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 Markets: Many Asian countries are considered emerging markets. Such 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 due to, among other factors, different accounting standards; variable quality and reliability of financial information and related audits of companies;
higher brokerage costs and thinner trading markets as compared to those in developed
countries; the possibility of currency transfer restrictions; and the risk of
expropriation, nationalization or other adverse political, economic or social developments. 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. Additionally, investors may have
substantial difficulties bringing legal actions to enforce or protect investors’ rights, which can increase the risks of loss.
U.S. Trade Policy Risk: The Trump administration recently enacted and proposed to enact significant new tariffs on imports
from certain countries. Additionally, President Trump has directed various federal
agencies to further evaluate key aspects of U.S. trade policy and there has been ongoing discussion and commentary regarding potential significant changes to U.S. trade policies, treaties and tariffs. There
continues to exist significant uncertainty about the future relationship between the U.S. and other countries with respect to such trade policies, treaties and tariffs. These developments, or the
perception that any of them could occur, may have a material adverse effect on global
economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets, and may significantly
reduce global trade and, in particular, trade between the impacted nations and the U.S. Any of these factors could depress economic activity and restrict a portfolio company’s access to suppliers or
customers and have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition or operations, which in turn could negatively impact the Fund.
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 on 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. Some smaller companies may have aggressive capital structures, including high debt levels, and be involved in rapidly growing or changing industries or technologies with intense competition.
These companies often have limited operating histories resulting in less predictable
operating results.
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. As its consumer class continues to grow, China’s domestically oriented industries may be especially sensitive to changes in government policy and investment cycles. The Chinese government has been accused of
state-sponsored cyberattacks against foreign governments and companies, and responses to
such activity, including sanctions, tariffs or cyberattacks on the Chinese government or Chinese companies, may negatively
affect China’s economy and Chinese securities issuers. In
addition, the current political climate has intensified concerns about trade tariffs or
trade disputes with China’s major trading partners, including a potential trade war between the U.S. and China. These consequences may trigger a significant reduction in international trade, shortages or
oversupply of certain manufactured goods, substantial price increases or decreases of goods, inflationary pressures, and possible failure of individual companies and/or large segments of the
foreign export industry in China with a potentially negative impact on the
Fund’s investments. 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.
Equity Securities Risk: Equity securities may include common stock, preferred stock or other securities representing an
ownership interest or the right to acquire an ownership interest in