or reimbursement, the Fund
may reimburse Matthews up to an amount that does not cause the expenses
for that year to exceed the lesser of (i) the expense limitation
applicable at the time of that fee waiver and/or expense reimbursement or
(ii) the expense limitation in effect at the time of recoupment. This
agreement will remain in place until April 30,
2023 and may be terminated at any time by the Board of
Trustees on behalf of the Fund on 60 days’ written notice to Matthews.
Matthews may decline to renew this agreement by written notice to the
Trust at least 30 days before its annual expiration
date. |
EXAMPLE
OF FUND EXPENSES
This
example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with
the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest
$10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your
shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your
investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses
remain the same. The example reflects the expense limitation for the one year
period only. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these
assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One year: $122 |
|
Three years: $353 |
|
Five years: $603 |
|
Ten years: $1,317 |
PORTFOLIO
TURNOVER
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
annual fund operating expenses or in the example of fund expenses, affect the
Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio
turnover rate was 66% of the average value of its
portfolio.
Principal Investment
Strategy
Under
normal circumstances, the Matthews Asia ESG Fund seeks to achieve its investment
objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which include borrowings
for investment purposes, in the common and preferred stocks of companies of any
market
|
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20 |
|
matthewsasia.com | 800.789.ASIA |
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|
capitalization
located in Asia that Matthews believes satisfy one or more of its environmental,
social and governance (“ESG”) standards. Up to 20% of the Fund’s net assets may
be invested in companies that do not satisfy these ESG standards. The Fund may
also invest in convertible securities and fixed-income securities, of any
duration or quality, including high yield securities (also known as “junk
bonds”), of Asian companies. Asia consists of all countries and markets in Asia
and includes developed, emerging, and frontier countries and markets in the
Asian region. 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. A company or other issuer is considered to be “located” in a country or
a region, and a security or instrument is deemed to be an Asian (or specific
country) security or instrument, if it has substantial ties to that country or
region. Matthews currently makes that determination based primarily on one or
more of the following criteria: (A) with respect to a company or issuer,
whether (i) it is organized under the laws of that country or any
country in that region; (ii) it derives at least 50% of its revenues or
profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed, or
has at least 50% of its assets located, within that country or region;
(iii) it has the primary trading markets for its securities in that country
or region; (iv) it has its principal place of business in or is otherwise
headquartered in that country or region; or (v) it is a governmental entity
or an agency, instrumentality or a political subdivision of that country or any
country in that region; and (B) with respect to an instrument or issue,
whether (i) its issuer is headquartered or organized in that country or
region; (ii) it is issued to finance a project with significant assets or
operations in that country or region; (iii) it is principally secured or
backed by assets located in that country or region; (iv) it is a component
of or its issuer is included in a recognized securities index for the country or
region; or (v) it is denominated in the currency of an Asian country and
addresses at least one of the other above criteria. The term “located” and the
associated criteria listed above have been defined in such a way that Matthews
has latitude in determining whether an issuer should be included within a region
or country. The Fund may also invest in depositary receipts, including American,
European, and Global Depositary
Receipts.
The
Fund’s primary focus is long-term capital appreciation. In achieving this
objective, the Fund seeks to invest in companies that Matthews believes to be
undervalued but of high quality and run by management teams with good operating
and governance track records. While the Fund may invest in companies across the
market capitalization spectrum, it has in the past invested, and may continue to
invest, a substantial portion of Fund assets in smaller companies. In addition,
the Fund seeks to invest in those Asian companies that have the potential to
profit from the long-term opportunities presented by global environmental and
social challenges as well as those Asian companies that proactively manage
long-term risks presented by these
challenges.
In
addition to traditional financial data, the stock selection process takes into
consideration ESG factors that the portfolio managers believe help identify
companies with superior business models. There are no universally agreed upon
objective standards for assessing ESG factors for companies. Rather, these
factors tend to have many subjective characteristics,
can
be
difficult to analyze, and frequently involve a balancing of a company’s business
plans, objectives, actual conduct and other factors. ESG standards can vary over
different periods, can evolve over time and tend to be stated broadly and
applied flexibly. They may also be difficult to apply consistently across
regions, countries, industries or sectors. In some cases, Matthews will consider
an investment to be eligible for the Fund where a company has expressed a goal
or objective and has started to take actions that, if successful, would satisfy
the Fund’s ESG standards in the judgment of Matthews. In implementing its ESG
strategy, Matthews will use any one or more of the following key ESG standards
to evaluate potential investments: whether the issuer has adopted and followed
(i) sustainable environmental practices, responsible resource management
and energy efficiency practices, (ii) policies related to social
responsibility, employee welfare, diversity and inclusion, or (iii) sound
governance practices that align interests of shareholders and management and
demonstrate a commitment to the integration of ESG standards. Businesses that
meet one or more of the Fund’s ESG standards are generally businesses that
currently engage in practices or have business goals or objectives that, in the
judgment of Matthews, if continued to be followed or if successfully implemented
would make human or business activity less destructive to the environment, or
businesses that promote positive social and economic developments. Matthews uses
various sources of information, including but not limited to third-party ESG
rating firms, in analyzing whether a company satisfies its ESG standards.
However, it is Matthews’ determination, based on its own analysis, as to whether
a company satisfies those standards and is eligible for investment by the Fund.
There can be no guarantee that a company that Matthews believes to meet one or
more of the Fund’s ESG standards will actually conduct its affairs in a manner
that is less destructive to the environment, or will actually promote positive
social and economic developments. The Fund engages its portfolio companies on
ESG matters primarily through active dialogue and proxy voting, which will be
voted according to these ESG standards, and by encouraging enhanced ESG
disclosure. The implementation of the principal investment strategies of the
Fund may result in a significant portion of the Fund’s assets being invested
from time to time in one or more sectors, but the Fund may invest in companies
in any sector.
Principal Risks of
Investment
There
is no guarantee that your investment in the Fund will increase in value.
The value of your investment in the Fund could go down,
meaning you could lose money. The principal risks of investing
in the Fund are:
Political, Social and Economic Risks of Investing in
Asia: The value of the Fund’s assets may be adversely affected by
political, economic, social and religious instability; inadequate investor
protection; changes in laws or regulations of countries within the Asian region
(including countries in which the Fund invests, as well as the broader region);
international relations with other nations; natural disasters; corruption and
military activity. The economies of many Asian countries differ from the
economies of more developed countries in many respects, such as rate of growth,
inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency, financial system
stability, the national balance of payments position and sensitivity to changes
in global trade.
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|
MATTHEWS ASIA ESG FUND |
|
|
21 |
|
Public Health Emergency Risks: Pandemics and
other public health emergencies, including outbreaks of infectious diseases such
as the current outbreak of the novel coronavirus (“COVID‑19”), can result, and
in the case of COVID‑19 has resulted and may continue to result in market
volatility and disruption, and materially and adversely impact economic
conditions in ways that cannot be predicted, all of which could result in
substantial investment losses. Containment efforts and related restrictive
actions by governments and businesses have significantly diminished and
disrupted global economic activity across many industries. Less developed
countries and their health systems may be more vulnerable to these impacts. The
ultimate impact of COVID‑19, including new strains of the underlying virus, or
other health emergencies on global economic conditions and businesses is
impossible to predict accurately. Ongoing and potential additional material
adverse economic effects of indeterminate duration and severity are possible.
The resulting adverse impact on the value of an investment in the Fund could be
significant and prolonged. Other public health emergencies that may arise in the
future could have similar or other unforeseen
effects.
Currency Risk: When the Fund conducts
securities transactions in a foreign currency, there is the risk of the value of
the foreign currency increasing or decreasing against the value of the U.S.
dollar. The value of an investment denominated in a foreign currency will
decline in U.S. dollar terms if that currency weakens against the U.S. dollar.
While the Fund is permitted to hedge currency risks, Matthews does not
anticipate doing so at this time. Additionally, Asian countries may utilize
formal or informal currency-exchange controls or “capital controls.” Capital
controls may impose restrictions on the Fund’s ability to repatriate investments
or income. Such controls may also affect the value of the Fund’s
holdings.
Risks Associated with Emerging and Frontier
Markets: Many Asian countries are considered emerging or frontier
markets. Such markets are often less stable politically and economically than
developed markets such as the United States, and investing in these markets
involves different and greater risks. There may be less publicly available
information about companies in many Asian countries, and the stock exchanges and
brokerage industries in many Asian countries typically do not have the level of
government oversight as do those in the United States. Securities markets of
many Asian countries are also substantially smaller, less liquid and more
volatile than securities markets in the United
States.
ESG Investing Risk: The Fund’s ESG strategy may
select or exclude securities of certain issuers for reasons other than potential
performance. The Fund’s consideration of ESG standards in making its investment
decisions may affect the Fund’s exposure to certain issuers, industries,
sectors, regions or countries, and the Fund’s performance will likely
differ—positively or negatively—as compared to funds that do not utilize an ESG
strategy, depending on whether the Fund’s ESG investments are in or out of favor
in the market. ESG investing is qualitative and subjective by nature, and there
is no guarantee that the criteria used by Matthews or any judgment exercised by
Matthews will reflect the opinions of any particular investor. Although an
investment by the Fund in a company may satisfy one or more ESG standards in the
view of the portfolio managers, there is no guarantee that such company actually
promotes positive environmental, social or economic developments, and that same
company may also fail to satisfy other ESG standards, in some cases
even
egregiously.
Funds with ESG investment strategies are generally suited for long-term rather
than short-term investors.
Growth Stock Risk: Growth stocks may be more
volatile than other stocks because they are more sensitive to investor
perceptions of the issuing company’s growth potential. Growth stocks may go in
and out of favor over time and may perform differently than the market as a
whole.
Depositary Receipts Risk: Although depositary
receipts have risks similar to the securities that they represent, they may also
involve higher expenses and may trade at a discount (or premium) to the
underlying security. In addition, depositary receipts may not pass through
voting and other shareholder rights, and may be less liquid than the underlying
securities listed on an exchange.
Volatility Risk: The smaller size and lower
levels of liquidity in emerging markets, as well as other factors, may result in
changes in the prices of Asian securities that are more volatile than those of
companies in more developed regions. This volatility can cause the price of the
Fund’s shares to go up or down dramatically. Because of this volatility, this
Fund is better suited for long-term investors (typically five years or
longer).
Convertible Securities Risk: The Fund may
invest in convertible preferred stocks, and convertible bonds and debentures.
The risks of convertible bonds and debentures include repayment risk and
interest rate risk. Many Asian convertible securities are not rated by rating
agencies. The Fund may invest in convertible debt securities of any maturity and
in those that are unrated, or would be below investment grade (referred to as
“junk bonds”) if rated. Therefore, credit risk may be greater for the Fund than
for other funds that invest in higher-grade securities. These securities are
also subject to greater liquidity risk than many other
securities.
Credit Risk: Credit risk refers to the risk
that an issuer may default in the payment of principal and/or interest on an
instrument.
Interest Rate Risk: Fixed-income securities may
decline in value because of changes in interest rates. Bond prices generally
rise when interest rates decline and generally decline when interest rates
rise.
High Yield Securities Risk: High yield
securities or unrated securities of similar credit quality (commonly known as
“junk bonds”) are more likely to default than higher rated securities. These
securities typically entail greater potential price volatility and are
considered predominantly speculative. Issuers of high yield securities may also
be more susceptible to adverse economic and competitive industry conditions than
those of higher-rated securities.
Risks Associated with Smaller Companies:
Smaller companies may offer substantial opportunities for capital growth; they
also involve substantial risks, and investments in smaller companies may be
considered speculative. Such companies often have limited product lines, markets
or financial resources. Securities of smaller companies may trade less
frequently and in lesser volume than more widely held securities and the
securities of smaller companies generally are subject to more abrupt or erratic
price movements than more widely held or larger, more established companies or
the market indices in general.
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22 |
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matthewsasia.com | 800.789.ASIA |
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Risks Associated with Medium-Size Companies:
Medium‑size companies may be subject to a number of risks not associated with
larger, more established companies, potentially making their stock prices more
volatile and increasing the risk of
loss.
Risks Associated with China and Hong Kong: The
Chinese government exercises significant control over China’s economy through
its industrial policies, monetary policy, management of currency exchange rates,
and management of the payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations.
Changes in these policies could adversely impact affected industries or
companies in China. China’s economy, particularly its export-oriented
industries, may be adversely impacted by trade or political disputes with
China’s major trading partners, including the U.S. In addition, as its consumer
class continues to grow, China’s domestically oriented industries may be
especially sensitive to changes in government policy and investment cycles. As
demonstrated by Hong Kong protests in recent years over political, economic, and
legal freedoms, and the Chinese government’s response to them, considerable
political uncertainty continues to exist within Hong Kong. Due to the
interconnected nature of the Hong Kong and Chinese economies, this instability
in Hong Kong may cause uncertainty in the Hong Kong and Chinese markets. If
China were to exert its authority so as to alter the economic, political or
legal structures or the existing social policy of Hong Kong, investor and
business confidence in Hong Kong could be negatively affected and have an
adverse effect on the Fund’s
investments.
Risks Associated with India: Government
actions, bureaucratic obstacles and inconsistent economic reform within the
Indian government have had a significant effect on the Indian economy and could
adversely affect market conditions, economic growth and the profitability of
private enterprises in India. Global factors and foreign actions may inhibit the
flow of foreign capital on which India is dependent to sustain its growth. Large
portions of many Indian companies remain in the hands of their founders
(including members of their families). Corporate governance standards of
family-controlled companies may be weaker and less transparent, which increases
the potential for loss and unequal treatment of investors. India experiences
many of the risks associated with developing economies, including relatively low
levels of liquidity, which may result in extreme volatility in the prices of
Indian securities.
Religious,
cultural and military disputes persist in India and between India and Pakistan
(as well as sectarian groups within each country). Both India and Pakistan have
tested nuclear arms, and the threat of deployment of such weapons could hinder
development of the Indian economy, and escalating tensions could impact the
broader region, including China.
Sector Concentration Risk: To the extent that
the Fund emphasizes, from time to time, investments in a particular sector, the
Fund will be subject to a greater degree to the risks particular to that sector,
including the sectors described below. Market conditions, interest rates, and
economic, regulatory, or financial developments could significantly affect a
single sector. By focusing its investments in a particular sector, the Fund may
face more risks than if it were diversified broadly over numerous
sectors.
