MJFOX vs. FPJAX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

MJFOX (Matthews Japan Fund) and FPJAX (Fidelity Advisor Japan Fund Class A) are both Japan Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, MJFOX returned 9.75%/yr vs 12.01%/yr for FPJAX. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MJFOX charges 1.05%/yr vs 1.38%/yr for FPJAX.

Performance

MJFOX vs. FPJAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Matthews Japan Fund (MJFOX) and Fidelity Advisor Japan Fund Class A (FPJAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MJFOX achieves a 22.07% return, which is significantly lower than FPJAX's 30.44% return. Over the past 10 years, MJFOX has underperformed FPJAX with an annualized return of 9.75%, while FPJAX has yielded a comparatively higher 12.01% annualized return.

MJFOX

• 1D: 0.93%
• 1M: 6.13%
• YTD: 22.07%
• 6M: 20.66%
• 1Y: 37.38%
• 3Y*: 25.38%
• 5Y*: 9.60%
• 10Y*: 9.75%

FPJAX

• 1D: 0.79%
• 1M: 6.05%
• YTD: 30.44%
• 6M: 29.45%
• 1Y: 51.77%
• 3Y*: 24.28%
• 5Y*: 11.22%
• 10Y*: 12.01%

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

MJFOX vs. FPJAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MJFOX Matthews Japan Fund	22.07%	22.72%	16.31%	25.79%	-27.84%	-5.79%	29.80%	26.08%	-20.12%	33.22%
FPJAX Fidelity Advisor Japan Fund Class A	30.44%	31.28%	7.02%	15.59%	-22.48%	2.86%	25.03%	25.36%	-15.10%	29.20%

Correlation

The correlation between MJFOX and FPJAX is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 14, 2010	0.91

The correlation between MJFOX and FPJAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MJFOX vs. FPJAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MJFOX

MJFOX Risk / Return Rank: 46
MJFOX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
MJFOX Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
MJFOX Omega Ratio Rank: 42
MJFOX Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
MJFOX Martin Ratio Rank: 50

FPJAX

FPJAX Risk / Return Rank: 78
FPJAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
FPJAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
FPJAX Omega Ratio Rank: 66
FPJAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
FPJAX Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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.

MJFOX vs. FPJAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Matthews Japan Fund (MJFOX) and Fidelity Advisor Japan Fund Class A (FPJAX). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	MJFOX	FPJAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.76	2.40	-0.63
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.54	3.16	-0.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.41	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.73	4.14	-1.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.68	15.36	-5.68

MJFOX vs. FPJAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MJFOX Sharpe Ratio is 1.76, which is comparable to the FPJAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.40. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MJFOX and FPJAX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

MJFOX vs. FPJAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MJFOX drawdown since its inception was -63.52%, which is greater than FPJAX's maximum drawdown of -36.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MJFOX and FPJAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MJFOX	FPJAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.52%	-36.39%	-27.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.53%	-12.75%	-1.78%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.14%	-19.30%	+2.16%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-42.85%	-36.39%	-6.46%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.85%	-36.39%	-6.46%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-21.22%	-9.88%	-11.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.05%	3.43%	+0.62%

Volatility

MJFOX vs. FPJAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Matthews Japan Fund (MJFOX) is 7.38%, while Fidelity Advisor Japan Fund Class A (FPJAX) has a volatility of 7.94%. This indicates that MJFOX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FPJAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MJFOX	FPJAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.38%	7.94%	-0.56%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.14%	17.41%	+0.73%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.55%	22.06%	+0.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.61%	20.17%	+0.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.93%	18.37%	+0.56%

MJFOX vs. FPJAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MJFOX has a 1.05% expense ratio, which is lower than FPJAX's 1.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

MJFOX vs. FPJAX - Dividend Comparison

MJFOX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.60%, less than FPJAX's 7.46% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FPJAX Fidelity Advisor Japan Fund Class A	7.46%	9.73%	4.54%	3.47%	0.00%	11.39%	1.60%	0.98%	0.00%	0.23%	0.79%	0.47%
MJFOX Matthews Japan Fund	1.60%	1.96%	2.12%	6.09%	7.19%	8.08%	10.15%	8.63%	4.14%	3.90%	1.15%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MJFOX and FPJAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, MJFOX and FPJAX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, MJFOX or FPJAX?

FPJAX has higher volatility (7.94%) compared to MJFOX (7.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MJFOX dropped -63.52% vs FPJAX's -36.39%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FPJAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.40 vs 1.76), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.