Dec. 31, 2025 |
| Lazard Developing Markets Equity Portfolio
|
Risk Table - Lazard Developing Markets Equity Portfolio
|
Risk [Text Block] |
| Principal Investment Risks |
Principal
Investment Risks The value of your investment in the Portfolio
will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.
|
| Risk Lose Money [Member] |
The value of your investment in the Portfolio
will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.
|
| Market Risk |
Market
Risk: The Portfolio may incur losses due to declines in one or
more markets in which it invests. These declines may be the result of, among other things, political,
regulatory, market, economic or social developments affecting the relevant market(s). To the extent that
such developments impact specific industries, market sectors, countries or geographic regions, the Portfolio’s
investments in such industries, market sectors, countries and/or geographic regions can be expected to
be particularly affected, especially if such investments are a significant portion of its investment
portfolio. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or
fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.
Global economies and financial markets are increasingly interconnected, and conditions and events in
one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers worldwide. As a result, local, regional
or global events such as war or military conflict, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness
or other public health issues, social unrest, natural disasters, extreme weather, other geological events,
man-made disasters, supply chain disruptions, deflation, inflation, government defaults, government shutdowns,
the imposition of sanctions or other similar measures, recessions or other events could have a significant
negative impact on global economic and market conditions. For example, a public health or other emergency
and aggressive responses taken by many governments or voluntarily imposed by private parties, including
closing borders, restricting travel and imposing prolonged quarantines or similar restrictions, as well
as the closure of, or operational changes to, many retail and other businesses, may have severe negative
impacts on markets worldwide. Additionally, general market conditions may affect the value of a Portfolio’s
securities, including changes in interest rates, currency rates or monetary policies. Furthermore, the
imposition of tariffs, trade restrictions, currency restrictions or similar actions (or retaliatory measures
taken in response to such actions), or the threat or potential of one or more such events and developments,
could lead to price volatility and overall declines in the U.S. and global investment markets.
|
| Issuer Risk |
Issuer Risk: The value of a security
may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance,
financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical
and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s
value, such as investor perception. Non-U.S. Securities Risk: The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and
economic factors affecting the non-U.S. countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-U.S.
securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability,
a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity.
Non-U.S. securities may also subject the Portfolio’s investments to changes in currency rates,
which can make the return on an investment increase or decrease, unrelated to the quality or performance
of the investment itself. Non-U.S. securities may be subject to economic sanctions or other governmental
actions or developments, exchange controls (including repatriation restrictions), confiscations, trade
restrictions (including tariffs) or problems related to share registration, trade settlement or asset
custody, which could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Portfolio’s ability
to purchase or sell certain foreign securities. To the extent the Portfolio holds securities subject
to such actions, the securities may become difficult to value and/or less liquid (or illiquid). In some
cases, the securities may become worthless. In addition, as a result of trade restrictions (including tariffs) and other similar governmental actions
or developments, the Portfolio may be forced to sell or otherwise dispose of foreign investments at inopportune
times or prices.
|
| Emerging Market Risk |
Emerging Market Risk:
Emerging market countries generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political
systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging
markets may be based predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local
or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. Further,
investments in securities of issuers located in certain emerging countries involve the risk of loss resulting
from problems in share registration, settlement or custody, substantial economic, political and social
disruptions and the threat or imposition of sanctions or exchange controls (including repatriation restrictions).
The securities markets of emerging market countries have historically been extremely volatile and less
liquid than more developed markets, thus, the Portfolio may be unable to liquidate its positions in such
securities at a favorable time or price. These market conditions may continue or worsen. Investments
in these countries may be subject to political, economic, legal, market and currency risks. Significant
devaluation of emerging market currencies against the U.S. dollar may occur subsequent to acquisition
of investments denominated in emerging market currencies. Emerging market countries may also be more
susceptible to fraud, corruption, and money laundering, which may result in negative commercial consequences
in relation to the value, liquidity and tradability of investments in or related to those regions.
|
| Country Risk |
Country Risk: Implementation of the Portfolio’s investment
strategy may involve the investment of a significant portion of the Portfolio’s assets in a particular
country, such as China, and the Portfolio would be expected to be affected by country-specific political,
regulatory, market, economic and social developments. China.
There are special risks associated with investments in China, including currency
fluctuations, less liquidity, expropriation, confiscatory taxation, nationalization, exchange control
regulations (including currency blockage), trading halts, limitations on repatriation and differing legal
standards. Strained relations between the United States and China have heightened concerns of increased
tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries, such as the potential for an escalation
in trade tensions. An increase in tariffs or trade restrictions (and threats thereof), sanctions or embargoes
could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on China’s
export industry, Chinese issuers, the liquidity or price of the Portfolio’s direct or indirect
investments in China and, therefore, the Portfolio. The economy
of China differs, often unfavorably, from the U.S. economy in such respects as structure, general development,
government involvement, wealth distribution, rate of inflation, growth rate, interest rates, allocation
of resources and capital reinvestment, among others. The Chinese central government has historically
exercised substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through administrative
regulation and/or state ownership or other involvement and actions of the Chinese central and local government
authorities continue to have a substantial effect on economic conditions in China. In addition, the Chinese
government has from time to time actively intervened in Chinese companies’ operations and structures
and taken actions that influence the prices at which certain goods may be sold, encourage companies to
invest or concentrate in particular industries, induce mergers between companies in certain industries
and induce private companies to publicly offer their securities to increase or continue the rate of economic
growth, control the rate of inflation or otherwise regulate economic expansion. The Chinese government
may do so in the future as well, potentially having a significant adverse effect on economic conditions
in China. Moreover, strained relations, border disputes or other conflict between China and neighboring
countries could adversely affect the Chinese economy. The Portfolio
may obtain exposure to companies based or operated in China by investing through legal structures known
as variable interest entities (“VIEs”). Instead of directly owning the equity securities
of a Chinese company, a VIE enters into service and other contracts with the Chinese company. Although
the VIE has no equity ownership of the Chinese company, the contractual arrangements permit the VIE to
consolidate the Chinese company into its financial statements. VIE investments are subject to the risk
that any breach of these contractual arrangements will be subject to Chinese law and jurisdiction, that
Chinese law may be interpreted or change in a way that affects the enforceability of the VIE’s
arrangements, or that contracts between the Chinese company and the VIE may otherwise not be enforceable
under Chinese law. VIE structures also could face delisting or other ramifications for failure to meet
the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
or other United States regulators. If any of these or similar risks or developments materialize, the
value of investments in VIEs could be adversely affected and the Portfolios could incur significant
losses with no recourse available. A decline or worsening in diplomatic or other relations between the
U.S. and China could increase the risks associated with the VIE structure. The
Portfolio may invest in eligible renminbi-denominated class A shares of equity securities that are listed
and traded on certain Chinese stock exchanges (“China A-Shares”) through Hong Kong Stock
Connect Program (“Stock Connect”). While Stock Connect is not subject to individual investment
quotas, daily and aggregate investment quotas apply to all Stock Connect participants, which may restrict
or preclude the Portfolio’s ability to invest in China A-Shares (although the Portfolio would be
permitted to sell China A-Shares regardless of the quota balance). Stock Connect is also subject to trading,
clearance, settlement and operational risks.