– |
|
Industrial
Sector Risk: As of December 31, 2021, 23% of the Fund’s
assets were invested in the industrial sector. Industrial companies are
affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or service
and for industrial sector products in general. Government regulation,
world events, exchange rates and economic conditions, technological
developments and liabilities for environmental damage and general civil
liabilities will likewise affect the performance of these
companies. |
– |
|
Information
Technology Sector Risk: As of December 31, 2021, 22% of the
Fund’s assets were invested in the information technology sector.
Information technology companies may be significantly affected by
aggressive pricing as a result of intense competition and by rapid product
obsolescence due to rapid development of technological innovations and
frequent new product introduction. Other factors, such as short product
cycle, possible loss or impairment of intellectual property rights, and
changes in government regulations, may also adversely impact information
technology companies. |
– |
|
Financial
Services Sector Risk: As of December 31, 2021, 21% of the
Fund’s assets were invested in the financial services sector. Financial
services companies are subject to extensive government regulation and can
be significantly affected by the availability and cost of capital funds,
changes in interest rates, the rate of corporate and consumer debt
defaults, price competition and other sector-specific
factors. |
Cybersecurity Risk: With the increased use of
technologies such as the internet to conduct business, the Fund is susceptible
to operational, information security, and related risks. Cyber incidents
affecting the Fund or its service providers may cause disruptions and impact
business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, interference
with the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV, impediments to trading, the
inability of shareholders to transact business, violations of applicable privacy
and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement
or other compensation costs, or additional compliance
costs.
|
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|
MATTHEWS ASIA ESG FUND |
|
|
23 |
|
Past Performance
The bar chart
below shows the Fund’s performance for each full calendar year since its
inception and how it has varied from year to year, reflective of the Fund’s
volatility and some indication of risk. Also shown are the best
and worst quarters for this time period. The table below shows the Fund’s
performance over certain periods of time, along with performance of its
benchmark index. The information presented below
is past performance, before and after taxes, and is not a prediction of future
results. Both the bar chart and performance table assume
reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. For the Fund’s most recent
month‑end performance, please visit matthewsasia.com
or call 800.789.ASIA
(2742).
ANNUAL
RETURN FOR YEARS ENDED 12/31
AVERAGE
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2021
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
1 year |
|
|
5 years |
|
|
Since Inception (4/30/2015) |
|
Matthews
Asia ESG Fund |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return
before taxes |
|
|
11.98% |
|
|
|
17.00% |
|
|
|
11.05% |
|
Return
after taxes on distributions1 |
|
|
9.25% |
|
|
|
15.43% |
|
|
|
9.83% |
|
Return
after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares1 |
|
|
8.03% |
|
|
|
13.29% |
|
|
|
8.54% |
|
MSCI
All Country Asia ex Japan Index |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses
or taxes) |
|
|
-4.46% |
|
|
|
11.61% |
|
|
|
6.09% |
|
|
1 |
After‑tax returns are
calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income
tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local
taxes. Actual after‑tax
returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those
shown. After‑tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold
their Fund shares through tax‑deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans
or individual retirement
accounts. |
Investment Advisor
Matthews
International Capital Management, LLC (“Matthews”)
Portfolio Manager
Lead Manager: Vivek Tanneeru has been a
Portfolio Manager of the Matthews Asia ESG Fund since its inception in
2015.
The
Lead Manager is primarily responsible for the Fund’s day‑to‑day investment
management decisions.
For
important information about the Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares; Tax
Information; and Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries,
please turn to page 63.
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Matthews
Asia Innovators Fund
FUND SUMMARY
Investment Objective
Long-term
capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the
Fund
This
table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of this Fund.
SHAREHOLDER
FEES
(fees paid directly from your investment)
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Maximum
Account Fee on Redemptions (for wire redemptions only) |
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$9 |
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ANNUAL
OPERATING EXPENSES
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of
the value of your investment)
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Management
Fees |
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0.66% |
|
Distribution
(12b‑1) Fees |
|
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|
|
|
|
0.00% |
|
Other Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.27% |
|
|
|
|
Administration
and Shareholder Servicing Fees |
|
|
0.14% |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.93% |
|
EXAMPLE
OF FUND EXPENSES
This
example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with
the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest
$10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your
shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your
investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses
remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on
these assumptions your costs would be:
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One year: $95 |
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Three years: $296 |
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Five years: $515 |
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Ten years: $1,143 |
PORTFOLIO
TURNOVER
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
annual fund operating expenses or in the example of fund expenses, affect the
Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio
turnover rate was 220% of the average value of its
portfolio.
Principal Investment
Strategy
Under
normal circumstances, the Matthews Asia Innovators Fund seeks to achieve its
investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which include
borrowings for investment purposes, in the common and preferred stocks of
companies located in Asia that Matthews believes are innovators in their
products, services, processes, business models, management, use of technology,
or approach to creating, expanding or servicing their markets. Asia consists of
all countries and markets in Asia, including developed, emerging, and frontier
countries and markets in the Asian region. 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. A company or other issuer is considered
to be “located” in a country or a region, and a security or instrument is deemed
to be an Asian (or specific country) security or instrument, if it has
substantial ties to that country or region. Matthews currently makes that
determination based primarily on one or more of the following criteria:
(A) with respect to a company or issuer, whether (i) it is
organized under the laws of that country or any country in that region;
(ii) it derives at least 50% of its revenues or profits from goods produced
or sold, investments made, or services performed, or has at least 50% of its
assets located, within that country or region; (iii) it has the primary
trading markets for its securities in that country or
region;
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MATTHEWS ASIA INNOVATORS FUND |
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(iv) it
has its principal place of business in or is otherwise headquartered in that
country or region; or (v) it is a governmental entity or an agency,
instrumentality or a political subdivision of that country or any country in
that region; and (B) with respect to an instrument or issue, whether
(i) its issuer is headquartered or organized in that country or region;
(ii) it is issued to finance a project with significant assets or
operations in that country or region; (iii) it is principally secured or
backed by assets located in that country or region; (iv) it is a component
of or its issuer is included in a recognized securities index for the country or
region; or (v) it is denominated in the currency of an Asian country and
addresses at least one of the other above criteria. The term “located” and the
associated criteria listed above have been defined in such a way that Matthews
has latitude in determining whether an issuer should be included within a region
or country. The Fund may also invest in depositary receipts, including American,
European and Global Depositary
Receipts.
It
is important to note that there are no universally agreed upon objective
standards for assessing innovators. Innovative companies can be both old and new
companies. Innovative companies can exist in any industries, old and new, and in
any countries, emerging or developed. Companies perceived as innovators in one
country or one industry might not be perceived as innovators in another country
or another industry. For these reasons, the term innovators may be aspirational
and tend to be stated broadly and applied
flexibly.
The
Fund seeks to invest in companies capable of sustainable growth based on the
fundamental characteristics of those companies, including balance sheet
information; number of employees; size and stability of cash flow; management’s
depth, adaptability and integrity; product lines; marketing strategies;
corporate governance; and financial health. The Fund may invest in companies of
any size, including smaller size companies. Matthews measures a company’s size
with respect to fundamental criteria such as, but not limited to, market
capitalization, book value, revenues, profits, cash flow, dividends paid and
number of employees. The implementation of the principal investment strategies
of the Fund may result in a significant portion of the Fund’s assets being
invested from time to time in one or more sectors, but the Fund may invest in
companies in any sector. The implementation of the Fund’s principal investment
strategies may also result in high portfolio turnover
rates.
The
Fund has a fundamental policy to invest at least 25% of its net assets, which
include borrowings for investment purposes, in the common and preferred stocks
of companies that derive more than 50% of their revenues from the sale of
products or services in science- and technology-related industries and services,
which Matthews considers to be the following, among others: telecommunications,
telecommunications equipment, computers, semiconductors, semiconductor capital
equipment, networking, Internet and online service companies, media, office
automation, server hardware producers, software companies (e.g., design, consumer and industrial),
biotechnology and medical device technology companies, pharmaceuticals and
companies involved in the distribution and servicing of these
products.
Principal Risks of
Investment
There
is no guarantee that your investment in the Fund will increase in value.
The value of your investment in the Fund could go down,
meaning you could lose money. The principal risks of investing
in the Fund are:
Political, Social and Economic Risks of Investing in
Asia: The value of the Fund’s assets may be adversely affected by
political, economic, social and religious instability; inadequate investor
protection; changes in laws or regulations of countries within the Asian region
(including countries in which the Fund invests, as well as the broader region);
international relations with other nations; natural disasters; corruption and
military activity. The economies of many Asian countries differ from the
economies of more developed countries in many respects, such as rate of growth,
inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency, financial system
stability, the national balance of payments position and sensitivity to changes
in global trade.
Public Health Emergency Risks: Pandemics and
other public health emergencies, including outbreaks of infectious diseases such
as the current outbreak of the novel coronavirus (“COVID‑19”), can result, and
in the case of COVID‑19 has resulted and may continue to result in market
volatility and disruption, and materially and adversely impact economic
conditions in ways that cannot be predicted, all of which could result in
substantial investment losses. Containment efforts and related restrictive
actions by governments and businesses have significantly diminished and
disrupted global economic activity across many industries. Less developed
countries and their health systems may be more vulnerable to these impacts. The
ultimate impact of COVID‑19, including new strains of the underlying virus, or
other health emergencies on global economic conditions and businesses is
impossible to predict accurately. Ongoing and potential additional material
adverse economic effects of indeterminate duration and severity are possible.
The resulting adverse impact on the value of an investment in the Fund could be
significant and prolonged. Other public health emergencies that may arise in the
future could have similar or other unforeseen
effects.
Currency Risk: When the Fund conducts
securities transactions in a foreign currency, there is the risk of the value of
the foreign currency increasing or decreasing against the value of the U.S.
dollar. The value of an investment denominated in a foreign currency will
decline in U.S. dollar terms if that currency weakens against the U.S. dollar.
While the Fund is permitted to hedge currency risks, Matthews does not
anticipate doing so at this time. Additionally, Asian countries may utilize
formal or informal currency-exchange controls or “capital controls.” Capital
controls may impose restrictions on the Fund’s ability to repatriate investments
or income. Such controls may also affect the value of the Fund’s
holdings.
Risks Associated with Emerging and Frontier
Markets: Many Asian countries are considered emerging or frontier
markets. Such markets are often less stable politically and economically than
developed markets such as the United States, and investing in these markets
involves different and greater risks. There may be less publicly available
information about companies in many Asian countries, and the stock exchanges and
brokerage industries in many Asian countries typically do not have the level of
government oversight as do those in the United States. Securities markets of
many Asian
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countries
are also substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile than securities
markets in the United States.
Risks Associated with Investing in Innovative
Companies: The standards for assessing innovative companies tend to have
many subjective characteristics, can be difficult to analyze, and frequently
involve a balancing of a company’s business plans, objectives, actual conduct
and other factors. The definition of innovators can vary over different periods
and can evolve over time. They may also be difficult to apply consistently
across regions, countries, industries or
sectors.
High Portfolio Turnover Risk: The Fund’s
principal investment strategies may result in high portfolio turnover rates,
which may increase the Fund’s brokerage commission costs and negatively impact
the Fund’s performance. Such portfolio turnover also may generate higher taxable
gains for shareholders of the
Fund.
Growth Stock Risk: Growth stocks may be more
volatile than other stocks because they are more sensitive to investor
perceptions of the issuing company’s growth potential. Growth stocks may go in
and out of favor over time and may perform differently than the market as a
whole.
Science and Technology Companies Risk: As a
fund that invests in science and technology companies, the Fund is subject to
the risks associated with these industries. This makes the Fund more vulnerable
to the price changes of securities issuers in science- and technology-related
industries and to factors that affect these industries, relative to a broadly
diversified fund. Certain science- and technology-related companies may face
special risks because their products or services may not prove to be
commercially successful. Many science and technology companies have limited
operating histories and experience in managing adverse market conditions,
and are also strongly affected by worldwide scientific or technological
developments and global demand cycles. As a result, their products may rapidly
become obsolete, which could cause a dramatic decrease in the value of their
stock. Such companies are also often subject to governmental regulation and may
therefore be adversely affected by changes in governmental policies. The
possible loss or impairment of intellectual property rights may also negatively
impact science and technology
companies.
Concentration Risk: By focusing on a group of
industries, the Fund carries much greater risks of adverse developments and
price movements in such industries than a fund that invests in a wider variety
of industries. Because the Fund concentrates in a group of industries, there is
also the risk that the Fund will perform poorly during a slump in demand for
securities of companies in such
industries.
Depositary Receipts Risk: Although depositary
receipts have risks similar to the securities that they represent, they may also
involve higher expenses and may trade at a discount (or premium) to the
underlying security. In addition, depositary receipts may not pass through
voting and other shareholder rights, and may be less liquid than the underlying
securities listed on an exchange.
Volatility Risk: The smaller size and lower
levels of liquidity in emerging markets, as well as other factors, may result in
changes in the prices of Asian securities that are more volatile than those of
companies in more developed regions. This
volatility
can cause the price of the Fund’s shares to go up or down dramatically. Because
of this volatility, this Fund is better suited for long-term investors
(typically five years or longer).
Risks Associated with Smaller Companies:
Smaller companies may offer substantial opportunities for capital growth; they
also involve substantial risks, and investments in smaller companies may be
considered speculative. Such companies often have limited product lines, markets
or financial resources. Securities of smaller companies may trade less
frequently and in lesser volume than more widely held securities and the
securities of smaller companies generally are subject to more abrupt or erratic
price movements than more widely held or larger, more established companies or
the market indices in general.
Risks Associated with Medium‑Size Companies:
Medium‑size companies may be subject to a number of risks not associated with
larger, more established companies, potentially making their stock prices more
volatile and increasing the risk of
loss.
Risks Associated with China and Hong Kong: The
Chinese government exercises significant control over China’s economy through
its industrial policies, monetary policy, management of currency exchange rates,
and management of the payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations.
Changes in these policies could adversely impact affected industries or
companies in China. China’s economy, particularly its export-oriented
industries, may be adversely impacted by trade or political disputes with
China’s major trading partners, including the U.S. In addition, as its consumer
class continues to grow, China’s domestically oriented industries may be
especially sensitive to changes in government policy and investment cycles. As
demonstrated by Hong Kong protests in recent years over political, economic, and
legal freedoms, and the Chinese government’s response to them, considerable
political uncertainty continues to exist within Hong Kong. Due to the
interconnected nature of the Hong Kong and Chinese economies, this instability
in Hong Kong may cause uncertainty in the Hong Kong and Chinese markets. If
China were to exert its authority so as to alter the economic, political or
legal structures or the existing social policy of Hong Kong, investor and
business confidence in Hong Kong could be negatively affected and have an
adverse effect on the Fund’s
investments.
