MCDFX vs. CAF

Last updated Apr 1, 2026

Compare and contrast key facts about Matthews China Dividend Fund (MCDFX) and Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund (CAF).

MCDFX is managed by Matthews. It was launched on Nov 29, 2009. CAF is an actively managed fund by Morgan Stanley. It was launched on Jul 6, 2006.

Performance

MCDFX vs. CAF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Matthews China Dividend Fund (MCDFX) and Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund (CAF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

MCDFX vs. CAF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MCDFX Matthews China Dividend Fund	5.60%	29.41%	14.93%	-20.68%	-16.72%	-0.60%	26.88%	15.03%	-9.93%	37.52%
CAF Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund	0.81%	41.51%	0.34%	-9.39%	-30.41%	-1.77%	12.74%	23.50%	-14.26%	44.94%

Returns By Period

MCDFX

• 1D: —
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

CAF

• 1D: 3.67%
• 1M: -4.11%
• YTD: 0.81%
• 6M: 6.75%
• 1Y: 35.89%
• 3Y*: 8.65%
• 5Y*: -3.03%
• 10Y*: 4.78%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

MCDFX vs. CAF - Expense Ratio Comparison

MCDFX has a 1.20% expense ratio, which is lower than CAF's 1.67% expense ratio.

CAF

Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund

MCDFX

Matthews China Dividend Fund

Return for Risk

MCDFX vs. CAF — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

CAF

CAF Risk / Return Rank: 89
CAF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
CAF Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
CAF Omega Ratio Rank: 84
CAF Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
CAF Martin Ratio Rank: 90

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

MCDFX vs. CAF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Matthews China Dividend Fund (MCDFX) and Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund (CAF). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	MCDFX	CAF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.83	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	-0.14	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.22	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	—	0.26	—

Correlation

The correlation between MCDFX and CAF is 0.62, which is considered to be moderate. This suggests that the two assets have some degree of positive relationship in their price movements. Moderate correlation can be acceptable for portfolio diversification, offering a balance between risk and potential returns.

Dividends

MCDFX vs. CAF - Dividend Comparison

MCDFX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.84%, more than CAF's 1.50% yield.

	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MCDFX Matthews China Dividend Fund	3.84%	4.05%	3.97%	4.08%	5.56%	10.35%	3.91%	1.60%	11.25%	9.52%	3.38%	6.42%
CAF Morgan Stanley China A Share Fund	1.50%	1.51%	2.63%	0.96%	0.02%	6.57%	10.40%	3.78%	9.48%	5.20%	4.69%	67.03%

Drawdowns

Drawdown Indicators

	MCDFX	CAF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	—	-65.88%	—
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-11.45%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-49.01%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-49.01%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	—	-17.42%	—
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	—	-26.05%	—
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.49%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	MCDFX	CAF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	6.54%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	13.91%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	19.73%	—
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	—	21.20%	—
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	—	21.90%	—