markets. Economic or
political instability may cause larger price changes in frontier market securities than in securities of issuers based in more developed foreign countries, including
securities of issuers in larger emerging markets. Frontier markets generally receive less investor attention than developed markets or larger emerging markets. These risks
can result in the potential for extreme stock price volatility and illiquidity.
Asia Region Risk. The value of the Fund’s assets may be adversely
affected by, among other things, political, economic, social and religious instability, inadequate investor protection, accounting standards and practices, changes in laws
or regulations of countries within the Asia region, relations with other nations, natural disasters, corruption, civil unrest, and military activity. Countries in the Asia region, particularly China, Japan and South Korea, may be adversely affected by disputes with many of their neighbors and historically strained relations with Japan could adversely impact economies in the region. The economies of many Asian countries differ from the economies of more developed countries in many respects, such as the rate of growth, inflation, capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency, financial system stability, and sensitivity to changes in global trade. Certain Asian countries are highly dependent upon and may be affected by developments in the United States, Europe and other Asian economies. Asian economies and companies could be affected if global economic conditions deteriorate as a result of political instability and uncertainty. In addition, international trade could be affected by politically motivated actions in the U.S. and Europe, and by increased tensions with other nations.
Developed Markets Risk. The Fund’s investment in a developed country issuer may subject the Fund to regulatory, political,
currency, security, economic and other risks associated with developed countries. Developed countries tend to represent a significant portion of the global economy and have generally experienced slower economic growth than some less developed countries. In addition, developed countries may be impacted by changes to the economic conditions of certain key trading partners, regulatory burdens, debt burdens and the price or availability of certain commodities.
Europe and United Kingdom Risk. The value of the Fund’s assets may be adversely affected by, among other things, the social, political,
regulatory, economic and other events or conditions affecting Europe and the United Kingdom (“U.K.”). The economies and markets of European countries are often
closely connected and interdependent, and events in one country in Europe can have an impact on other European countries. Many countries in Europe are member states of the
European Union (“EU”) and will be significantly affected by the fiscal and monetary controls of the EU. Changes in regulations on trade, decreasing imports or exports, changes in the exchange rate of the euro and recessions or defaults or threats of defaults among European countries may have a significant adverse effect on the economies of other European countries, including those outside the EU. The European financial markets have experienced significant volatility, and several European countries have been adversely affected by unemployment, budget deficits and economic downturns. Responses to financial problems by European governments, central banks and others, including austerity measures and reforms, may not produce the desired results, may result in social unrest, may limit future growth and economic recovery or may have other unintended
consequences. Defaults or restructurings by governments and other entities of their debt could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets and asset valuations around the world. Successionist movements, as well as governmental or other response to such movements, may also create instability and uncertainty in the region.
Efforts by the member countries of the EU to continue to unify their economic and
monetary policies also may increase the potential for similarities in movements of European markets and reduce the potential investment benefits of diversification within the region. Further, 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. As the economies of countries in Europe are in different stages of development, the policies adopted by the EU may not address the needs of all European member countries.
In
addition, investments in issuers located in the U.K. may subject the Fund to regulatory, political, currency, security, and economic risk specific to the U.K. The U.K. has
one of the largest economies in Europe and is heavily dependent on trade with the EU and to a lesser extent, the United States and China. As a result, the economy of the
U.K. may be impacted by changes to the economic health of EU member countries, the U.S. and China. In 2020, the U.K. left the EU (referred to as “Brexit”). The
U.K. and the EU reached a trade agreement that was ratified by all applicable U.K. and EU government bodies although certain aspects of the relationship remain unresolved and subject to further negotiations and agreement. The effects of Brexit are also shaped by the trade agreements that the U.K. negotiates with other countries. Some of the economic effects of Brexit are becoming clearer, but some political, regulatory, and commercial uncertainty in relation to longer term impacts nevertheless remains. Certain sectors within the U.K.’s economy may be particularly affected by Brexit, including the automotive, chemicals, financial services, and professional services. Accordingly, there remains a risk that the aftermath of Brexit, including its ongoing effect on the U.K.’s relationships with other countries and with the EU, may negatively impact the value of investments in a Fund.
Value Investing Risk. A value investing strategy attempts to identify strong companies with stocks selling at a discount from their
perceived true worth. Value stocks include securities of companies that may have experienced, for example, adverse business, industry or other developments or may be subject
to special risks that have caused the securities to be out of favor and potentially undervalued. Value investing is subject to the risk that the stocks’ intrinsic
values may never be fully recognized or realized by the market, their prices may go down, or that stocks judged to be undervalued may actually be appropriately priced.