Sector Concentration Risk: To the extent that
the Fund emphasizes, from time to time, investments in a particular sector, the
Fund will be subject to a greater degree to the risks particular to that sector,
including the sectors described below. Market conditions, interest rates, and
economic, regulatory, or financial developments could significantly affect a
single sector. By focusing its investments in a particular sector, the Fund may
face more risks than if it were diversified broadly over numerous
sectors.
– |
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Consumer Discretionary Sector Risk: As of December 31, 2021, 28% of the
Fund’s assets were invested in the consumer discretionary sector. The
success of consumer product manufacturers and retailers is tied closely to
the performance of the overall local and international economies, interest
rates, competition and consumer confidence. Success of companies in the
consumer discretionary sector depends heavily on disposable household
income and consumer spending.
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MATTHEWS ASIA INNOVATORS FUND |
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Changes in demographics
and consumer tastes can also affect the demand for, and success of,
consumer products and services in the
marketplace. |
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Information
Technology Sector Risk: As of December 31, 2021, 20% of the
Fund’s assets were invested in the information technology sector.
Information technology companies may be significantly affected by
aggressive pricing as a result of intense competition and by rapid product
obsolescence due to rapid development of technological innovations and
frequent new product introduction. Other factors, such as short product
cycle, possible loss or impairment of intellectual property rights, and
changes in government regulations, may also adversely impact information
technology companies. |
Cybersecurity Risk: With the increased use of technologies
such as the internet to conduct business, the Fund is susceptible to
operational, information security, and related risks. Cyber incidents affecting
the Fund or its service providers may cause disruptions and impact business
operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, interference with the
Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV, impediments to trading, the inability of
shareholders to transact business, violations of applicable privacy and other
laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other
compensation costs, or additional compliance costs.
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Past Performance
The bar chart
below shows the Fund’s performance for each full calendar year since its
inception and how it has varied from year to year, reflective of the Fund’s
volatility and some indication of risk. Also shown are the best
and worst quarters for this time period. The table below shows the Fund’s
performance over certain periods of time, along with performance of its
benchmark index. The information presented below
is past performance, before and after taxes, and is not a prediction of future
results. Both the bar chart and performance table assume
reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. For the Fund’s most recent
month‑end performance, please visit matthewsasia.com
or call 800.789.ASIA
(2742).
ANNUAL
RETURN FOR YEAR ENDED 12/31
AVERAGE
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2021
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1 year |
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5 years |
|
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Since Inception (4/30/13) |
|
Matthews
Asia Innovators Fund |
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Return
before taxes |
|
|
-12.97% |
|
|
|
21.42% |
|
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|
15.32% |
|
Return
after taxes on distributions1 |
|
|
-17.48% |
|
|
|
19.36% |
|
|
|
13.43% |
|
Return
after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares1 |
|
|
-5.62% |
|
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|
17.10% |
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12.22% |
|
MSCI
All Country Asia ex Japan Index |
|
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(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses
or taxes) |
|
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-4.46% |
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|
11.61% |
|
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6.94% |
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1 |
After‑tax returns are
calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income
tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local
taxes. Actual after‑tax
returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those
shown. After‑tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold
their Fund shares through tax‑deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans
or individual retirement
accounts. |
Investment Advisor
Matthews
International Capital Management, LLC (“Matthews”)
Portfolio Managers
Lead Manager: Michael J. Oh, CFA, has been a
Portfolio Manager of the Matthews Asia Innovators Fund since 2006.
Co-Manager: Tazio Ishida has been a Portfolio
Manager of the Matthews Asia Innovators Fund since 2022.
The
Lead Manager is primarily responsible for the Fund’s day‑to‑day investment
management decisions. The Lead Manager is supported by and consults with the
Co-Manager, who is not primarily responsible for portfolio management.
For
important information about the Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares; Tax
Information; and Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries,
please turn to page 63.
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MATTHEWS ASIA INNOVATORS FUND |
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Matthews
China Fund
FUND SUMMARY
Investment Objective
Long-term
capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the
Fund
This
table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of this Fund.
SHAREHOLDER
FEES
(fees paid directly from your investment)
|
|
|
|
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|
Maximum
Account Fee on Redemptions (for wire redemptions only) |
|
|
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$9 |
|
ANNUAL
OPERATING EXPENSES
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of
the value of your investment)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management
Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.66% |
|
Distribution
(12b‑1) Fees |
|
|
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|
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|
0.00% |
|
Other Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.25% |
|
|
|
|
Administration
and Shareholder Servicing Fees |
|
|
0.14% |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses |
|
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|
0.91% |
|
EXAMPLE
OF FUND EXPENSES
This
example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with
the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest
$10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your
shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your
investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses
remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on
these assumptions your costs would be:
|
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One year: $93 |
|
Three years: $290 |
|
Five years: $504 |
|
Ten years: $1,120 |
PORTFOLIO
TURNOVER
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
annual fund operating expenses or in the example of fund expenses, affect the
Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio
turnover rate was 92% of the average value of its
portfolio.
Principal Investment
Strategy
Under
normal circumstances, the Matthews China Fund seeks to achieve its investment
objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which include borrowings
for investment purposes, in the common and preferred stocks of companies located
in China. China includes its administrative and other districts, such as Hong
Kong. A company or other issuer is considered to be “located” in a country or a
region, and a security or instrument is deemed to be an Asian (or specific
country) security or instrument, if it has substantial ties to that country or
region. Matthews currently makes that determination based primarily on one or
more of the following criteria: (A) with respect to a company or issuer,
whether (i) it is organized under the laws of that country or any
country in that region; (ii) it derives at least 50% of its revenues or
profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed, or
has at least 50% of its assets located, within that country or region;
(iii) it has the primary trading markets for its securities in that country
or region; (iv) it has its principal place of business in or is otherwise
headquartered in that country or region; or (v) it is a governmental entity
or an agency, instrumentality or a political subdivision of that country or any
country in that region; and (B) with respect to an instrument or issue,
whether (i) its issuer is headquartered or organized in that country or
region; (ii) it is issued to finance a project with significant assets or
operations in that country or region; (iii) it is principally secured
or
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backed
by assets located in that country or region; (iv) it is a component of or
its issuer is included in a recognized securities index for the country or
region; or (v) it is denominated in the currency of an Asian country and
addresses at least one of the other above criteria. The term “located” and the
associated criteria listed above have been defined in such a way that Matthews
has latitude in determining whether an issuer should be included within a region
or country. The Fund may also invest in depositary receipts, including American,
European and Global Depositary
Receipts.
The
Fund seeks to invest in companies capable of sustainable growth based on the
fundamental characteristics of those companies, including balance sheet
information; number of employees; size and stability of cash flow; management’s
depth, adaptability and integrity; product lines; marketing strategies;
corporate governance; and financial health. Matthews expects that the companies
in which the Fund invests typically will be of medium or large size, but the
Fund may invest in companies of any size. Matthews measures a company’s size
with respect to fundamental criteria such as, but not limited to, market
capitalization, book value, revenues, profits, cash flow, dividends paid and
number of employees. The implementation of the principal investment strategies
of the Fund may result in a significant portion of the Fund’s assets being
invested from time to time in one or more sectors, but the Fund may invest in
companies in any sector.
Matthews
may also take into consideration environmental, social and governance (ESG)
characteristics of companies in selecting portfolio investments as part of the
investment process for this Fund in an effort to reduce what it regards as the
sustainability risks of its investments. Through these efforts, Matthews also
hopes to promote the sustainability practices of those companies. For example,
it may view favorably companies that have a commitment to mitigating climate
change through reducing their carbon footprint and those with sound governance
practices. Not all investments will demonstrate those characteristics, and there
could be instances where Matthews is unable to assess whether companies have
such a commitment or follow good governance practices. Matthews’ investment
process in this regard is carried out through a combination of exclusionary ESG
screens and the use of ESG data. Matthews uses various sources of information,
including but not limited to third-party ESG rating firms and Matthews’ own
analysis, in assessing a company’s ESG characteristics. In addition, once
invested in a company, Matthews may engage with its portfolio companies on
sustainability and governance matters through active dialogue, exercising
shareholder rights and by encouraging enhanced ESG disclosure and
implementation.
Principal Risks of
Investment
There
is no guarantee that your investment in the Fund will increase in value.
The value of your investment in the Fund could go down,
meaning you could lose money. The principal risks of investing
in the Fund are:
Political, Social and Economic Risks of Investing in
Asia: The value of the Fund’s assets may be adversely affected by
political, economic, social and religious instability; inadequate investor
protection; changes in laws or regulations of countries within the Asian region
(including countries in which the Fund invests, as well as the broader region);
international relations with other nations; natural disasters; corruption
and
military
activity. The economies of many Asian countries differ from the economies of
more developed countries in many respects, such as rate of growth, inflation,
capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency, financial system stability, the
national balance of payments position and sensitivity to changes in global
trade.
Public Health Emergency Risks: Pandemics and
other public health emergencies, including outbreaks of infectious diseases such
as the current outbreak of the novel coronavirus (“COVID‑19”), can result, and
in the case of COVID‑19 has resulted and may continue to result in market
volatility and disruption, and materially and adversely impact economic
conditions in ways that cannot be predicted, all of which could result in
substantial investment losses. Containment efforts and related restrictive
actions by governments and businesses have significantly diminished and
disrupted global economic activity across many industries. Less developed
countries and their health systems may be more vulnerable to these impacts. The
ultimate impact of COVID‑19, including new strains of the underlying virus, or
other health emergencies on global economic conditions and businesses is
impossible to predict accurately. Ongoing and potential additional material
adverse economic effects of indeterminate duration and severity are possible.
The resulting adverse impact on the value of an investment in the Fund could be
significant and prolonged. Other public health emergencies that may arise in the
future could have similar or other unforeseen
effects.
Currency Risk: When the Fund conducts
securities transactions in a foreign currency, there is the risk of the value of
the foreign currency increasing or decreasing against the value of the U.S.
dollar. The value of an investment denominated in a foreign currency will
decline in U.S. dollar terms if that currency weakens against the U.S. dollar.
While the Fund is permitted to hedge currency risks, Matthews does not
anticipate doing so at this time. Additionally, China may utilize formal or
informal currency-exchange controls or “capital controls.” Capital controls may
impose restrictions on the Fund’s ability to repatriate investments or income.
Such controls may also affect the value of the Fund’s
holdings.
Risks Associated with Emerging and Frontier
Markets: Many Asian countries are considered emerging markets. 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 markets are often less stable politically
and economically than developed markets such as the United States, and investing
in these markets involves different and greater risks. There may be less
publicly available information about companies in many Asian countries, and the
stock exchanges and brokerage industries in many Asian countries typically do
not have the level of government oversight as do those in the United States.
Securities markets of many Asian countries are also substantially smaller, less
liquid and more volatile than securities markets in the United
States.
Risks Associated with China and Hong Kong: The
Chinese government exercises significant control over China’s economy through
its industrial policies (e.g.,
allocation of resources and other preferential treatment), monetary policy,
management of currency exchange rates, and management of the payment of foreign
currency- denominated obligations. Changes in these policies could adversely
impact affected industries or companies in China. China’s economy,
partic-
ularly
its export-oriented industries, may be adversely impacted by trade or political
disputes with China’s major trading partners, including the U.S. In addition, as
its consumer class continues to grow, China’s domestically oriented industries
may be especially sensitive to changes in government policy and investment
cycles. As demonstrated by Hong Kong protests in recent years over political,
economic, and legal freedoms, and the Chinese government’s response to them,
considerable political uncertainty continues to exist within Hong Kong. Due to
the interconnected nature of the Hong Kong and Chinese economies, this
instability in Hong Kong may cause uncertainty in the Hong Kong and Chinese
markets. If China were to exert its authority so as to alter the economic,
political or legal structures or the existing social policy of Hong Kong,
investor and business confidence in Hong Kong could be negatively affected and
have an adverse effect on the Fund’s
investments.
Growth Stock Risk: Growth stocks may be more
volatile than other stocks because they are more sensitive to investor
perceptions of the issuing company’s growth potential. Growth stocks may go in
and out of favor over time and may perform differently than the market as a
whole.
Depositary Receipts Risk: Although depositary
receipts have risks similar to the securities that they represent, they may also
involve higher expenses and may trade at a discount (or premium) to the
underlying security. In addition, depositary receipts may not pass through
voting and other shareholder rights, and may be less liquid than the underlying
securities listed on an exchange.
Volatility Risk: The smaller size and lower
levels of liquidity in emerging markets, as well as other factors, may result in
changes in the prices of Asian securities that are more volatile than those of
companies in more developed regions. This volatility can cause the price of the
Fund’s shares to go up or down dramatically. Because of this volatility, this
Fund is better suited for long-term investors (typically five years or
longer).
Risks Associated with Medium‑Size Companies:
Medium‑size companies may be subject to a number of risks not associated with
larger, more established companies, potentially making their stock prices more
volatile and increasing the risk of
loss.
Sustainability Risk: Sustainability risk means
an environmental, social or governance (ESG) event or condition that, if it
occurs, could cause an actual or a potential material negative impact on the
value of the investments made by the Fund. ESG events could result from climate
change (so-called physical risks) or from society’s response to climate change
(so-called transition risks), social events (e.g., inequality, inclusiveness,
labor relations, investment in human capital, accident prevention, changing
customer behavior, etc.) or governance shortcomings (e.g., diversity and
inclusion issues, recurrent significant breach of international agreements,
bribery issues, products quality and safety, selling practices, etc.), which may
result in unanticipated potential or actual
material
negative
impact on the Fund’s investments and, therefore, would have an adverse impact on
the value of the Fund.
ESG Investing Risk: Because the Fund may take
into consideration the environmental, social and governance characteristics of
portfolio companies in which it may invest, the Fund may select or exclude
securities of certain issuers for reasons other than potential performance. The
Fund’s consideration of ESG characteristics in making its investment decisions
may affect the Fund’s exposure to certain issuers, industries, sectors, regions
or countries, and the Fund’s performance will likely differ—positively or
negatively—as compared to funds that do not utilize these considerations,
depending on whether the Fund’s investments made according to considerations of
ESG characteristics are in or out of favor in the market. The consideration of
ESG characteristics is qualitative and subjective by nature, and there is no
guarantee that the ESG characteristics used by Matthews or any judgment
exercised by Matthews will reflect the opinions of any particular investor.