|
| Foreign Currency Risk |
Foreign
Currency Risk: Investments denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars
may experience a decline in value, in U.S. dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange
rates. The Portfolio’s investments denominated in such currencies (particularly currencies of emerging
markets countries), as well as any investments in currencies themselves, could be adversely affected
by delays in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of currencies. Irrespective
of any foreign currency exposure hedging, the Portfolio may experience a decline in the value of its
portfolio securities, in U.S. dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The
Investment Manager does not intend to utilize foreign currency contracts for the purpose of generating
investment returns.
|
| Depositary Receipts Risk |
Depositary Receipts Risk:
ADRs and similar depositary receipts typically will be subject to certain of the risks associated with
direct investments in the securities of non-U.S. companies, because their values depend on the performance
of the underlying non-U.S. securities. However, currency fluctuations will impact investments in depositary
receipts differently than direct investments in non-U.S. dollar-denominated non-U.S. securities, because
a depositary receipt will not appreciate in value solely as a result of appreciation in the currency
in which the underlying non-U.S. dollar security is denominated.
|
| Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk |
Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk: Small and mid cap companies
carry additional risks because their earnings tend to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile
and their securities less liquid than larger, more established companies. The shares of small and mid
cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger companies, which can have an adverse
effect on the pricing of these securities and on the ability to sell these securities when the Investment
Manager deems it appropriate.
|
| Large Cap Companies Risk |
Large Cap Companies Risk: Investments in large cap companies may underperform other segments of the market
when such other segments are in favor or because such companies may be less responsive to competitive
challenges and opportunities and may be unable to attain high growth rates during periods of economic
expansion.
|
| Growth Investing Risk |
Growth Investing Risk:
Growth investments are believed by the Investment Manager to have the potential for growth, but may not
realize such perceived potential for extended periods of time or may never realize such perceived growth
potential. Such securities may be more volatile than other securities because they can be more sensitive
to investor perceptions of the issuing company’s growth potential. These securities may respond
differently to market and other developments than other types of securities.
|
| Sector Risk |
Sector
Risk: Implementation of the Portfolio’s investment strategy
may, during certain periods, result in the investment of a significant portion of the Portfolio’s
assets in a particular market sector, such as companies in the information technology sector, and the
Portfolio would be expected to be affected by developments in that sector. Information Technology. Information technology companies
generally operate in intensely competitive markets on a worldwide basis. Because technological development
in many areas increases at a rapid rate, these companies often produce products with very short life
cycles and face the risk of product obsolescence. Information technology companies may be subject to
intense market volatility, changing consumer preferences, and government regulation or scrutiny.
|
| Securities Selection Risk |
Securities Selection Risk:
Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform
to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds
with similar investment objectives or strategies.
|
|
| Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio
|
Risk Table - Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio
|
Risk [Text Block] |
| Principal Investment Risks |
Principal Investment Risks The value
of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.
|
| Risk Lose Money [Member] |
The value
of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.
|
| Market Risk |
Market Risk: The Portfolio may incur losses due to declines
in one or more markets in which it invests. These declines may be the result of, among other things,
political, regulatory, market, economic or social developments affecting the relevant market(s). To the
extent that such developments impact specific industries, market sectors, countries or geographic regions,
the Portfolio’s investments in such industries, market sectors, countries and/or geographic regions
can be expected to be particularly affected, especially if such investments are a significant portion
of its investment portfolio. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity,
credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the
Portfolio. Global economies and financial markets are increasingly interconnected, and conditions and
events in one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers worldwide. As a result,
local, regional or global events such as war or military conflict, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious
illness or other public health issues, social unrest, natural disasters, extreme weather, other geological
events, man-made disasters, supply chain disruptions, deflation, inflation, government defaults, government
shutdowns, the imposition of sanctions or other similar measures, recessions or other events could have
a significant negative impact on global economic and market conditions. For example, a public health
or other emergency and aggressive responses taken by many governments or voluntarily imposed by private
parties, including closing borders, restricting travel and imposing prolonged quarantines or similar
restrictions, as well as the closure of, or operational changes to, many retail and other businesses,
may have severe negative impacts on markets worldwide. Additionally, general market conditions may affect
the value of a Portfolio’s securities, including changes in interest rates, currency rates or monetary
policies. Furthermore, the imposition of tariffs, trade restrictions, currency restrictions or similar
actions (or retaliatory measures taken in response to such actions), or the threat or potential of one
or more such events and developments, could lead to price volatility and overall declines in the U.S.
and global investment markets.
|
| Issuer Risk |
Issuer Risk:
The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such
as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services,
as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors
unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception. Non-U.S. Securities Risk: The Portfolio’s performance
will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-U.S. countries and companies
in which the Portfolio invests. Non-U.S. securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less
efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and
legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity. Non-U.S. securities may also subject the Portfolio’s
investments to changes in currency rates, which can make the return on an investment increase or decrease,
unrelated to the quality or performance of the investment itself. Non-U.S. securities may be subject
to economic sanctions or other governmental actions or developments, exchange controls (including repatriation
restrictions), confiscations, trade restrictions (including tariffs) or problems related to share registration,
trade settlement or asset custody, which could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate
the Portfolio’s ability to purchase or sell certain foreign securities. To the extent the Portfolio
holds securities subject to such actions, the securities may become difficult to value and/or less liquid
(or illiquid). In some cases, the securities may become worthless. In addition, as a result of trade
restrictions (including tariffs) and other similar governmental actions or developments, the Portfolio
may be forced to sell or otherwise dispose of foreign investments at inopportune times or prices.
|
| Emerging Market Risk |
Emerging Market Risk: Emerging market countries
generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less
stable, than those of developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based
predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade
conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. Further, investments
in securities of issuers located in certain emerging countries
involve the risk of loss resulting from problems in share registration, settlement or custody, substantial
economic, political and social disruptions and the threat or imposition of sanctions or exchange controls
(including repatriation restrictions). The securities markets of emerging market countries have historically
been extremely volatile and less liquid than more developed markets, thus, the Portfolio may be unable
to liquidate its positions in such securities at a favorable time or price. These market conditions may
continue or worsen. Investments in these countries may be subject to political, economic, legal, market
and currency risks. Significant devaluation of emerging market currencies against the U.S. dollar may
occur subsequent to acquisition of investments denominated in emerging market currencies. Emerging market
countries may also be more susceptible to fraud, corruption, and money laundering, which may result in
negative commercial consequences in relation to the value, liquidity and tradability of investments in
or related to those regions.
