The
fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets (plus any borrowings for investment purposes) in the common stocks of companies
in the financial services industry. Any derivatives that provide exposure to the investment focus suggested by the fund’s
name, or to one or more market risk factors associated with the investment focus suggested by the fund’s name, are counted
(as applicable) toward compliance with the fund’s 80% investment policy.
The
fund may invest in companies, such as providers of financial software, that derive substantial revenues (at least 50%) from conducting
business in the financial services industry. For purposes of selecting investments, the fund defines the financial services industry
broadly. It includes (but is not limited to) the following:
| ● | regional
and money-center banks; |
| ● | home,
auto, and other specialty finance companies; |
| ● | securities
brokerage firms and electronic trading networks; |
| ● | investment
management firms; |
| ● | publicly
traded, government-sponsored financial enterprises; |
| ● | thrift
and savings banks; |
| ● | financial
conglomerates; |
| ● | foreign
financial services companies; |
| ● | electronic
transaction processors for financial services companies; |
| ● | real
estate companies; and |
Security
selection is based on fundamental, bottom-up analysis that seeks to identify high quality companies with good appreciation prospects.
The fund will have no restrictions on the market capitalization (stock price multiplied by shares outstanding) of its holdings.
The adviser may use either a growth or value approach in selecting investments for the fund. In the growth area, the portfolio
manager may seek companies with capable management, attractive business niches, sound financial and accounting practices, and/or
a demonstrated ability to increase revenues, earnings, and cash flow consistently. In the value area, the portfolio manager may
seek companies whose current stock prices appear undervalued in terms of earnings, projected cash flow, or asset value per share,
that have appreciation potential temporarily unrecognized by the market, or that may be temporarily out of favor. The stocks of
many companies held by the fund are expected to pay a dividend.
While
most assets are typically invested in U.S. common stocks, the fund may invest in foreign stocks in keeping with its objective(s).
|