Although an investment by the Fund in a company may satisfy one or more ESG
factors in the view of the portfolio managers, there is no guarantee that such
company actually promotes positive environmental, social or economic
developments, and that same company may also fail to satisfy other ESG factors.
Funds with ESG investment strategies are generally suited for long-term rather
than short-term investors.
Sector Concentration Risk: To the extent that
the Fund emphasizes, from time to time, investments in a particular sector, the
Fund will be subject to a greater degree to the risks particular to that sector,
including the sector described below. Market conditions, interest rates, and
economic, regulatory, or financial developments could significantly affect a
single sector. By focusing its investments in a particular sector, the Fund may
face more risks than if it were diversified broadly over numerous
sectors.
– |
|
Consumer
Discretionary Sector Risk: As of December 31, 2021, 24% of
the Fund’s assets were invested in the consumer discretionary sector. The
success of consumer product manufacturers and retailers is tied closely to
the performance of the overall local and international economies, interest
rates, competition and consumer confidence. Success of companies in the
consumer discretionary sector depends heavily on disposable household
income and consumer spending. Changes in demographics and consumer tastes
can also affect the demand for, and success of, consumer products and
services in the
marketplace. |
Cybersecurity Risk: With the increased use of
technologies such as the internet to conduct business, the Fund is susceptible
to operational, information security, and related risks. Cyber incidents
affecting the Fund or its service providers may cause disruptions and impact
business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, interference
with the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV, impediments to trading, the
inability of shareholders to transact business, violations of applicable privacy
and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement
or other compensation costs, or additional compliance
costs.
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32 |
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Past Performance
The bar chart
below shows the Fund’s performance for the past 10 years and how it has varied
from year to year, reflective of the Fund’s volatility and some indication of
risk. Also shown are the best and worst quarters for this time
period. The table below shows the Fund’s performance over certain periods of
time, along with performance of its benchmark index. The information presented below
is past performance, before and after taxes, and is not a prediction of future
results. Both the bar chart and performance table assume
reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. For the Fund’s most recent
month‑end performance, please visit matthewsasia.com
or call 800.789.ASIA
(2742).
ANNUAL
RETURNS FOR YEARS ENDED 12/31
AVERAGE
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2021
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 year |
|
|
5 years |
|
|
10 years |
|
|
Since Inception
(10/29/10) |
|
Matthews
China Fund |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return
before taxes |
|
|
-12.07% |
|
|
|
16.38% |
|
|
|
9.10% |
|
|
|
5.95% |
|
Return
after taxes on distributions1 |
|
|
-15.60% |
|
|
|
13.52% |
|
|
|
6.76% |
|
|
|
3.76% |
|
Return
after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares1 |
|
|
-5.79% |
|
|
|
12.39% |
|
|
|
6.65% |
|
|
|
4.09% |
|
MSCI
China Index |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(reflects
no deduction for fees, expenses or taxes) |
|
|
-21.64% |
|
|
|
9.52% |
|
|
|
7.38% |
|
|
|
4.39% |
|
MSCI
China All Shares Index |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses
or taxes) |
|
|
-12.80% |
|
|
|
10.12% |
|
|
|
8.08% |
|
|
|
4.97% |
|
|
1 |
After‑tax returns are
calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income
tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local
taxes. Actual after‑tax
returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those
shown. After‑tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold
their Fund shares through tax‑deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans
or individual retirement
accounts. |
Investment Advisor
Matthews
International Capital Management, LLC (“Matthews”)
Portfolio Managers
Lead Manager: Andrew Mattock, CFA, has been a
Portfolio Manager of the Matthews China Fund since 2015.
Co-Manager: Winnie Chwang has been a Portfolio
Manager of the Matthews China Fund since 2014.
Co-Manager: Sherwood Zhang, CFA, has been a
Portfolio Manager of the Matthews China Fund since 2022.
The
Lead Manager is primarily responsible for the Fund’s day‑to‑day investment
management decisions. The Lead Manager is supported by and consults with the
Co-Managers, who are not primarily responsible for portfolio management.
For
important information about the Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares; Tax
Information; and Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries,
please turn to page 63.
Matthews
China Small Companies Fund
FUND SUMMARY
Investment Objective
Long-term
capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the
Fund
This
table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of this Fund.
SHAREHOLDER
FEES
(fees paid directly from your investment)
|
|
|
|
|
Maximum
Account Fee on Redemptions (for wire redemptions only) |
|
|
$9 |
|
ANNUAL
OPERATING EXPENSES
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of
the value of your investment)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management
Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.00% |
|
Distribution
(12b‑1) Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.00% |
|
Other Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.31% |
|
|
|
|
Administration
and Shareholder Servicing Fees |
|
|
0.14% |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual
Fund Operating Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.31% |
|
Fee
Waiver and Expense Reimbursement1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.11%) |
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee
Waiver and Expense Reimbursement |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.20% |
|
|
1 |
Matthews
has contractually agreed to waive fees and reimburse expenses to the
extent needed to limit Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses (excluding
Rule 12b‑1 fees, taxes, interest, brokerage commissions, short sale
dividend expenses, expenses incurred in connection with any merger or
reorganization or extraordinary expenses such as litigation) of the
Institutional Class to 1.20%. If the operating expenses fall below
the expense limitation within three years after Matthews has made a waiver
or reimbursement, the Fund may reimburse Matthews up to an amount that
does not cause the expenses for that year to exceed the lesser of
(i) the expense limitation applicable at the time of that fee waiver
and/or expense reimbursement or (ii) the expense limitation in effect
at the time of recoupment. This agreement will remain in place until
April 30,
2023 and may be terminated at any time by the Board of
Trustees on behalf of the Fund on 60 days’ written notice to Matthews.
Matthews may decline to renew this agreement by written notice to the
Trust at least 30 days before its annual expiration
date. |
EXAMPLE
OF FUND EXPENSES
This
example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with
the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest
$10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your
shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your
investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses
remain the same. The example reflects the expense limitation for the one year
period only. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these
assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One year: $122 |
|
Three years: $404 |
|
Five years: $708 |
|
Ten years: $1,569 |
PORTFOLIO
TURNOVER
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
annual fund operating expenses or in the example of fund expenses, affect the
Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio
turnover rate was 120% of the average value of its
portfolio.
Principal Investment
Strategy
Under
normal circumstances, the Matthews China Small Companies Fund seeks to achieve
its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which
include borrowings for investment purposes, in the common and preferred stocks
of Small Companies (defined below) located in China. China includes its
administrative
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34 |
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and
other districts, such as Hong Kong. A company or other issuer is considered to
be “located” in a country or a region, and a security or instrument is deemed to
be an Asian (or specific country) security or instrument, if it has substantial
ties to that country or region. Matthews currently makes that determination
based primarily on one or more of the following criteria: (A) with respect
to a company or issuer, whether (i) it is organized under the laws of that
country or any country in that region; (ii) it derives at least 50% of its
revenues or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services
performed, or has at least 50% of its assets located, within that country or
region; (iii) it has the primary trading markets for its securities in that
country or region; (iv) it has its principal place of business in or is
otherwise headquartered in that country or region; or (v) it is a
governmental entity or an agency, instrumentality or a political subdivision of
that country or any country in that region; and (B) with respect to an
instrument or issue, whether (i) its issuer is headquartered or organized
in that country or region; (ii) it is issued to finance a project with
significant assets or operations in that country or region; (iii) it is
principally secured or backed by assets located in that country or region;
(iv) it is a component of or its issuer is included in a recognized
securities index for the country or region; or (v) it is denominated in the
currency of an Asian country and addresses at least one of the other above
criteria. The term “located” and the associated criteria listed above have been
defined in such a way that Matthews has latitude in determining whether an
issuer should be included within a region or country. The Fund may also invest
in depositary receipts, including American, European and Global Depositary
Receipts.
The
Fund seeks to invest in smaller companies capable of sustainable growth based on
the fundamental characteristics of those companies, including balance sheet
information; number of employees; size and stability of cash flow; management’s
depth, adaptability and integrity; product lines; marketing strategies;
corporate governance; and financial health. Matthews generally determines
whether a company should be considered to be a small company based on its market
capitalization (the number of the company’s shares outstanding times the market
price per share for such securities). Under normal circumstances, the Fund
invests at least 80% of its net assets in any company that has a market
capitalization no higher than the greater of $5 billion or the market
capitalization of the largest company included in the Fund’s primary benchmark
index (each, a “Small Company” and together, “Small Companies”). The largest
company in the Fund’s primary benchmark, the MSCI China Small Cap Index, had a
market capitalization of $4.39 billion on December 31, 2021. Companies
in which the Fund invests typically operate in growth industries and possess the
potential to expand their scope of business over time. A company may grow to a
market capitalization that is higher than the greater of $5 billion or the
market capitalization of the largest company included in the Fund’s primary
benchmark after the Fund has purchased its securities; nevertheless, the
existing holdings of securities of such a company will continue to be considered
a Small Company. If additional purchases of a security are made, all holdings
(including prior purchases) of that security will be re‑classified with respect
to its market capitalization at the time of the last purchase. The
implementation of the principal investment strategies of the Fund may result in
a significant portion of the Fund’s assets being invested from time to time in
one or more sectors, but
the
Fund may invest in companies in any sector. The implementation of the Fund’s
principal investment strategies may also result in high portfolio turnover
rates.
Principal Risks of
Investment
There
is no guarantee that your investment in the Fund will increase in value.
The value of your investment in the Fund could go down,
meaning you could lose money. The principal risks of investing
in the Fund are:
Political, Social and Economic Risks of Investing in
Asia: The value of the Fund’s assets may be adversely affected by
political, economic, social and religious instability; inadequate investor
protection; changes in laws or regulations of countries within the Asian region
(including countries in which the Fund invests, as well as the broader region);
international relations with other nations; natural disasters; corruption and
military activity. The economies of many Asian countries differ from the
economies of more developed countries in many respects, such as rate of growth,
inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency, financial system
stability, the national balance of payments position and sensitivity to changes
in global trade.
Public Health Emergency Risks: Pandemics and
other public health emergencies, including outbreaks of infectious diseases such
as the current outbreak of the novel coronavirus (“COVID‑19”), can result, and
in the case of COVID‑19 has resulted and may continue to result in market
volatility and disruption, and materially and adversely impact economic
conditions in ways that cannot be predicted, all of which could result in
substantial investment losses. Containment efforts and related restrictive
actions by governments and businesses have significantly diminished and
disrupted global economic activity across many industries. Less developed
countries and their health systems may be more vulnerable to these impacts. The
ultimate impact of COVID‑19, including new strains of the underlying virus, or
other health emergencies on global economic conditions and businesses is
impossible to predict accurately. Ongoing and potential additional material
adverse economic effects of indeterminate duration and severity are possible.
The resulting adverse impact on the value of an investment in the Fund could be
significant and prolonged. Other public health emergencies that may arise in the
future could have similar or other unforeseen
effects.
Currency Risk: When the Fund conducts
securities transactions in a foreign currency, there is the risk of the value of
the foreign currency increasing or decreasing against the value of the U.S.
dollar. The value of an investment denominated in a foreign currency will
decline in U.S. dollar terms if that currency weakens against the U.S. dollar.
While the Fund is permitted to hedge currency risks, Matthews does not
anticipate doing so at this time. Additionally, Asian countries may utilize
formal or informal currency-exchange controls or “capital controls.” Capital
controls may impose restrictions on the Fund’s ability to repatriate investments
or income. Such controls may also affect the value of the Fund’s
holdings.
Risks Associated with Emerging and Frontier
Markets: Many Asian countries are considered emerging markets. 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 markets are often less stable politically
and economically than developed markets such as the
United
|
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|
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|
MATTHEWS CHINA SMALL COMPANIES
FUND |
|
|
35 |
|
States,
and investing in these markets involves different and greater risks. There may
be less publicly available information about companies in many Asian countries,
and the stock exchanges and brokerage industries in many Asian countries
typically do not have the level of government oversight as do those in the
United States. Securities markets of many Asian countries are also
substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile than securities markets in
the United States.
Risks Associated with Smaller Companies:
Smaller companies may offer substantial opportunities for capital growth; they
also involve substantial risks, and investments in smaller companies may be
considered speculative. Such companies often have limited product lines, markets
or financial resources. Smaller companies may be more dependent on one or few
key persons and may lack depth of management. Larger portions of their stock may
be held by a small number of investors (including founders and management) than
is typical of larger companies. Credit may be more difficult to obtain (and on
less advantageous terms) than for larger companies. As a result, the influence
of creditors (and the impact of financial or operating restrictions associated
with debt financing) on smaller companies may be greater than that of larger or
more established companies. The Fund may have more difficulty obtaining
information about smaller companies, making it more difficult to evaluate the
impact of market, economic, regulatory and other factors on them. Informational
difficulties may also make valuing or disposing of their securities more
difficult than it would for larger companies. Securities of smaller companies
may trade less frequently and in lesser volume than more widely held securities
and the securities of smaller companies generally are subject to more abrupt or
erratic price movements than more widely held or larger, more established
companies or the market indices in general. The value of securities of smaller
companies may react differently to political, market and economic developments
than the markets as a whole or than other types of
stocks.
Risks Associated with Medium-Size Companies:
Medium-size companies may be subject to a number of risks not associated with
larger, more established companies, potentially making their stock prices more
volatile and increasing the risk of
loss.
Risks Associated with China and Hong Kong: The
Chinese government exercises significant control over China’s economy through
its industrial policies (e.g.,
allocation of resources and other preferential treatment), monetary policy,
management of currency exchange rates, and management of the payment of foreign
currency-denominated obligations. Changes in these policies could adversely
impact affected industries or companies in China. China’s economy, particularly
its export-oriented industries, may be adversely impacted by trade or political
disputes with China’s major trading partners, including the U.S. In addition, as
its consumer class continues to grow, China’s domestically oriented industries
may be especially sensitive to changes in government policy and investment
cycles. As demonstrated by Hong Kong protests in recent years over political,
economic, and legal freedoms, and the Chinese government’s response to them,
considerable political uncertainty continues to exist within Hong Kong. Due to
the interconnected nature of the Hong Kong and Chinese economies, this
instability in Hong Kong may cause uncertainty in the Hong Kong and Chinese
markets. If China were to exert its authority so as
to
alter
the economic, political or legal structures or the existing social policy of
Hong Kong, investor and business confidence in Hong Kong could be negatively
affected and have an adverse effect on the Fund’s
investments.