|
| Foreign Currency Risk |
Foreign Currency Risk: Investments denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars may experience
a decline in value, in U.S. dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The
Portfolio’s investments denominated in such currencies (particularly currencies of emerging markets
countries), as well as any investments in currencies themselves, could be adversely affected by delays
in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of currencies. Irrespective of any foreign
currency exposure hedging, the Portfolio may experience a decline in the value of its portfolio securities,
in U.S. dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Investment Manager
does not intend to utilize foreign currency contracts for the purpose of generating investment returns.
|
| Depositary Receipts Risk |
Depositary Receipts Risk:
ADRs and similar depositary receipts typically will be subject to certain of the risks associated with
direct investments in the securities of non-U.S. companies, because their values depend on the performance
of the underlying non-U.S. securities. However, currency fluctuations will impact investments in depositary
receipts differently than direct investments in non-U.S. dollar-denominated non-U.S. securities, because
a depositary receipt will not appreciate in value solely as a result of appreciation in the currency
in which the underlying non-U.S. dollar security is denominated.
|
| Large Cap Companies Risk |
Large Cap Companies Risk: Investments in large cap
companies may underperform other segments of the market when such other segments are in favor or because
such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities and may be unable to
attain high growth rates during periods of economic expansion.
|
| Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk |
Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk: Small and mid cap companies
carry additional risks because their earnings tend to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile
and their securities less liquid than larger, more established companies. The shares of small and mid
cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger companies, which can have an adverse
effect on the pricing of these securities and on the ability to sell these securities when the Investment
Manager deems it appropriate.
|
| Value Investing Risk |
Value Investing Risk: Value investments are believed by the Investment Manager to be undervalued, but
may not realize their perceived value for extended periods of time or may never realize their perceived
value. These securities may respond differently to market and other developments than other types of
securities.
|
| Sector Risk |
Sector Risk: Implementation of the Portfolio’s
investment strategy may, during certain periods, result in the investment of a significant portion of
the Portfolio’s assets in a particular market sector, such as companies in the financials sector,
and the Portfolio would be expected to be affected by developments in that sector. Financials. Companies in the financials sector can be significantly
affected by, among other things: government regulation; changes in interest rates and/or monetary policy
and general economic conditions; the availability and cost of capital; capital requirements; decreased
liquidity in credit markets; and the rate of defaults on corporate, consumer and government debt.
|
| Securities Selection Risk |
Securities Selection Risk:
Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform
to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds
with similar investment objectives or strategies.
|
|
| Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Advantage Portfolio
|
Risk Table - Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Advantage Portfolio
|
Risk [Text Block] |
| Principal Investment Risks |
Principal
Investment Risks The value of your investment in the Portfolio
will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.
|
| Risk Lose Money [Member] |
The value of your investment in the Portfolio
will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.
|
| Market Risk |
Market
Risk: The Portfolio may incur losses due to declines in one or
more markets in which it invests. These declines may be the result of, among other things, political,
regulatory, market, economic or social developments affecting the relevant market(s). To the extent that
such developments impact specific industries, market sectors, countries or geographic regions, the Portfolio’s
investments in such industries, market sectors, countries and/or geographic regions can be expected to
be particularly affected, especially if such investments are a significant portion of its investment
portfolio. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or
fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.
Global economies and financial markets are increasingly interconnected, and conditions and events in
one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers worldwide. As a result, local, regional
or global events such as war or military conflict, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness
or other public health issues, social unrest, natural disasters, extreme weather, other geological events,
man-made disasters, supply chain disruptions, deflation, inflation, government defaults, government shutdowns,
the imposition of sanctions or other similar measures, recessions or other events could have a significant
negative impact on global economic and market conditions. For example, a public health or other emergency
and aggressive responses taken by many governments or voluntarily imposed by private parties, including
closing borders, restricting travel and imposing prolonged quarantines or similar restrictions, as well
as the closure of, or operational changes to, many retail and other businesses, may have severe negative
impacts on markets worldwide. Additionally, general market conditions may affect the value of a Portfolio’s
securities, including changes in interest rates, currency rates or monetary policies. Furthermore, the
imposition of tariffs, trade restrictions, currency restrictions or similar actions (or retaliatory measures
taken in response to such actions), or the threat or potential of one or more such events and developments,
could lead to price volatility and overall declines in the U.S. and global investment markets.
|
| Issuer Risk |
Issuer Risk: The value of a security
may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance,
financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical
and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s
value, such as investor perception. Non-U.S. Securities Risk: The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and
economic factors affecting the non-U.S. countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-U.S.
securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets,
political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially,
less liquidity. Non-U.S. securities may also subject the Portfolio’s investments to changes in
currency rates, which can make the return on an investment increase or decrease, unrelated to the quality
or performance of the investment itself. Non-U.S. securities may be subject to economic sanctions or
other governmental actions or developments, exchange controls (including repatriation restrictions),
confiscations, trade restrictions (including tariffs) or problems related to share registration, trade
settlement or asset custody, which could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Portfolio’s
ability to purchase or sell certain foreign securities. To the extent the Portfolio holds securities
subject to such actions, the securities may become difficult to value and/or less liquid (or illiquid).
In some cases, the securities may become worthless. In addition, as a result of trade restrictions (including
tariffs) and other similar governmental actions or developments, the Portfolio may be forced to sell
or otherwise dispose of foreign investments at inopportune times or prices.
|
| Emerging Market Risk |
Emerging Market Risk: Emerging market countries
generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less
stable, than those of developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based
predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade
conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. Further, investments
in securities of issuers located in certain emerging countries involve the risk of loss resulting from
problems in share registration, settlement or custody, substantial economic, political and social disruptions
and the threat or imposition of sanctions or exchange controls (including repatriation restrictions).
