Matthews International Funds Price & Performance (ASIA)

The New York International Children's Film Festival concludes its 29th edition today. Known for showcasing Oscar-qualifying short films, its 2024 winner, "Magic Candies," earned a 2025 nomination. This year's festival also featured notable previews and discussions, including "Flow," the Best Animated Feature winner.1

Matthews International Co. experienced a 26.5% increase in short interest during February, reaching 960,600 shares. Despite this, institutional investors remain engaged, with recent activity showing a mix of increased and reduced holdings. The company's stock performance has been under scrutiny, with a 12-month range of $21.09 to $32.24.2

Visa processing delays and fee hikes are deterring international artists from touring the U.S. Musicians and filmmakers face extended wait times, with some tours canceled entirely. The economic impact extends beyond culture, affecting venues and local businesses. Artists from the Global South are disproportionately affected by these challenges.3