High Portfolio Turnover Risk: The Fund’s
principal investment strategies may result in high portfolio turnover rates,
which may increase the Fund’s brokerage commission costs and negatively impact
the Fund’s performance. Such portfolio turnover also may generate higher taxable
gains for shareholders of the
Fund.
Growth Stock Risk: Growth stocks may be more
volatile than other stocks because they are more sensitive to investor
perceptions of the issuing company’s growth potential. Growth stocks may go in
and out of favor over time and may perform differently than the market as a
whole.
Depositary Receipts Risk: Although depositary
receipts have risks similar to the securities that they represent, they may also
involve higher expenses and may trade at a discount (or premium) to the
underlying security. In addition, depositary receipts may not pass through
voting and other shareholder rights, and may be less liquid than the underlying
securities listed on an exchange.
Volatility Risk: The smaller size and lower
levels of liquidity in emerging markets, as well as other factors, may result in
changes in the prices of Asian securities that are more volatile than those of
companies in more developed regions. This volatility can cause the price of the
Fund’s shares to go up or down dramatically. Because of this volatility, this
Fund is better suited for long-term investors (typically five years or
longer).
Sector Concentration Risk: To the extent that
the Fund emphasizes, from time to time, investments in a particular sector, the
Fund will be subject to a greater degree to the risks particular to that sector,
including the sectors described below. Market conditions, interest rates, and
economic, regulatory, or financial developments could significantly affect a
single sector. By focusing its investments in a particular sector, the Fund may
face more risks than if it were diversified broadly over numerous
sectors.
– |
|
Information
Technology Sector Risk: As of December 31, 2021, 27% of the
Fund’s assets were invested in the information technology sector.
Information technology companies may be significantly affected by
aggressive pricing as a result of intense competition and by rapid product
obsolescence due to rapid development of technological innovations and
frequent new product introduction. Other factors, such as short product
cycle, possible loss or impairment of intellectual property rights, and
changes in government regulations, may also adversely impact information
technology companies. |
– |
|
Industrial
Sector Risk: As of December 31, 2021, 24% of the Fund’s
assets were invested in the industrial sector. Industrial companies are
affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or service
and for industrial sector products in general. Government regulation,
world events, exchange rates and economic conditions, technological
developments and liabilities for environmental damage and general civil
liabilities will likewise affect the performance of these
companies. |
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36 |
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matthewsasia.com | 800.789.ASIA |
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|
|
Cybersecurity Risk: With the increased use of
technologies such as the internet to conduct business, the Fund is susceptible
to operational, information security, and related risks. Cyber incidents
affecting the Fund or its service providers may cause disruptions and impact
business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, interference
with the Fund’s
ability
to calculate its NAV, impediments to trading, the inability of shareholders to
transact business, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory
fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation
costs, or additional compliance costs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
MATTHEWS CHINA SMALL COMPANIES
FUND |
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|
37 |
|
Past Performance
The bar chart
below shows the Fund’s performance for each full calendar year since its
inception and how it has varied from year to year, reflective of the Fund’s
volatility and some indication of risk. Also shown are the best
and worst quarters for this time period. The table below shows the Fund’s
performance over certain periods of time, along with performance of its
benchmark index. The information presented below
is past performance, before and after taxes, and is not a prediction of future
results. Both the bar chart and performance table assume
reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. For the Fund’s most recent
month‑end performance, please visit matthewsasia.com
or call 800.789.ASIA
(2742).
ANNUAL
RETURN FOR YEAR ENDED 12/31
AVERAGE
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2021
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 year |
|
|
Since Inception
(11/30/17) |
|
Matthews
China Small Companies Fund |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return
before taxes |
|
|
-3.35% |
|
|
|
19.94% |
|
Return
after taxes on distributions1 |
|
|
-8.26% |
|
|
|
15.98% |
|
Return
after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares1 |
|
|
-1.23% |
|
|
|
14.51% |
|
MSCI
China Small Cap Index |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses
or taxes) |
|
|
-6.26% |
|
|
|
1.34% |
|
|
1 |
After‑tax returns are
calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income
tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local
taxes. Actual after‑tax
returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those
shown. After‑tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold
their Fund shares through tax‑deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans
or individual retirement
accounts. |
Investment Advisor
Matthews
International Capital Management, LLC (“Matthews”)
Portfolio Managers
Lead Manager: Winnie Chwang has been a
Portfolio Manager of the Matthews China Small Companies Fund since 2020.
Lead Manager: Andrew Mattock, CFA, has been a
Portfolio Manager of the Matthews China Small Companies Fund since 2020.
The
Lead Manager is primarily responsible for the Fund’s day‑to‑day investment
management decisions (and jointly responsible with the other Lead
Manager).
For
important information about the Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares; Tax
Information; and Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries,
please turn to page 63.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
38 |
|
matthewsasia.com | 800.789.ASIA |
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|
Matthews
India Fund
FUND SUMMARY
Investment Objective
Long-term
capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the
Fund
This
table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of this Fund.
SHAREHOLDER
FEES
(fees paid directly from your investment)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maximum
Account Fee on Redemptions (for wire redemptions only) |
|
|
|
|
$9 |
|
ANNUAL
OPERATING EXPENSES
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of
the value of your investment)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management
Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.66% |
|
Distribution
(12b‑1) Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.00% |
|
Other Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.30% |
|
|
|
|
Administration
and Shareholder Servicing Fees |
|
|
0.14% |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.96% |
|
EXAMPLE
OF FUND EXPENSES
This
example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with
the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest
$10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your
shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your
investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses
remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on
these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One year: $98 |
|
Three years: $306 |
|
Five years: $531 |
|
Ten years: $1,178 |
PORTFOLIO
TURNOVER
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
annual fund operating expenses or in the example of fund expenses, affect the
Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio
turnover rate was 43% of the average value of its
portfolio.
Principal Investment
Strategy
Under
normal circumstances, the Matthews India Fund seeks to achieve its investment
objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which include borrowings
for investment purposes, in publicly traded common stocks, preferred stocks and
convertible securities, of any duration or quality, including those that are
unrated, or would be below investment grade (referred to as “junk bonds”) if
rated, of companies located in India. A company or other issuer is considered to
be “located” in a country or a region, and a security or instrument is deemed to
be an Asian (or specific country) security or instrument, if it has substantial
ties to that country or region. Matthews currently makes that determination
based primarily on one or more of the following criteria: (A) with respect
to a company or issuer, whether (i) it is organized under the laws of
that country or any country in that region; (ii) it derives at least 50% of
its revenues or profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or
services performed, or has at least 50% of its assets located, within that
country or region; (iii) it has the primary trading markets for its
securities in that country or region; (iv) it has its principal place of
business in or is otherwise headquartered in that country or region; or
(v) it is a governmental entity or an agency, instrumentality or a
political subdivision of that country or any country in that region; and
(B) with respect to an instrument or issue, whether (i) its issuer is
headquartered or organized in that country or region; (ii) it is issued
to
finance
a project with significant assets or operations in that country or region;
(iii) it is principally secured or backed by assets located in that country
or region; (iv) it is a component of or its issuer is included in a
recognized securities index for the country or region; or (v) it is
denominated in the currency of an Asian country and addresses at least one of
the other above criteria. The term “located” and the associated criteria listed
above have been defined in such a way that Matthews has latitude in determining
whether an issuer should be included within a region or country. The Fund may
also invest in depositary receipts, including American, European and Global
Depositary Receipts.
The
Fund seeks to invest in companies capable of sustainable growth based on the
fundamental characteristics of those companies, including balance sheet
information; number of employees; size and stability of cash flow; management’s
depth, adaptability and integrity; product lines; marketing strategies;
corporate governance; and financial health. While the Fund may invest in
companies across the market capitalization spectrum, it has in the past
invested, and may continue to invest, a substantial portion of Fund assets in
smaller companies. Matthews measures a company’s size with respect to
fundamental criteria such as, but not limited to, market capitalization, book
value, revenues, profits, cash flow, dividends paid and number of employees. The
implementation of the principal investment strategies of the Fund may result in
a significant portion of the Fund’s assets being invested from time to time in
one or more sectors, but the Fund may invest in companies in any
sector.
Principal Risks of
Investment
There
is no guarantee that your investment in the Fund will increase in value.
The value of your investment in the Fund could go down,
meaning you could lose money. The principal risks of investing
in the Fund are:
Political, Social and Economic Risks of Investing in
Asia: The value of the Fund’s assets may be adversely affected by
political, economic, social and religious instability; inadequate investor
protection; changes in laws or regulations of countries within the Asian region
(including countries in which the Fund invests, as well as the broader region);
international relations with other nations; natural disasters; corruption and
military activity. The economies of many Asian countries differ from the
economies of more developed countries in many respects, such as rate of growth,
inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency, financial system
stability, the national balance of payments position and sensitivity to changes
in global trade.
Public Health Emergency Risks: Pandemics and
other public health emergencies, including outbreaks of infectious diseases such
as the current outbreak of the novel coronavirus (“COVID‑19”), can result, and
in the case of COVID‑19 has resulted and may continue to result in market
volatility and disruption, and materially and adversely impact economic
conditions in ways that cannot be predicted, all of which could result in
substantial investment losses. Containment efforts and related restrictive
actions by governments and businesses have significantly diminished and
disrupted global economic activity across many industries. Less developed
countries and their health systems may be more vulnerable to these impacts. The
ultimate impact of COVID‑19, including new strains of the underlying virus, or
other health emergen-
cies
on global economic conditions and businesses is impossible to predict
accurately. Ongoing and potential additional material adverse economic effects
of indeterminate duration and severity are possible. The resulting adverse
impact on the value of an investment in the Fund could be significant and
prolonged. Other public health emergencies that may arise in the future could
have similar or other unforeseen
effects.
Currency Risk: When the Fund conducts
securities transactions in a foreign currency, there is the risk of the value of
the foreign currency increasing or decreasing against the value of the U.S.
dollar. The value of an investment denominated in a foreign currency will
decline in U.S. dollar terms if that currency weakens against the U.S. dollar.
While the Fund is permitted to hedge currency risks, Matthews does not
anticipate doing so at this time. Additionally, India may utilize formal or
informal currency-exchange controls or “capital controls.” Capital controls may
impose restrictions on the Fund’s ability to repatriate investments or income.
Such controls may also affect the value of the Fund’s
holdings.
Risks Associated with Emerging and Frontier
Markets: Many Asian countries are considered emerging markets. 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 markets are often less stable politically
and economically than developed markets such as the United States, and
investing in these markets involves different and greater risks. There may be
less publicly available information about companies in many Asian countries, and
the stock exchanges and brokerage industries in many Asian countries typically
do not have the level of government oversight as do those in the
United States. Securities markets of many Asian countries are also
substantially smaller, less liquid and more volatile than securities markets in
the United States.
Risks Associated with India: Government
actions, bureaucratic obstacles and inconsistent economic reform within the
Indian government have had a significant effect on the Indian economy and could
adversely affect market conditions, economic growth and the profitability of
private enterprises in India. Global factors and foreign actions may inhibit the
flow of foreign capital on which India is dependent to sustain its growth. Large
portions of many Indian companies remain in the hands of their founders
(including members of their families). Corporate governance standards of
family-controlled companies may be weaker and less transparent, which increases
the potential for loss and unequal treatment of investors. India experiences
many of the risks associated with developing economies, including relatively low
levels of liquidity, which may result in extreme volatility in the prices of
Indian securities.
Religious,
cultural and military disputes persist in India and between India and Pakistan
(as well as sectarian groups within each country). Both India and Pakistan have
tested nuclear arms, and the threat of deployment of such weapons could hinder
development of the Indian economy, and escalating tensions could impact the
broader region, including China.
Growth Stock Risk: Growth stocks may be more
volatile than other stocks because they are more sensitive to investor
perceptions of the issuing company’s growth potential. Growth stocks may go in
and out of favor over time and may perform differently than the market as a
whole.
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40 |
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matthewsasia.com | 800.789.ASIA |
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Depositary Receipts Risk: Although depositary
receipts have risks similar to the securities that they represent, they may also
involve higher expenses and may trade at a discount (or premium) to the
underlying security. In addition, depositary receipts may not pass through
voting and other shareholder rights, and may be less liquid than the underlying
securities listed on an exchange.
Volatility Risk: The smaller size and lower
levels of liquidity in emerging markets, as well as other factors, may result in
changes in the prices of Asian securities that are more volatile than those of
companies in more developed regions. This volatility can cause the price of the
Fund’s shares to go up or down dramatically. Because of this volatility, this
Fund is better suited for long-term investors (typically five years or
longer).
Convertible Securities Risk: The Fund may
invest in convertible preferred stocks, and convertible bonds and debentures.
The risks of convertible bonds and debentures include repayment risk and
interest rate risk. Many Asian convertible securities are not rated by rating
agencies. The Fund may invest in convertible debt securities of any maturity and
in those that are unrated, or would be below investment grade (referred to as
“junk bonds”) if rated. Therefore, credit risk may be greater for the Fund than
for other funds that invest in higher-grade securities. These securities are
also subject to greater liquidity risk than many other
securities.
Risks Associated with Smaller Companies:
Smaller companies may offer substantial opportunities for capital growth; they
also involve substantial risks, and investments in smaller companies may be
considered speculative. Such companies often have limited product lines, markets
or financial resources. Securities of smaller companies may trade less
frequently and in lesser volume than more widely held securities and the
securities of smaller companies generally are subject to more abrupt or erratic
price movements than more widely held or larger, more established companies or
the market indices in general.
Risks Associated with Medium-Size Companies:
Medium‑size companies may be subject to a number of risks not associated with
larger, more established companies, potentially making their stock prices more
volatile and increasing the risk of loss.
Sector Concentration Risk: To the extent that
the Fund emphasizes, from time to time, investments in a particular sector, the
Fund will be subject to a greater degree to the risks particular to that sector,
including the sectors described below. Market conditions, interest rates, and
economic, regulatory, or financial developments could significantly affect a
single sector. By focusing its investments in a particular sector, the Fund may
face more risks than if it were diversified broadly over numerous
sectors.
– |
|
Financial
Services Sector Risk: As of December 31, 2021, 33% of the
Fund’s assets were invested in the financial services sector. Financial
services companies are subject to extensive government regulation and can
be significantly affected by the availability and cost of capital funds,
changes in interest rates, the rate of corporate and consumer debt
defaults, price competition and other sector-specific
factors. |
– |
|
Information
Technology Sector Risk: As of December 31, 2021, 21% of the
Fund’s assets were invested in the information technology sector.