The securities markets of emerging market countries have historically been extremely volatile and less
liquid than more developed markets, thus, the Portfolio may be unable to liquidate its positions in such
securities at a favorable time or price. These market conditions may continue or worsen. Investments
in these countries may be subject to political, economic, legal, market and currency risks. Significant
devaluation of emerging market currencies against the U.S. dollar may occur subsequent to acquisition
of investments denominated in emerging market currencies. Emerging market countries may also be more
susceptible to fraud, corruption, and money laundering, which may result in negative commercial consequences
in relation to the value, liquidity and tradability of investments in or related to those regions.
|
| Country Risk |
Country Risk: Implementation of the Portfolio’s investment
strategy may, during certain periods, result in the investment of a significant portion of the Portfolio’s
assets in a particular country, such as China, and the Portfolio would be expected to be affected by
country-specific political, regulatory, market, economic and social developments. China. There are special risks associated with investments
in China, including currency fluctuations, less liquidity, expropriation, confiscatory taxation, nationalization,
exchange control regulations (including currency blockage), trading halts, limitations on repatriation
and differing legal standards. Strained relations between the United States and China have heightened
concerns of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two countries, such as the potential
for an escalation in trade tensions. An increase in tariffs or trade restrictions (and threats thereof),
sanctions or embargoes could lead to a significant reduction in international trade, which could have
a negative impact on China’s export industry, Chinese issuers, the liquidity or price of the Portfolio’s
direct or indirect investments in China and, therefore, the Portfolio. The
economy of China differs, often unfavorably, from the U.S. economy in such respects as structure, general
development, government involvement, wealth distribution, rate of inflation, growth rate, interest rates,
allocation of resources and capital reinvestment, among others. The Chinese central government has historically
exercised substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through administrative
regulation and/or state ownership or other involvement and actions of the Chinese central and local government
authorities continue to have a substantial effect on economic conditions in China. In addition, the Chinese
government has from time to time actively intervened in Chinese companies’ operations and structures
and taken actions that influence the prices at which certain goods may be sold, encourage companies to
invest or concentrate in particular industries, induce mergers between companies in certain industries
and induce private companies to publicly offer their securities to increase or continue the rate of economic
growth, control the rate of inflation or otherwise regulate economic expansion. The Chinese government
may do so in the future as well, potentially having a significant adverse effect on economic conditions
in China. Moreover, strained relations, border disputes or other conflict between China and neighboring
countries could adversely affect the Chinese economy. The Portfolio
may obtain exposure to companies based or operated in China by investing through legal structures known
as variable interest entities (“VIEs”). Instead of directly owning the equity securities
of a Chinese company, a VIE enters into service and other contracts with the Chinese company.
Although the VIE has no equity ownership of the Chinese company, the contractual arrangements permit
the VIE to consolidate the Chinese company into its financial statements. VIE investments are subject
to the risk that any breach of these contractual arrangements will be subject to Chinese law and jurisdiction,
that Chinese law may be interpreted or change in a way that affects the enforceability of the VIE’s
arrangements, or that contracts between the Chinese company and the VIE may otherwise not be enforceable
under Chinese law. VIE structures also could face delisting or other ramifications for failure to meet
the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
or other United States regulators. If any of these or similar risks or developments materialize, the
value of investments in VIEs could be adversely affected and the Portfolios could incur significant losses
with no recourse available. A decline or worsening in diplomatic or other relations between the U.S.
and China could increase the risks associated with the VIE structure. The
Portfolio may invest in eligible renminbi-denominated class A shares of equity securities that are listed
and traded on certain Chinese stock exchanges (“China A-Shares”) through Hong Kong Stock
Connect Program (“Stock Connect”). While Stock Connect is not subject to individual investment
quotas, daily and aggregate investment quotas apply to all Stock Connect participants, which may restrict
or preclude the Portfolio’s ability to invest in China A-Shares (although the Portfolio would be
permitted to sell China A-Shares regardless of the quota balance). Stock Connect is also subject to trading,
clearance, settlement and operational risks.
|
| Foreign Currency Risk |
Foreign
Currency Risk: Investments denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars
may experience a decline in value, in U.S. dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange
rates. The Portfolio’s investments denominated in such currencies (particularly currencies of emerging
markets countries), as well as any investments in currencies themselves, could be adversely affected
by delays in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of currencies. Irrespective
of any foreign currency exposure hedging, the Portfolio may experience a decline in the value of its
portfolio securities, in U.S. dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The
Investment Manager does not intend to utilize foreign currency contracts for the purpose of generating
investment returns.
|
| Depositary Receipts Risk |
Depositary Receipts Risk:
ADRs and similar depositary receipts typically will be subject to certain of the risks associated with
direct investments in the securities of non-U.S. companies, because their values depend on the performance
of the underlying non-U.S. securities. However, currency fluctuations will impact investments in depositary
receipts differently than direct investments in non-U.S. dollar-denominated non-U.S. securities, because
a depositary receipt will not appreciate in value solely as a result of appreciation in the currency
in which the underlying non-U.S. dollar security is denominated.
|
| Quantitative Model Risk |
Quantitative Model Risk: The success of the Portfolio’s
investment strategy depends largely upon the effectiveness of the Investment Manager’s quantitative
model. A quantitative model, such as the risk and other models used by the Investment Manager requires
adherence to a systematic, disciplined process. The Investment Manager’s ability to monitor and,
if necessary, adjust its quantitative model could be adversely affected by various factors including
incorrect or outdated market and other data inputs. Factors that affect a security’s value can
change over time, and these changes may not be reflected in the quantitative model. In addition, factors
used in quantitative analysis and the weight placed on those factors may not be predictive of a security’s
value.
|
| Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk |
Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk: Small and mid cap companies carry additional risks because their earnings tend
to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile and their securities less liquid than larger,
more established companies. The shares of small and mid cap companies tend to trade less frequently than
those of larger companies, which can have an adverse effect on the pricing of these securities and on
the ability to sell these securities when the Investment Manager deems it appropriate.
|
| Large Cap Companies Risk |
Large Cap Companies Risk: Investments in large cap
companies may underperform other segments of the market when such other segments are in favor or because
such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities and may be unable to
attain high growth rates during periods of economic expansion.
|
| Sector Risk |
Sector
Risk: Implementation of the Portfolio’s investment strategy
may, during certain periods, result in the investment of a significant portion of the Portfolio’s
assets in a particular market sector, such as companies in the information technology sector, and the
Portfolio would be expected to be affected by developments in that sector. Information Technology. Information
technology companies generally operate in intensely competitive markets on a worldwide basis. Because
technological development in many areas increases at a rapid rate, these companies often produce products
with very short life cycles and face the risk of product obsolescence. Information technology companies
may be subject to intense market volatility, changing consumer preferences, and government regulation
or scrutiny.