Information technology companies may be significantly affected by
aggressive pricing as a result of intense competition and by rapid product
obsolescence due to rapid development of technological innovations and
frequent new product introduction. Other factors, such as short product
cycle, possible loss or impairment of intellectual property rights, and
changes in government regulations, may also adversely impact information
technology
companies |
Cybersecurity Risk: With the increased use of
technologies such as the internet to conduct business, the Fund is susceptible
to operational, information security, and related risks. Cyber incidents
affecting the Fund or its service providers may cause disruptions and impact
business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, interference
with the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV, impediments to trading, the
inability of shareholders to transact business, violations of applicable privacy
and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement
or other compensation costs, or additional compliance
costs.
Past Performance
The bar chart
below shows the Fund’s performance for the past 10 years and how it has varied
from year to year, reflective of the Fund’s volatility and some indication of
risk. Also shown are the best and worst quarters for this time
period. The table below shows the Fund’s performance over certain periods of
time, along with performance of its benchmark index. The information presented below
is past performance, before and after taxes, and is not a prediction of future
results. Both the bar chart and performance table assume
reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. For the Fund’s most recent
month‑end performance, please visit matthewsasia.com
or call 800.789.ASIA
(2742).
ANNUAL
RETURNS FOR YEARS ENDED 12/31
AVERAGE
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2021
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 year |
|
|
5 years |
|
|
10 years |
|
|
Since Inception
(10/29/10) |
|
Matthews
India Fund |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return
before taxes |
|
|
18.28% |
|
|
|
10.91% |
|
|
|
13.08% |
|
|
|
7.01% |
|
Return
after taxes on distributions1 |
|
|
15.79% |
|
|
|
8.86% |
|
|
|
11.86% |
|
|
|
5.96% |
|
Return
after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares1 |
|
|
12.68% |
|
|
|
8.34% |
|
|
|
10.76% |
|
|
|
5.51% |
|
S&P
Bombay Stock Exchange 100 Index |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses
or taxes) |
|
|
24.08% |
|
|
|
15.39% |
|
|
|
12.13% |
|
|
|
6.34% |
|
|
1 |
After‑tax returns are
calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income
tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local
taxes. Actual after‑tax
returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those
shown. After‑tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold
their Fund shares through tax‑deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans
or individual retirement
accounts. |
Investment Advisor
Matthews
International Capital Management, LLC (“Matthews”)
Portfolio Managers
Lead Manager: Peeyush Mittal, CFA, has been a
Portfolio Manager of the Matthews India Fund since 2018.
Co‑Manager: Sharat Shroff, CFA, has been a
Portfolio Manager of the Matthews India Fund since 2006.
The
Lead Manager is primarily responsible for the Fund’s day‑to‑day investment
management decisions. The Lead Manager is supported by and consults with the
Co‑Manager, who is not primarily responsible for portfolio management.
For
important information about the Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares; Tax
Information; and Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries,
please turn to page 63.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42 |
|
matthewsasia.com | 800.789.ASIA |
|
|
|
|
Matthews
Japan Fund
FUND SUMMARY
Investment Objective
Long-term
capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the
Fund
This
table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of this Fund.
SHAREHOLDER
FEES
(fees paid directly from your investment)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maximum
Account Fee on Redemptions (for wire redemptions only) |
|
|
|
|
$9 |
|
ANNUAL
OPERATING EXPENSES
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of
the value of your investment)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management
Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.66% |
|
Distribution
(12b‑1) Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.00% |
|
Other Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.23% |
|
|
|
|
Administration
and Shareholder Servicing Fees |
|
|
0.14% |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.89% |
|
EXAMPLE
OF FUND EXPENSES
This
example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with
the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest
$10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your
shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your
investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses
remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on
these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One year: $91 |
|
Three years: $284 |
|
Five years: $493 |
|
Ten years: $1,096 |
PORTFOLIO
TURNOVER
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
annual fund operating expenses or in the example of fund expenses, affect the
Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio
turnover rate was 70% of the average value of its
portfolio.
Principal Investment
Strategy
Under
normal circumstances, the Matthews Japan Fund seeks to achieve its investment
objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which include borrowings
for investment purposes, in the common and preferred stocks of companies located
in Japan. A company or other issuer is considered to be “located” in a country
or a region, and a security or instrument is deemed to be an Asian (or specific
country) security or instrument, if it has substantial ties to that country or
region. Matthews currently makes that determination based primarily on one or
more of the following criteria: (A) with respect to a company or issuer,
whether (i) it is organized under the laws of that country or any
country in that region; (ii) it derives at least 50% of its revenues or
profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed, or
has at least 50% of its assets located, within that country or region;
(iii) it has the primary trading markets for its securities in that country
or region; (iv) it has its principal place of business in or is otherwise
headquartered in that country or region; or (v) it is a governmental entity
or an agency, instrumentality or a political subdivision of that country or any
country in that region; and (B) with respect to an instrument or issue,
whether (i) its issuer is headquartered or organized in that country or
region; (ii) it is issued to finance a project with significant assets or
operations in that country or region; (iii) it is principally secured or
backed by assets located in that country or region; (iv) it is a component
of or its issuer is included in a recognized securities index for the country or
region; or (v) it is denominated in the currency of an Asian country and
addresses at least one of the other above criteria. The term “located” and the
associated criteria listed above have been defined in such a way that Matthews
has latitude in determining whether an issuer
should
be included within a region or country. The Fund may also invest in depositary
receipts, including American, European and Global Depositary
Receipts.
The
Fund seeks to invest in companies capable of sustainable growth based on the
fundamental characteristics of those companies, including balance sheet
information; number of employees; size and stability of cash flow; management’s
depth, adaptability and integrity; product lines; marketing strategies;
corporate governance; and financial health. The Fund may invest in companies of
any market capitalization. Matthews measures a company’s size with respect to
fundamental criteria such as, but not limited to, market capitalization, book
value, revenues, profits, cash flow, dividends paid and number of employees. The
implementation of the principal investment strategies of the Fund may result in
a significant portion of the Fund’s assets being invested from time to time in
one or more sectors, but the Fund may invest in companies in any
sector.
Matthews
may also take into consideration environmental, social and governance (ESG)
characteristics of companies in selecting portfolio investments as part of the
investment process for this Fund in an effort to reduce what it regards as the
sustainability risks of its investments. Through these efforts, Matthews also
hopes to promote the sustainability practices of those companies. For example,
it may view favorably companies that have a commitment to mitigating climate
change through reducing their carbon footprint and those with sound governance
practices. Not all investments will demonstrate those characteristics, and there
could be instances where Matthews is unable to assess whether companies have
such a commitment or follow good governance practices. Matthews’ investment
process in this regard is carried out through a combination of exclusionary ESG
screens and the use of ESG data. Matthews uses various sources of information,
including but not limited to third-party ESG rating firms and Matthews’ own
analysis, in assessing a company’s ESG characteristics. In addition, once
invested in a company, Matthews may engage with its portfolio companies on
sustainability and governance matters through active dialogue, exercising
shareholder rights and by encouraging enhanced ESG disclosure and
implementation.
Principal Risks of
Investment
There
is no guarantee that your investment in the Fund will increase in value.
The value of your investment in the Fund could go down,
meaning you could lose money. The principal risks of investing
in the Fund are:
Political, Social and Economic Risks of Investing in
Asia: The value of the Fund’s assets may be adversely affected by
political, economic, social and religious instability; inadequate investor
protection; changes in laws or regulations of countries within the Asian region
(including countries in which the Fund invests, as well as the broader region);
international relations with other nations; natural disasters; corruption and
military activity. The economies of many Asian countries differ from the
economies of more developed countries in many respects, such as rate of growth,
inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency, financial system
stability, the national balance of payments position and sensitivity to changes
in global trade.
Public Health Emergency Risks: Pandemics and
other public health emergencies, including outbreaks of infectious
diseases
such
as the current outbreak of the novel coronavirus (“COVID‑19”), can result, and
in the case of COVID‑19 has resulted and may continue to result in market
volatility and disruption, and materially and adversely impact economic
conditions in ways that cannot be predicted, all of which could result in
substantial investment losses. Containment efforts and related restrictive
actions by governments and businesses have significantly diminished and
disrupted global economic activity across many industries. Less developed
countries and their health systems may be more vulnerable to these impacts. The
ultimate impact of COVID‑19, including new strains of the underlying virus, or
other health emergencies on global economic conditions and businesses is
impossible to predict accurately. Ongoing and potential additional material
adverse economic effects of indeterminate duration and severity are possible.
The resulting adverse impact on the value of an investment in the Fund could be
significant and prolonged. Other public health emergencies that may arise in the
future could have similar or other unforeseen
effects.
Currency Risk: When the Fund conducts
securities transactions in a foreign currency, there is the risk of the value of
the foreign currency increasing or decreasing against the value of the U.S.
dollar. The value of an investment denominated in a foreign currency will
decline in U.S. dollar terms if that currency weakens against the U.S. dollar.
While the Fund is permitted to hedge currency risks, Matthews does not
anticipate doing so at this time.
Risks Associated with Japan: The Japanese
economy has only recently emerged from a prolonged economic downturn. Since
the year 2000, Japan’s economic growth rate has remained relatively
low. The Japanese economy is characterized by an aging demographic,
declining population, large government debt and highly regulated labor market.
Economic growth in Japan is dependent on domestic consumption, deregulation and
consistent government policy. International trade, particularly with the U.S.,
also impacts growth of the Japanese economy, and adverse economic conditions in
the U.S. or other trade partners may affect Japan. Japan also has a growing
economic relationship with China and other Southeast Asian countries, and
thus Japan’s economy may also be affected by economic, political or social
instability in those countries (whether resulting from local or global
events). Other factors, such as the occurrence of natural disasters and
relations with neighboring countries (including China, South Korea, North Korea
and Russia), may also negatively impact the Japanese
economy.
Growth Stock Risk: Growth stocks may be more
volatile than other stocks because they are more sensitive to investor
perceptions of the issuing company’s growth potential. Growth stocks may go in
and out of favor over time and may perform differently than the market as a
whole.
Depositary Receipts Risk: Although depositary
receipts have risks similar to the securities that they represent, they may also
involve higher expenses and may trade at a discount (or premium) to the
underlying security. In addition, depositary receipts may not pass through
voting and other shareholder rights, and may be less liquid than the underlying
securities listed on an exchange.
Risks Associated with Medium‑Size Companies:
Medium‑size companies may be subject to a number of risks not associated with
larger, more established companies, potentially making their stock prices more
volatile and increasing the risk of loss.
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44 |
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Risks Associated with Smaller Companies:
Smaller companies may offer substantial opportunities for capital growth; they
also involve substantial risks, and investments in smaller companies may be
considered speculative. Such companies often have limited product lines, markets
or financial resources. Securities of smaller companies may trade less
frequently and in lesser volume than more widely held securities and the
securities of smaller companies generally are subject to more abrupt or erratic
price movements than more widely held or larger, more established companies or
the market indices in general.
Sustainability Risk: Sustainability risk means
an environmental, social or governance (ESG) event or condition that, if it
occurs, could cause an actual or a potential material negative impact on the
value of the investments made by the Fund. ESG events could result from climate
change (so-called physical risks) or from society’s response to climate change
(so-called transition risks), social events (e.g., inequality, inclusiveness,
labor relations, investment in human capital, accident prevention, changing
customer behavior, etc.) or governance shortcomings (e.g., diversity and
inclusion issues, recurrent significant breach of international agreements,
bribery issues, products quality and safety, selling practices, etc.), which may
result in unanticipated potential or actual material negative impact on the
Fund’s investments and, therefore, would have an adverse impact on the value of
the Fund.
ESG Investing Risk: Because the Fund may take
into consideration the environmental, social and governance characteristics of
portfolio companies in which it may invest, the Fund may select or exclude
securities of certain issuers for reasons other than potential performance. The
Fund’s consideration of ESG characteristics in making its investment decisions
may affect the Fund’s exposure to certain issuers, industries, sectors, regions
or countries, and the Fund’s performance will likely differ—positively or
negatively—as compared to funds that do not utilize these considerations,
depending on whether the Fund’s investments made according to considerations of
ESG characteristics are in or out of favor in the market. The consideration of
ESG characteristics is qualitative and subjective by nature, and there is no
guarantee that the
ESG
characteristics used by Matthews or any judgment exercised by Matthews will
reflect the opinions of any particular investor. Although an investment by the
Fund in a company may satisfy one or more ESG factors in the view of the
portfolio managers, there is no guarantee that such company actually promotes
positive environmental, social or economic developments, and that same company
may also fail to satisfy other ESG factors. Funds with ESG investment strategies
are generally suited for long-term rather than short-term
investors.
Sector Concentration Risk: To the extent that
the Fund emphasizes, from time to time, investments in a particular sector, the
Fund will be subject to a greater degree to the risks particular to that sector,
including the sector described below. Market conditions, interest rates, and
economic, regulatory, or financial developments could significantly affect a
single sector. By focusing its investments in a particular sector, the Fund may
face more risks than if it were diversified broadly over numerous
sectors.
– |
|
Industrial
Sector Risk: As of December 31, 2021, 24% of the Fund’s
assets were invested in the industrial sector. Industrial companies are
affected by supply and demand both for their specific product or service
and for industrial sector products in general. Government regulation,
world events, exchange rates and economic conditions, technological
developments and liabilities for environmental damage and general civil
liabilities will likewise affect the performance of these
companies. |
Cybersecurity Risk: With the increased use of
technologies such as the internet to conduct business, the Fund is susceptible
to operational, information security, and related risks. Cyber incidents
affecting the Fund or its service providers may cause disruptions and impact
business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, interference
with the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV, impediments to trading, the
inability of shareholders to transact business, violations of applicable privacy
and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement
or other compensation costs, or additional compliance
costs.
Past Performance
The bar chart
below shows the Fund’s performance for the past 10 years and how it has varied
from year to year, reflective of the Fund’s volatility and some indication of
risk. Also shown are the best and worst quarters for this time
period. The table below shows the Fund’s performance over certain periods of
time, along with performance of its benchmark index. The information presented below
is past performance, before and after taxes, and is not a prediction of future
results. Both the bar chart and performance table assume
reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. For the Fund’s most recent
month‑end performance, please visit matthewsasia.com
or call 800.789.ASIA
(2742).
ANNUAL
RETURNS FOR YEARS ENDED 12/31
AVERAGE
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2021
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 year |
|
|
5 years |
|
|
10 years |
|
|
Since Inception
(10/29/10) |
|
Matthews
Japan Fund |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return
before taxes |
|
|
-1.83% |
|
|
|
11.35% |
|
|
|
11.45% |
|
|
|
10.44% |
|
Return
after taxes on distributions1 |
|
|
-4.41% |
|
|
|
9.51% |
|
|
|
10.45% |
|
|
|
9.42% |
|
Return
after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares1 |
|
|
0.79% |
|
|
|
8.96% |
|
|
|
9.49% |
|
|
|
8.60% |
|
MSCI
Japan Index |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses
or taxes) |
|
|
2.04% |
|
|
|
8.89% |
|
|
|
8.67% |
|
|
|
7.16% |
|
|
1 |
After‑tax returns are
calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income
tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local
taxes. Actual after‑tax
returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those
shown. After‑tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold
their Fund shares through tax‑deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans
or individual retirement
accounts. |
Investment Advisor
Matthews
International Capital Management, LLC (“Matthews”)
Portfolio Managers
Lead Manager: Taizo Ishida has been a Portfolio
Manager of the Matthews Japan Fund since 2006.
Lead Manager: Shuntaro Takeuchi has been a
Portfolio Manager of the Matthews Japan Fund since 2019.
The
Lead Manager is primarily responsible for the Fund’s day‑to‑day investment
management decisions (and jointly responsible with the other Lead
Manager).
For
important information about the Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares; Tax
Information; and Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries,
please turn to page 63.
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46 |
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Matthews
Korea Fund
FUND SUMMARY
Investment Objective
Long-term
capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses of the
Fund
This
table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of this Fund.
SHAREHOLDER
FEES
(fees paid directly from your investment)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maximum
Account Fee on Redemptions (for wire redemptions only) |
|
|
|
|
$9 |
|
ANNUAL
OPERATING EXPENSES
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of
the value of your investment)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management
Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.66% |
|
Distribution
(12b‑1) Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.00% |
|
Other Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.32% |
|
|
|
|
Administration
and Shareholder Servicing Fees |
|
|
0.14% |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating
Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.98% |
|
EXAMPLE
OF FUND EXPENSES
This
example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with
the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest
$10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your
shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your
investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses
remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on
these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One year: $100 |
|
Three years: $312 |
|
Five years: $542 |
|
Ten years: $1,201 |
PORTFOLIO
TURNOVER
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
annual fund operating expenses or in the example of fund expenses, affect the
Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio
turnover rate was 40% of the average value of its
portfolio.
Principal Investment
Strategy
Under
normal circumstances, the Matthews Korea Fund seeks to achieve its investment
objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which include borrowings
for investment purposes, in the common and preferred stocks of companies located
in South Korea. A company or other issuer is considered to be “located” in a
country or a region, and a security or instrument is deemed to be an Asian (or
specific country) security or instrument, if it has substantial ties to that
country or region. Matthews currently makes that determination based primarily
on one or more of the following criteria: (A) with respect to a company or
issuer, whether (i) it is organized under the laws of that country or
any country in that region; (ii) it derives at least 50% of its revenues or
profits from goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed, or
has at least 50% of its assets located, within that country or region;
(iii) it has the primary trading markets for its securities in that country
or region; (iv) it has its principal place of business in or is otherwise
headquartered in that country or region; or (v) it is a governmental entity
or an agency, instrumentality or a political subdivision of that country or any
country in that region; and (B) with respect to an instrument or issue,
whether (i) its issuer is headquartered or organized in that country or
region; (ii) it is issued to finance a project with significant assets or
operations in that country or region; (iii) it is principally secured or
backed by assets located in that country or region; (iv) it is
a
component
of or its issuer is included in a recognized securities index for the country or
region; or (v) it is denominated in the currency of an Asian country and
addresses at least one of the other above criteria. The term “located” and the
associated criteria listed above have been defined in such a way that Matthews
has latitude in determining whether an issuer should be included within a region
or country. The Fund may also invest in depositary receipts, including American,
European and Global Depositary
Receipts.
The
Fund seeks to invest in companies capable of sustainable growth based on the
fundamental characteristics of those companies, including balance sheet
information; number of employees; size and stability of cash flow; management’s
depth, adaptability and integrity; product lines; marketing strategies;
corporate governance; and financial health. Matthews expects that the companies
in which the Fund invests typically will be of medium or large size, but the
Fund may invest in companies of any size. Matthews measures a company’s size
with respect to fundamental criteria such as, but not limited to, market
capitalization, book value, revenues, profits, cash flow, dividends paid and
number of employees. The implementation of the principal investment strategies
of the Fund may result in a significant portion of the Fund’s assets being
invested from time to time in one or more sectors, but the Fund may invest in
companies in any sector.
Principal Risks of
Investment
There
is no guarantee that your investment in the Fund will increase in value.
The value of your investment in the Fund could go down,
meaning you could lose money. The principal risks of investing
in the Fund are:
Political, Social and Economic Risks of Investing in
Asia: The value of the Fund’s assets may be adversely affected by
political, economic, social and religious instability; inadequate investor
protection; changes in laws or regulations of countries within the Asian region
(including countries in which the Fund invests, as well as the broader region);
international relations with other nations; natural disasters; corruption and
military activity. The economies of many Asian countries differ from the
economies of more developed countries in many respects, such as rate of growth,
inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency, financial system
stability, the national balance of payments position and sensitivity to changes
in global trade.
Public Health Emergency Risks: Pandemics and
other public health emergencies, including outbreaks of infectious diseases such
as the current outbreak of the novel coronavirus (“COVID‑19”), can result, and
in the case of COVID‑19 has resulted and may continue to result in market
volatility and disruption, and materially and adversely impact economic
conditions in ways that cannot be predicted, all of which could result in
substantial investment losses. Containment efforts and related restrictive
actions by governments and businesses have significantly diminished and
disrupted global economic activity across many industries. Less developed
countries and their health systems may be more vulnerable to these impacts. The
ultimate impact of COVID‑19, including new strains of the underlying virus, or
other health emergencies on global economic conditions and businesses is
impossible to predict accurately. Ongoing and potential additional material
adverse economic effects of indeterminate duration and severity are possible.
The resulting adverse impact on the
value
of an investment in the Fund could be significant and prolonged. Other public
health emergencies that may arise in the future could have similar or other
unforeseen effects.
Currency Risk: When the Fund conducts
securities transactions in a foreign currency, there is the risk of the value of
the foreign currency increasing or decreasing against the value of the U.S.
dollar. The value of an investment denominated in a foreign currency will
decline in U.S. dollar terms if that currency weakens against the U.S. dollar.
While the Fund is permitted to hedge currency risks, Matthews does not
anticipate doing so at this time. Additionally, South Korea may utilize formal
or informal currency-exchange controls or “capital controls.” Capital controls
may impose restrictions on the Fund’s ability to repatriate investments or
income. Such controls may also affect the value of the Fund’s
holdings.
Risks Associated with Emerging and Frontier
Markets: Many Asian countries are considered emerging markets. 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 markets are often less stable politically
and economically than developed markets such as the United States, and
investing in these markets involves different and greater risks. There may be
less publicly available information about companies in many Asian countries, and
the stock exchanges and brokerage industries in many Asian countries typically
do not have the level of government oversight as do those in the United States.
Securities markets of many Asian countries are also substantially smaller, less
liquid and more volatile than securities markets in the United
States.
Risks Associated with South Korea: Investing in
South Korean securities has special risks, including those related to political,
economic and social instability in South Korea and the potential for increased
militarization in North Korea. Securities trading on South Korean securities
markets are concentrated in a relatively small number of issuers, which results
in potentially fewer investment opportunities for the Fund. South Korea’s
financial sector has shown certain signs of systemic weakness and illiquidity,
which, if exacerbated, could prove to be a material risk for investments in
South Korea. South Korea is dependent on foreign sources for its energy needs. A
significant increase in energy prices could have an adverse impact on South
Korea’s economy. The South Korean government has historically exercised and
continues to exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private
sector. The South Korean government from time to time has informally influenced
the prices of certain products, encouraged companies to invest or to concentrate
in particular industries and induced mergers between companies in industries
experiencing excess capacity.
Growth Stock Risk: Growth stocks may be more
volatile than other stocks because they are more sensitive to investor
perceptions of the issuing company’s growth potential. Growth stocks may go in
and out of favor over time and may perform differently than the market as a
whole.
Depositary Receipts Risk: Although depositary
receipts have risks similar to the securities that they represent, they may also
involve higher expenses and may trade at a discount (or premium) to the
underlying security. In addition, depositary receipts may not pass through
voting and other shareholder rights, and may be less liquid than the underlying
securities listed on an exchange.
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Volatility Risk: The smaller size and lower
levels of liquidity in emerging markets, as well as other factors, may result in
changes in the prices of Asian securities that are more volatile than those of
companies in more developed regions. This volatility can cause the price of the
Fund’s shares to go up or down dramatically. Because of this volatility, this
Fund is better suited for long-term investors (typically five years or
longer).
Risks Associated with Smaller Companies:
Smaller companies may offer substantial opportunities for capital growth; they
also involve substantial risks, and investments in smaller companies may be
considered speculative. Such companies often have limited product lines, markets
or financial resources. Securities of smaller companies may trade less
frequently and in lesser volume than more widely held securities and the
securities of smaller companies generally are subject to more abrupt or erratic
price movements than more widely held or larger, more established companies or
the market indices in general.
Risks Associated with Medium-Size Companies:
Medium‑size companies may be subject to a number of risks not associated with
larger, more established companies, potentially making their stock prices more
volatile and increasing the risk of
loss.
Sector Concentration Risk: To the extent that
the Fund emphasizes, from time to time, investments in a particular sector, the
Fund will be subject to a greater degree to the
risks
particular
to that sector, including the sector described below. Market conditions,
interest rates, and economic, regulatory, or financial developments could
significantly affect a single sector. By focusing its investments in a
particular sector, the Fund may face more risks than if it were diversified
broadly over numerous sectors.
– |
|
Information
Technology Sector Risk: As of December 31, 2021, 45% of the
Fund’s assets were invested in the information technology sector.
Information technology companies may be significantly affected by
aggressive pricing as a result of intense competition and by rapid product
obsolescence due to rapid development of technological innovations and
frequent new product introduction. Other factors, such as short product
cycle, possible loss or impairment of intellectual property rights, and
changes in government regulations, may also adversely impact information
technology
companies. |
Cybersecurity Risk: With the increased use of
technologies such as the internet to conduct business, the Fund is susceptible
to operational, information security, and related risks. Cyber incidents
affecting the Fund or its service providers may cause disruptions and impact
business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, interference
with the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV, impediments to trading, the
inability of shareholders to transact business, violations of applicable privacy
and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement
or other compensation costs, or additional compliance
costs.
Past Performance
The bar chart
below shows the Fund’s performance for the past 10 years and how it has varied
from year to year, reflective of the Fund’s volatility and some indication of
risk. Also shown are the best and worst quarters for this time
period. The table below shows the Fund’s performance over certain periods of
time, along with performance of its benchmark index. The information presented below
is past performance, before and after taxes, and is not a prediction of future
results. Both the bar chart and performance table assume
reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. For the Fund’s most recent
month‑end performance, please visit matthewsasia.com
or call 800.789.ASIA
(2742).
ANNUAL
RETURNS FOR YEARS ENDED 12/31
AVERAGE
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2021
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 year |
|
|
5 years |
|
|
10 years |
|
|
Since Inception
(10/29/10) |
|
Matthews
Korea Fund |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Return
before taxes |
|
|
‑0.16% |
|
|
|
10.40% |
|
|
|
9.18% |
|
|
|
8.36% |
|
Return
after taxes on distributions1 |
|
|
-1.49% |
|
|
|
8.55% |
|
|
|
7.71% |
|
|
|
6.98% |
|
Return
after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares1 |
|
|
1.28% |
|
|
|
8.09% |
|
|
|
7.32% |
|
|
|
6.69% |
|
Korea
Composite Stock Price Index2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses
or taxes) |
|
|
-4.79% |
|
|
|
10.22% |
|
|
|
6.40% |
|
|
|
5.39% |
|
|
1 |
After‑tax returns are
calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income
tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local
taxes. Actual after‑tax
returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those
shown. After‑tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold
their Fund shares through tax‑deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans
or individual retirement
accounts. |
|
2 |
Korea
Composite Stock Price Index performance data may be readjusted
periodically by the Korea Exchange due to certain factors, including the
declaration of dividends. |
Investment Advisor
Matthews
International Capital Management, LLC (“Matthews”)
Portfolio Managers
Lead Manager: Michael J. Oh, CFA, has been a
Portfolio Manager of the Matthews Korea Fund since 2007.
Lead Manager: Elli Lee has been a Portfolio
Manager of the Matthews Korea Fund since 2019.
Co-Manager: Sojung Park has been a Portfolio
Manager of the Matthews Korea Fund since 2022.
The
Lead Manager is primarily responsible for the Fund’s day‑to‑day investment
management decisions (and jointly responsible with the other Lead Manager). The
Lead Manager is supported by and consults with the Co-Manager, who is not
primarily responsible for portfolio management.
For
important information about the Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares; Tax
Information; and Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries,
please turn to page 63.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50 |
|
matthewsasia.com | 800.789.ASIA |
|
|
|
|
Matthews
Asian Growth and Income Fund
FUND SUMMARY
Investment Objective
Long-term
capital appreciation. The Fund also seeks to provide some current
income.
Fees and Expenses of the
Fund
This
table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of this Fund.
SHAREHOLDER
FEES
(fees paid directly from your investment)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maximum
Account Fee on Redemptions (for wire redemptions only) |
|
|
|
|
$9 |
|
ANNUAL
OPERATING EXPENSES
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of
the value of your investment)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Management
Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.66% |
|
Distribution
(12b‑1) Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.00% |
|
Other Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.28% |
|
|
|
|
Administration
and Shareholder Servicing Fees |
|
|
0.14% |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Annual
Fund Operating Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.94% |
|
EXAMPLE
OF FUND EXPENSES
This
example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund with
the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The example assumes that you invest
$10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your
shares at the end of those periods. The example also assumes that your
investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund’s operating expenses
remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on
these assumptions your costs would be:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
One year: $96 |
|
Three years: $300 |
|
Five years: $520 |
|
Ten years: $1,155 |
PORTFOLIO
TURNOVER
The
Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells
securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover may
indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund
shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in
annual fund operating expenses or in the example of fund expenses, affect the
Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio
turnover rate was 38% of the average value of its
portfolio.