|
| REIT Risk |
REIT Risk:
REITs are subject to similar risks as an investment in a realty-related company. Consequently, investments
in REITs could lead to investment results that may be significantly different from investments in the
broader securities markets. The risks related to investments in realty-related companies include, but
are not limited to: adverse changes in general economic and local market conditions; adverse developments
in employment; changes in supply or demand for similar or competing properties; unfavorable changes in
applicable taxes, governmental regulations and interest rates; operating or development expenses; and
lack of available financing. Due to certain special considerations that apply to REITs, investments in
REITs may carry additional risks not necessarily present in investments in other securities. REIT securities
(including those trading on national exchanges) typically have trading volumes that are less than those
of securities of other types of companies, which may affect the Portfolio’s ability to trade or
liquidate those securities. An investment in a REIT may be adversely affected if the REIT fails to comply
with applicable laws and regulations, including failing to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended. Failure to qualify with any of these requirements could jeopardize a company’s
status as a REIT. The Portfolio generally will have no control over the operations and policies of a
REIT, including qualification as a REIT.
|
| ETF Risk |
ETF
Risk: Shares of ETFs may trade at prices that vary from their net
asset values, sometimes significantly. The shares of ETFs may trade at prices at, below or above their
net asset value. In addition, the performance of an ETF pursuing a passive index-based strategy may diverge
from the performance of the index. The Portfolio’s investments in ETFs are subject to the risks
of the ETFs’ investments, as well as to the general risks of investing in ETFs. The Portfolio will
bear not only the Portfolio’s management fees and operating expenses, but also the Portfolio’s
proportional share of the management fees and operating expenses of the ETFs in which the Portfolio invests.
Although Section 12 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) limits
the amount of the Portfolio’s assets that may be invested in one or more ETFs, Rule 12d1-4 under
the 1940 Act allows the Portfolio to acquire the securities of another investment company, including
ETFs, in excess of the limitations imposed by Section 12 of the 1940 Act, subject to certain limitations
and conditions.
|
| Other Equity Securities Risk |
Other Equity Securities Risk:
Investments in rights and warrants involve certain risks, including the possible lack of a liquid market
for resale, price fluctuations and the failure of the price of the underlying security to reach a level
at which the right or warrant can be prudently exercised, in which case the right or warrant may expire
without being exercised and result in a loss of the Portfolio’s entire investment.
|
| Securities Selection Risk |
Securities Selection Risk:
Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform
to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds
with similar investment objectives or strategies.
|
|
| Lazard Enhanced Opportunities Portfolio
|
Risk Table - Lazard Enhanced Opportunities Portfolio
|
Risk [Text Block] |
| Principal Investment Risks |
Principal
Investment Risks The value of your investment in the Portfolio
will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.
|
| Risk Lose Money [Member] |
The value of your investment in the Portfolio
will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.
|
| Market Risk |
Market
Risk: The Portfolio may incur losses due to declines in one or
more markets in which it invests. These declines may be the result of, among other things, political,
regulatory, market, economic or social developments affecting the relevant market(s). To the extent that
such developments impact specific industries, market sectors, countries or geographic regions, the Portfolio’s investments in such
industries, market sectors, countries and/or geographic regions can be expected to be particularly affected,
especially if such investments are a significant portion of its investment portfolio. In addition, turbulence
in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively
affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio. Global economies and financial markets
are increasingly interconnected, and conditions and events in one country, region or financial market
may adversely impact issuers worldwide. As a result, local, regional or global events such as war or
military conflict, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues,
social unrest, natural disasters, extreme weather, other geological events, man-made disasters, supply
chain disruptions, deflation, inflation, government defaults, government shutdowns, the imposition of
sanctions or other similar measures, recessions or other events could have a significant negative impact
on global economic and market conditions. For example, a public health or other emergency and aggressive
responses taken by many governments or voluntarily imposed by private parties, including closing borders,
restricting travel and imposing prolonged quarantines or similar restrictions, as well as the closure
of, or operational changes to, many retail and other businesses, may have severe negative impacts on
markets worldwide. Additionally, general market conditions may affect the value of a Portfolio’s
securities, including changes in interest rates, currency rates or monetary policies. Furthermore, the
imposition of tariffs, trade restrictions, currency restrictions or similar actions (or retaliatory measures
taken in response to such actions), or the threat or potential of one or more such events and developments,
could lead to price volatility and overall declines in the U.S. and global investment markets.
|
| Issuer Risk |
Issuer Risk: The value of a security
may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance,
financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical
and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s
value, such as investor perception.
|
| Convertible Securities Risk |
Convertible Securities Risk: The market value of convertible securities may perform like that of non-convertible
fixed income securities; that is, their prices move inversely with changes in interest rates (i.e., as interest rates go up, prices go down).
In addition, convertible securities are subject to the risk that the issuer will not make interest or
principal payments, or will not make payments on a timely basis. Since it derives a portion of its value
from the common stock into which it may be converted, a convertible security also is subject to the same
types of market and issuer risks that apply to the underlying common stock.
|
| Fixed-Income and Debt Securities Risk |
Fixed-Income and Debt Securities Risk: The market value of a debt
security may decline due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular
company, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the outlook for corporate
earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. The debt securities
market can be susceptible to increases in volatility and decreases in liquidity. Liquidity can decline
unpredictably in response to overall economic conditions or credit tightening. Prices
of bonds and other debt securities tend to move inversely with changes in interest rates. Interest rate
risk is usually greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities or durations. A rise in interest
rates (or the expectation of a rise in interest rates) may result in periods of volatility, decreased
liquidity and increased redemptions, and, as a result, the Portfolio may have to liquidate portfolio
securities at disadvantageous prices. The Portfolio may be subject to heightened interest rate risk due
to certain changes in general economic conditions, inflation and monetary policy, such as certain types
of interest rate changes by the Federal Reserve. The Portfolio’s
investments in lower-rated, higher-yielding securities (“junk bonds”) are subject to greater
credit risk than its higher rated investments. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer will not make
interest or principal payments, or will not make payments on a timely basis. Non-investment grade securities
tend to be more volatile, less liquid and are considered speculative. If there is a decline, or perceived
decline, in the credit quality of a debt security (or any guarantor of payment on such security), the
security’s value could fall, potentially lowering the Portfolio’s share price. The prices
of non-investment grade securities, unlike investment grade debt securities, may fluctuate unpredictably
and not necessarily inversely with changes in interest rates. The market for these securities may be
less liquid and therefore these securities may be harder to value or sell at an acceptable price, especially
during times of market volatility or decline. Some debt
securities may give the issuer the option to call, or redeem, the securities before their maturity, and,
during a time of declining interest rates, the Portfolio may have to reinvest the proceeds of called
or redeemed securities in an investment offering a lower yield (and the Portfolio may not
fully benefit from any increase in the value of its portfolio holdings as a result of declining interest
rates). Adjustable rate securities provide the Portfolio with a certain
degree of protection against rises in interest rates, although adjustable rate securities will participate
in any declines in interest rates. Certain adjustable rate securities, such as those with interest rates
that fluctuate directly or indirectly based on multiples of a stated index, are designed to be highly
sensitive to changes in interest rates and can subject the holders thereof to extreme reductions of yield
and possibly loss of principal. Certain fixed-income securities may be issued at a discount from their
face value (such as zero coupon securities) or purchased at a price less than their stated face amount
or at a price less than their issue price plus the portion of “original issue discount” previously
accrued thereon, i.e., purchased at a “market
discount.” The amount of original issue discount and/or market discount on certain obligations
may be significant, and accretion of market discount together with original issue discount will cause
the Portfolio to realize income prior to the receipt of cash payments with respect to these securities.