Principal Investment
Strategy
Under
normal circumstances, the Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund seeks to achieve
its investment objective by investing at least 80% of its net assets, which
include borrowings for investment purposes, in dividend-paying common stock,
preferred stock and other equity securities, and convertible securities as well
as fixed-income securities, of any duration or quality, including high yield
securities (also known as “junk bonds”), of companies located in Asia, which
consists of all countries and markets in Asia, including developed, emerging,
and frontier countries and markets in the Asian region. 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. A company or other issuer is
considered to be “located” in a country or a region, and a security or
instrument is deemed to be an Asian (or specific country) security or
instrument, if it has substantial ties to that country or region. Matthews
currently makes that determination based primarily on one or more of the
following criteria: (A) with respect to a company or issuer, whether
(i) it is organized under the laws of that country or any country in
that region; (ii) it derives at least 50% of its revenues or profits from
goods produced or sold, investments made, or services performed, or has at least
50% of its
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MATTHEWS ASIAN GROWTH AND INCOME
FUND |
|
|
51 |
|
assets
located, within that country or region; (iii) it has the primary trading
markets for its securities in that country or region; (iv) it has its
principal place of business in or is otherwise headquartered in that country or
region; or (v) it is a governmental entity or an agency, instrumentality or
a political subdivision of that country or any country in that region; and
(B) with respect to an instrument or issue, whether (i) its issuer is
headquartered or organized in that country or region; (ii) it is issued to
finance a project with significant assets or operations in that country or
region; (iii) it is principally secured or backed by assets located in that
country or region; (iv) it is a component of or its issuer is included in a
recognized securities index for the country or region; or (v) it is
denominated in the currency of an Asian country and addresses at least one of
the other above criteria. The term “located” and the associated criteria listed
above have been defined in such a way that Matthews has latitude in determining
whether an issuer should be included within a region or country. The Fund may
also invest in depositary receipts, including American, European, and Global
Depositary Receipts.
The
Fund attempts to offer investors a relatively stable means of participating in a
portion of the Asian region’s growth prospects, while providing some downside
protection, in comparison to a portfolio that invests purely in common stocks.
The strategy of owning convertible bonds and dividend-paying equities is
designed to help the Fund to meet its investment objective while helping to
reduce the volatility of its portfolio. Matthews expects that the companies in
which the Fund invests typically will be of medium or large size, but the Fund
may invest in companies of any size. Matthews measures a company’s size with
respect to fundamental criteria such as, but not limited to, market
capitalization, book value, revenues, profits, cash flow, dividends paid and
number of employees. The implementation of the principal investment strategies
of the Fund may result in a significant portion of the Fund’s assets being
invested from time to time in one or more sectors, but the Fund may invest in
companies in any sector.
Principal Risks of
Investment
There
is no guarantee that your investment in the Fund will increase in value.
The value of your investment in the Fund could go down,
meaning you could lose money. The principal risks of investing
in the Fund are:
Political, Social and Economic Risks of Investing in
Asia: The value of the Fund’s assets may be adversely affected by
political, economic, social and religious instability; inadequate investor
protection; changes in laws or regulations of countries within the Asian region
(including countries in which the Fund invests, as well as the broader region);
international relations with other nations; natural disasters; corruption and
military activity. The economies of many Asian countries differ from the
economies of more developed countries in many respects, such as rate of growth,
inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency, financial system
stability, the national balance of payments position and sensitivity to changes
in global trade.
Public Health Emergency Risks: Pandemics and
other public health emergencies, including outbreaks of infectious diseases such
as the current outbreak of the novel coronavirus (“COVID‑19”), can result, and
in the case of COVID‑19 has
resulted
and may continue to result in market volatility and disruption, and materially
and adversely impact economic conditions in ways that cannot be predicted, all
of which could result in substantial investment losses. Containment efforts and
related restrictive actions by governments and businesses have significantly
diminished and disrupted global economic activity across many industries. Less
developed countries and their health systems may be more vulnerable to these
impacts. The ultimate impact of COVID‑19, including new strains of the
underlying virus, or other health emergencies on global economic conditions and
businesses is impossible to predict accurately. Ongoing and potential additional
material adverse economic effects of indeterminate duration and severity are
possible. The resulting adverse impact on the value of an investment in the Fund
could be significant and prolonged. Other public health emergencies that may
arise in the future could have similar or other unforeseen
effects.
Currency Risk: When the Fund conducts
securities transactions in a foreign currency, there is the risk of the value of
the foreign currency increasing or decreasing against the value of the U.S.
dollar. The value of an investment denominated in a foreign currency will
decline in U.S. dollar terms if that currency weakens against the U.S. dollar.
While the Fund is permitted to hedge currency risks, Matthews does not
anticipate doing so at this time. Additionally, Asian countries may utilize
formal or informal currency-exchange controls or “capital controls.” Capital
controls may impose restrictions on the Fund’s ability to repatriate investments
or income. Such controls may also affect the value of the Fund’s
holdings.
Risks Associated with Emerging and Frontier
Markets: Many Asian countries are considered emerging or frontier
markets. Such markets are often less stable politically and economically than
developed markets such as the United States, and investing in these markets
involves different and greater risks. There may be less publicly available
information about companies in many Asian countries, and the stock exchanges and
brokerage industries in many Asian countries typically do not have the level of
government oversight as do those in the United States. Securities markets
of many Asian countries are also substantially smaller, less liquid and more
volatile than securities markets in the United
States.
Depositary Receipts Risk: Although depositary
receipts have risks similar to the securities that they represent, they may also
involve higher expenses and may trade at a discount (or premium) to the
underlying security. In addition, depositary receipts may not pass through
voting and other shareholder rights, and may be less liquid than the underlying
securities listed on an exchange.
Volatility Risk: The smaller size and lower
levels of liquidity in emerging markets, as well as other factors, may result in
changes in the prices of Asian securities that are more volatile than those of
companies in more developed regions. This volatility can cause the price of the
Fund’s shares to go up or down dramatically. Because of this volatility, this
Fund is better suited for long-term investors (typically five years or
longer).
Convertible Securities Risk: The Fund may
invest in convertible preferred stocks, and convertible bonds and debentures.
The risks of convertible bonds and debentures include repayment risk and
interest rate risk. Many Asian convertible securities are not rated by rating
agencies. The
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matthewsasia.com | 800.789.ASIA |
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Fund
may invest in convertible debt securities of any maturity and in those that are
unrated, or would be below investment grade (referred to as “junk bonds”) if
rated. Therefore, credit risk may be greater for the Fund than for other funds
that invest in higher-grade securities. These securities are also subject to
greater liquidity risk than many other
securities.
Growth Stock Risk: Growth stocks may be more
volatile than other stocks because they are more sensitive to investor
perceptions of the issuing company’s growth potential. Growth stocks may go in
and out of favor over time and may perform differently than the market as a
whole.
Dividend-Paying Securities Risk: The Fund may
invest in dividend-paying equity securities. There can be no guarantee that
companies that have historically paid dividends will continue to pay them or pay
them at the current rates in the future. The prices of dividend-paying equity
securities (and particularly of those issued by Asian companies) can be highly
volatile. In addition, dividend-paying equity securities, in particular those
whose market price is closely related to their yield, may exhibit greater
sensitivity to interest rate changes. The Fund’s investment in such securities
may also limit its potential for appreciation during a broad market
advance.
Credit Risk: Credit risk refers to the risk
that an issuer may default in the payment of principal and/or interest on an
instrument.
Interest Rate Risk: Fixed-income securities may
decline in value because of changes in interest rates. Bond prices generally
rise when interest rates decline and generally decline when interest rates
rise.
High Yield Securities Risk: High yield
securities or unrated securities of similar credit quality (commonly known as
“junk bonds”) are more likely to default than higher rated securities. These
securities typically entail greater potential price volatility and are
considered predominantly speculative. Issuers of high yield securities may also
be more susceptible to adverse economic and competitive industry conditions than
those of higher-rated securities.
Risks Associated with Medium-Size Companies:
Medium‑size companies may be subject to a number of risks not associated with
larger, more established companies, potentially making their stock prices more
volatile and increasing the risk of
loss.
Risks Associated with Smaller Companies:
Smaller companies may offer substantial opportunities for capital growth; they
also involve substantial risks, and investments in smaller companies may be
considered speculative. Such companies often have limited product lines, markets
or financial resources. Securities of smaller companies may trade less
frequently and in lesser volume than more widely held securities and the
securities of smaller companies generally are subject to more abrupt or erratic
price movements than more widely held or larger, more established companies or
the market indices in general.
Risks Associated with China and Hong Kong: The
Chinese government exercises significant control over China’s economy through
its industrial policies, monetary policy, management of currency exchange rates,
and management of the payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations.
Changes in these policies could adversely impact affected industries or
companies in China. China’s economy, particularly its export-oriented
industries, may be adversely impacted by trade or political disputes with
China’s major trading partners, including the U.S. In addition, as its consumer
class continues to grow, China’s domestically oriented industries may be
especially sensitive to changes in government policy and investment cycles. As
demonstrated by Hong Kong protests in recent years over political, economic, and
legal freedoms, and the Chinese government’s response to them, considerable
political uncertainty continues to exist within Hong Kong. Due to the
interconnected nature of the Hong Kong and Chinese economies, this instability
in Hong Kong may cause uncertainty in the Hong Kong and Chinese markets. If
China were to exert its authority so as to alter the economic, political or
legal structures or the existing social policy of Hong Kong, investor and
business confidence in Hong Kong could be negatively affected and have an
adverse effect on the Fund’s
investments.
Sector Concentration Risk: To the extent that
the Fund emphasizes, from time to time, investments in a particular sector, the
Fund will be subject to a greater degree to the risks particular to that sector,
including the sector described below. Market conditions, interest rates, and
economic, regulatory, or financial developments could significantly affect a
single sector. By focusing its investments in a particular sector, the Fund may
face more risks than if it were diversified broadly over numerous
sectors.
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Information
Technology Sector Risk: As of December 31, 2021, 21% of the
Fund’s assets were invested in the information technology sector.
Information technology companies may be significantly affected by
aggressive pricing as a result of intense competition and by rapid product
obsolescence due to rapid development of technological innovations and
frequent new product introduction. Other factors, such as short product
cycle, possible loss or impairment of intellectual property rights, and
changes in government regulations, may also adversely impact information
technology
companies. |
Cybersecurity Risk: With the increased use of
technologies such as the internet to conduct business, the Fund is susceptible
to operational, information security, and related risks. Cyber incidents
affecting the Fund or its service providers may cause disruptions and impact
business operations, potentially resulting in financial losses, interference
with the Fund’s ability to calculate its NAV, impediments to trading, the
inability of shareholders to transact business, violations of applicable privacy
and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement
or other compensation costs, or additional compliance
costs.
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MATTHEWS ASIAN GROWTH AND INCOME
FUND |
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53 |
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Past Performance
The bar chart
below shows the Fund’s performance for the past 10 years and how it has varied
from year to year, reflective of the Fund’s volatility and some indication of
risk. Also shown are the best and worst quarters for this time
period. The table below shows the Fund’s performance over certain periods of
time, along with performance of its benchmark index. The information presented below
is past performance, before and after taxes, and is not a prediction of future
results. Both the bar chart and performance table assume
reinvestment of all dividends and distributions. For the Fund’s most recent
month‑end performance, please visit matthewsasia.com
or call 800.789.ASIA
(2742).
ANNUAL
RETURNS FOR YEARS ENDED 12/31
AVERAGE
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS FOR PERIODS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
2021
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1 year |
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5 years |
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10 years |
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Since Inception
(10/29/10) |
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Matthews
Asian Growth and Income Fund |
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Return
before taxes |
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0.18% |
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8.26% |
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6.73% |
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5.18% |
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Return
after taxes on distributions1 |
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-2.72% |
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6.58% |
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5.20% |
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3.68% |
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Return
after taxes on distributions and sale of Fund shares1 |
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1.78% |
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6.26% |
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5.10% |
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3.85% |
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MSCI
All Country Asia ex Japan Index |
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(reflects no deduction for fees, expenses
or taxes) |
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-4.46% |
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11.61% |
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8.32% |
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6.00% |
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1 |
After‑tax returns are
calculated using the highest historical individual federal marginal income
tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state and local
taxes. Actual after‑tax
returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those
shown. After‑tax returns shown are not relevant to investors who hold
their Fund shares through tax‑deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) plans
or individual retirement
accounts. |
Investment Advisor
Matthews
International Capital Management, LLC (“Matthews”)
Portfolio Managers
Lead Manager: Robert Horrocks, PhD, is Chief
Investment Officer at Matthews and has been a Portfolio Manager of the Matthews
Asian Growth and Income Fund since 2009.
Lead Manager: Kenneth Lowe, CFA, has been a
Portfolio Manager of the Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund since 2011.
Co‑Manager: Satya Patel has been a Portfolio
Manager of the Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund since 2020.
Co-Manager: Siddharth Bhargava has been a
Portfolio Manager of the Matthews Asian Growth and Income Fund since 2021.
The
Lead Manager is primarily responsible for the Fund’s day‑to‑day investment
management decisions (and jointly responsible with the other Lead Manager). The
Lead Manager is supported by and consults with the Co‑Managers, who are not
primarily responsible for portfolio management.
For
important information about the Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares; Tax
Information; and Payments to Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries,
please turn to page 63.
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matthewsasia.com | 800.789.ASIA |
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Matthews
Asia Dividend Fund
FUND SUMMARY
Investment Objective
Total
return with an emphasis on providing current
income.
Fees and Expenses of the
Fund
This
table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of this Fund.
SHAREHOLDER
FEES
(fees paid directly from your investment)
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Maximum
Account Fee on Redemptions (for wire redemptions only) |
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$9 |
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ANNUAL
OPERATING EXPENSES
(expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of
the value of your investment)
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Management
Fees |
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0.66% |
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Distribution
(12b‑1) Fees |
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0.00% |
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Other Expenses |
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0.26% |
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Administration
and Shareholder Servicing Fees |
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0.14% |
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Total Annual
Fund Operating Expenses |
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0.92% |
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Fee
Waiver and Expense Reimbursement1 |
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