|
| Preferred Securities Risk |
Preferred Securities Risk:
There are various risks associated with investing in preferred securities. In addition, unlike common
stock, participation in the growth of an issuer may be limited. · Credit risk is the risk that a security held by the Portfolio will decline in
price or the issuer of the security will fail to make dividend, interest or principal payments when due
because the issuer experiences a decline in its financial status. · Interest rate risk is the risk that securities will decline in value because of
changes in market interest rates. When market interest rates rise, the market value of such securities
generally will fall. · Preferred securities may include provisions
that permit the issuer, at its discretion, to defer or omit distributions for a stated period without
any adverse consequences to the issuer. · Preferred securities are generally subordinated
to bonds and other debt instruments in an issuer’s capital structure in terms of having priority
to corporate income, claims to corporate assets and liquidation payments, and therefore will be subject
to greater credit risk than more senior debt instruments. · During periods of declining interest rates,
an issuer may be able to exercise an option to call, or redeem its issue at par earlier than the scheduled
maturity. If this occurs during a time of lower or declining interest rates, the Portfolio may have to
reinvest the proceeds in lower yielding securities (and the Portfolio may not benefit from any increase
in the value of its portfolio holdings as a result of declining interest rates). · Certain preferred securities may be substantially less liquid than many other
securities, such as common stocks or U.S. government securities. Illiquid securities involve the risk
that the securities will not be able to be sold at the time desired by the Portfolio or at prices approximating
the value at which the Portfolio is carrying the securities on its books.
|
| Short Position Risk |
Short Position Risk: Short positions may involve
substantial risks. If a short position appreciates in value during the period of the Portfolio’s
investment, there will be a loss to the Portfolio that could be substantial. Short positions involve
more risk than long positions because the maximum sustainable loss on a security purchased is limited
to the amount paid for the security plus the transaction costs. However, the Portfolio’s potential
loss on a short position is unlimited because, theoretically, there is no limit to the potential price
increase of a security. In addition, the Portfolio’s short sales transactions are dependent on
counterparties to its securities borrowing transactions and are subject to the risk of default by a counterparty,
which could result in a loss of Portfolio assets used as collateral or the loss of monies owed to the
Portfolio by a counterparty.
|
| Derivatives and Hedging Risk |
Derivatives and Hedging Risk: Derivatives and other similar transactions, including those entered into for
hedging purposes (i.e., seeking to protect Portfolio
investments), may increase volatility, reduce returns, limit gains or magnify losses, perhaps substantially,
particularly since most derivatives have a leverage component that provides investment exposure in excess
of the amount invested. Swap agreements; forward currency contracts; over-the-counter options on securities
(including options on shares of ETFs), indexes and currencies; and other over-the-counter derivatives
transactions are subject to the risks of the creditworthiness of and default by the counterparty and
consequently may lose all or a portion of their value due solely to the creditworthiness
of or default by the counterparty. Over-the-counter derivatives frequently may be illiquid and difficult
to value. Changes in liquidity may result in significant, rapid and unpredictable changes in the prices
for derivatives. These derivatives transactions, as well as the exchange-traded futures and options in
which the Portfolio may invest, are subject to many of the risks of, and can be highly sensitive to changes
in the value of the related reference asset, index or rate. As such, a small investment could have a
potentially large impact on the Portfolio’s performance. In fact, many derivatives may be subject
to greater risks than those associated with investing directly in the underlying or other reference asset.
Derivatives transactions incur costs, either explicitly or implicitly, which reduce returns, and costs
of engaging in such transactions may outweigh any gains or any losses averted from hedging activities.
Successful use of derivatives, whether for hedging or for other investment purposes, is subject to the
Investment Manager’s ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the relevant reference
asset or market and, for hedging activities, correlation of the derivative instruments used with the
investments seeking to be hedged. Use of derivatives transactions, even if entered into for hedging purposes,
may cause the Portfolio to experience losses greater than if the Portfolio had not engaged in such transactions.
When the Portfolio enters into derivatives transactions, it may be required to post margin and make settlement
payments while the positions are open, and the Portfolio may have to sell a security at a disadvantageous
time or price to meet such obligations. Derivatives transactions are also subject to operational and
legal risk.
|
| Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk |
Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk:
Small and mid cap companies carry additional risks because their earnings tend to be less predictable,
their share prices more volatile and their securities less liquid than larger, more established companies.
The shares of small and mid cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger companies,
which can have an adverse effect on the pricing of these securities and on the ability to sell these
securities when the Investment Manager deems it appropriate.
|
| Leverage Risk |
Leverage
Risk: The use of leverage, which the Portfolio’s strategy
entails, may exaggerate the effect of any increase or decrease in the value of the securities held
by the Portfolio and cause the Portfolio to liquidate positions when it may not be advantageous to do
so to satisfy its obligations or to maintain asset coverage.
|
| Value Investing Risk |
Value
Investing Risk: Value investments are believed by the Investment Manager
to be undervalued, but may not realize their perceived value for extended periods of time or may never
realize their perceived value. These securities may respond differently to market and other developments
than other types of securities.
|
| Market Direction Risk |
Market Direction Risk: Since the Portfolio will typically hold both long and short positions, an investment
in the Portfolio will involve market risks associated with different types of investment decisions than
those made for a typical “long only” fund. The Portfolio’s results will suffer both
when there is a general market advance and the Portfolio holds significant “short” positions,
or when there is a general market decline and the Portfolio holds significant “long” positions.
In recent years, the markets have shown considerable volatility from day to day and even in intra-day
trading. Non-U.S. Securities Risk:
The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting
the non-U.S. countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-U.S. securities carry special
risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company
information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity. Non-U.S. securities
may also subject the Portfolio’s investments to changes in currency rates, which can make the return
on an investment increase or decrease, unrelated to the quality or performance of the investment itself.
Non-U.S. securities may be subject to economic sanctions or other governmental actions or developments,
exchange controls (including repatriation restrictions), confiscations, trade restrictions (including
tariffs) or problems related to share registration, trade settlement or asset custody, which could, among
other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Portfolio’s ability to purchase or sell certain
foreign securities. To the extent the Portfolio holds securities subject to such actions, the securities
may become difficult to value and/or less liquid (or illiquid). In some cases, the securities may become
worthless. In addition, as a result of trade restrictions (including tariffs) and other similar governmental
actions or developments, the Portfolio may be forced to sell or otherwise dispose of foreign investments
at inopportune times or prices.
|
| Foreign Currency Risk |
Foreign Currency Risk: Investments denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars may experience
a decline in value, in U.S. dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The
Portfolio’s investments denominated in such currencies, as well as any investments in currencies
themselves, could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or
conversion of currencies. Irrespective of any foreign currency exposure hedging, the Portfolio may experience a decline in
the value of its portfolio securities, in U.S. dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange
rates. The Investment Manager does not intend to utilize foreign currency contracts for the purpose
of generating investment returns.
|
| Non-Diversification Risk |
Non-Diversification Risk: The Portfolio’s net asset value may be more vulnerable to changes in the
market value of a single issuer or group of issuers and may be relatively more susceptible to adverse
effects from any single corporate, industry, economic, market, political or regulatory occurrence than
if the Portfolio’s investments consisted of securities issued by a larger number of issuers.
|
| ETF Risk |
ETF Risk: Shares of ETFs may trade
at prices that vary from their net asset values, sometimes significantly. The shares of ETFs may trade
at prices at, below or above their net asset value. In addition, the performance of an ETF pursuing a
passive index-based strategy may diverge from the performance of the index. The Portfolio’s investments
in ETFs are subject to the risks of the ETFs’ investments, as well as to the general risks of investing
in ETFs. The Portfolio will bear not only the Portfolio’s management fees and operating expenses,
but also the Portfolio’s proportional share of the management fees and operating expenses of the
ETFs in which the Portfolio invests. Although Section 12 of the 1940 Act limits the amount of the Portfolio’s
assets that may be invested in one or more ETFs, Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940 Act allows the Portfolio
to acquire the securities of another investment company, including ETFs, in excess of the limitations
imposed by Section 12 of the 1940 Act, subject to certain limitations and conditions.
|
| Securities Selection Risk |
Securities Selection Risk: Securities and other investments
selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform to expectations. This could result
in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives
or strategies.
|
| High Portfolio Turnover Risk |
High Portfolio Turnover Risk:
The Portfolio’s investment strategy may involve high portfolio turnover (such as 100% or more).
A portfolio turnover rate of 100%, for example, is equivalent to the Portfolio buying and selling all
of its securities once during the course of the year. A high portfolio turnover rate could result in
high transaction costs and an increase in taxable capital gains distributions to the Portfolio’s
shareholders, which will reduce returns to shareholders.
|
|
| Lazard Equity Franchise Portfolio
|
Risk Table - Lazard Equity Franchise Portfolio
|
Risk [Text Block] |
| Principal Investment Risks |
Principal Investment Risks The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you
could lose money.
|
| Risk Lose Money [Member] |
The value of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you
could lose money.
|
| Market Risk |
Market Risk:
The Portfolio may incur losses due to declines in one or more markets in which it invests. These declines
may be the result of, among other things, political, regulatory, market, economic or social developments
affecting the relevant market(s). To the extent that such developments impact specific industries, market
sectors, countries or geographic regions, the Portfolio’s investments in such industries, market
sectors, countries and/or geographic regions can be expected to be particularly affected, especially
if such investments are a significant portion of its investment portfolio. In addition, turbulence in
financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively
affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio. Global economies and financial markets
are increasingly interconnected, and conditions and events in one country, region or financial market
may adversely impact issuers worldwide. As a result, local, regional or global events such as war or
military conflict, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues,
social unrest, natural disasters, extreme weather, other geological events, man-made disasters, supply
chain disruptions, deflation, inflation, government defaults, government shutdowns, the imposition of
sanctions or other similar measures, recessions or other events could have a significant negative impact
on global economic and market conditions. For example, a public health or other emergency and aggressive
responses taken by many governments or voluntarily imposed by private parties, including closing borders,
restricting travel and imposing prolonged quarantines or similar restrictions, as well as the closure
of, or operational changes to, many retail and other businesses, may have severe negative impacts on
markets worldwide. Additionally, general market conditions may affect the value of a Portfolio’s
securities, including changes in interest rates, currency rates or monetary policies. Furthermore, the
imposition of tariffs, trade restrictions, currency restrictions or similar actions (or retaliatory measures
taken in response to such actions), or the threat or potential of one or more such events and developments,
could lead to price volatility and overall declines in the U.S. and global investment markets.
|
| Issuer Risk |
Issuer Risk: The value of a security
may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance,
financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical
and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s
value, such as investor perception.
|
| Franchise Companies Risk |
Franchise Companies Risk: Changes in the worldwide economy, consumer spending, competition, demographics
and consumer preferences, government regulation and economic conditions may adversely affect franchise
companies individually or across an industry and may negatively impact the Portfolio to a greater extent
than if the Portfolio’s assets were invested more broadly in a number of types of companies. Non-U.S. Securities Risk:
The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting
the non-U.S. countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-U.S. securities carry special
risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company
information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity. Non-U.S. securities
may also subject the Portfolio’s investments to changes in currency rates, which can make the return
on an investment increase or decrease, unrelated to the quality or performance of the investment itself.
Non-U.S. securities may be subject to economic sanctions or other governmental actions or developments,
exchange controls (including repatriation restrictions), confiscations, trade restrictions (including
tariffs) or problems related to share registration, trade settlement or asset custody, which could, among
other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Portfolio’s ability to purchase or sell certain
foreign securities. To the extent the Portfolio holds securities subject to such actions, the securities
may become difficult to value and/or less liquid (or illiquid). In some cases, the securities may become
worthless. In addition, as a result of trade restrictions (including tariffs) and other similar governmental
actions or developments, the Portfolio may be forced to sell or otherwise dispose of foreign investments
at inopportune times or prices. In addition, investments denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars
may experience a decline in value, in U.S. dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange
rates.
|
| Emerging Market Risk |
Emerging Market Risk:
Emerging market countries generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political
systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging
markets may be based predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local
or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. Further,
investments in securities of issuers located in certain emerging countries involve the risk of loss resulting
from problems in share registration, settlement or custody, substantial economic, political and social
disruptions and the threat or imposition of sanctions or exchange controls (including repatriation restrictions).
The securities markets of emerging market countries have historically been extremely volatile and less
liquid than more developed markets, thus, the Portfolio may be unable to liquidate its positions in such
securities at a favorable time or price. These market conditions may continue or worsen. Investments
in these countries may be subject to political, economic, legal, market and currency risks. Significant
devaluation of emerging market currencies against the U.S. dollar may occur subsequent to acquisition
of investments denominated in emerging market currencies. Emerging market countries may also be more
susceptible to fraud, corruption, and money laundering, which may result in negative commercial consequences
in relation to the value, liquidity and tradability of investments in or related to those regions.
|
| Foreign Currency Risk |
Foreign Currency Risk:
Investments denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars may experience a decline in value, in U.S.
dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Portfolio’s investments
denominated in such currencies (particularly currencies of emerging markets countries), as well as any
investments in currencies themselves, could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant,
repatriation of funds or conversion of currencies. Irrespective of any foreign currency exposure hedging,
the Portfolio may experience a decline in the value of its portfolio securities, in U.S. dollar terms,
due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
|
| Forward Currency Contracts and Currency Hedging Risk |
Forward
Currency Contracts and Currency Hedging Risk: Forward currency contracts,
including those entered into for hedging purposes (i.e.,
seeking to protect Portfolio investments), may increase volatility, reduce returns, limit gains or magnify
losses, perhaps substantially, particularly since forward currency contracts, like most derivative instruments,
have a leverage component that provides investment exposure in excess of the amount invested. Forward
currency contracts are subject to the risks of the creditworthiness of and default by the counterparty
and consequently may lose all or a portion of their value due solely to the creditworthiness of or default
by the counterparty. Forward currency contracts also may be illiquid. Changes in liquidity may result
in significant, rapid and unpredictable changes in the value of such contracts. Forward currency contracts
are subject to many of the risks of, and can be highly sensitive to changes in the value of, the related
currencies. As such, a small investment could have a potentially large impact on the Portfolio’s
performance. Forward currency contracts incur costs, which reduce returns, and costs of engaging in such
transactions may outweigh any gains or any losses averted from hedging activities. Successful use of
forward currency contracts, whether for hedging or for other investment purposes, is subject to the Investment
Manager’s ability to accurately predict movements in currency exchange rates and, for hedging transactions,
there may be imperfect correlations between movements in exchange rates that could cause the Portfolio
to incur significant losses. Use of forward currency contracts, even if entered into for hedging purposes,
may cause the Portfolio to experience losses greater than if the Portfolio had not engaged in such transactions.
|
| Growth Investing Risk |
Growth Investing Risk:
Growth investments are believed by the Investment Manager to have the potential for growth, but may not
realize such perceived potential for extended periods of time or may never realize such perceived growth
potential. Such securities may be more volatile than other securities because they can be more sensitive
to investor perceptions of the issuing company’s growth potential. These securities may respond
differently to market and other developments than other types of securities.
|
| Large Cap Companies Risk |
Large Cap Companies Risk: Investments in large cap
companies may underperform other segments of the market when such other segments are in favor or because
such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities and may be unable to
attain high growth rates during periods of economic expansion.
|
| Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk |
Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk: Small and mid cap companies
carry additional risks because their earnings tend to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile
and their securities less liquid than larger, more established companies. The shares of small and mid
cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger companies, which can have an adverse
effect on the pricing of these securities and on the ability to sell these securities when the Investment
Manager deems it appropriate.
|
| Non-Diversification Risk |
Non-Diversification Risk: The Portfolio’s net asset value may be more vulnerable to changes in the
market value of a single issuer or group of issuers and may be relatively more susceptible to adverse
effects from any single corporate, industry, economic, market, political or regulatory occurrence than
if the Portfolio’s investments consisted of securities issued by a larger number of issuers.
|
| Securities Selection Risk |
Securities Selection Risk:
Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform
to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds
with similar investment objectives or strategies.
|
|
| Lazard Global Listed Infrastructure Portfolio
|
Risk Table - Lazard Global Listed Infrastructure Portfolio
|
Risk [Text Block] |
| Principal Investment Risks |
Principal Investment Risks The value
of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.
|
| Risk Lose Money [Member] |
The value
of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.
|
| Market Risk |
Market Risk: The Portfolio may incur losses due to declines
in one or more markets in which it invests. These declines may be the result of, among other things,
political, regulatory, market, economic or social developments affecting the relevant market(s). To the
extent that such developments impact specific industries, market sectors, countries or geographic regions,
the Portfolio’s investments in such industries, market sectors, countries and/or geographic regions
can be expected to be particularly affected, especially if such investments are a significant portion
of its investment portfolio. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity,
credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the
Portfolio. Global economies and financial markets are increasingly interconnected, and conditions and
events in one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers worldwide. As a result,
local, regional or global events such as war or military conflict, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious
illness or other public health issues, social unrest, natural disasters, extreme weather, other geological
events, man-made disasters, supply chain disruptions, deflation, inflation, government defaults, government
shutdowns, the imposition of sanctions or other similar measures, recessions or other events could have
a significant negative impact on global economic and market conditions. For example, a public health
or other emergency and aggressive responses taken by many governments or voluntarily imposed by private
parties, including closing borders, restricting travel and imposing prolonged quarantines or similar
restrictions, as well as the closure of, or operational changes to, many retail and other businesses,
may have severe negative impacts on markets worldwide. Additionally, general market conditions may affect
the value of a Portfolio’s securities, including changes in interest rates, currency rates or monetary
policies. Furthermore, the imposition of tariffs, trade restrictions, currency restrictions or similar
actions (or retaliatory measures taken in response to such actions), or the threat or potential of one
or more such events and developments, could lead to price volatility and overall declines in the U.S.
and global investment markets.
|
| Issuer Risk |
Issuer Risk:
The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such
as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services,
as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors
unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.
|
| Concentration Risk |
Concentration Risk: The Portfolio will be concentrated
(i.e., hold more than 25% of the value of the Portfolio’s assets) in securities of issuers having
their principal business activities in the group of industries represented by Infrastructure Companies,
and the Portfolio would be expected to be affected by developments in those industries. Infrastructure Companies.
Securities and instruments of infrastructure companies are more susceptible to adverse economic or regulatory
occurrences affecting their industries. Infrastructure companies may be subject to a variety of factors
that may adversely affect their business or operations, including high interest costs in connection with
capital construction programs, high leverage, costs associated with environmental and other regulations,
the effects of economic slowdown, surplus capacity, increased competition from other providers of services,
uncertainties concerning the availability of fuel and other natural resources at reasonable prices, the
effects of energy conservation policies, unfavorable tax laws or accounting policies and other factors.
Infrastructure companies also may be affected by or subject to, among other factors, regulation by various
government authorities, including rate regulation, innovations in technology that could render the way
in which a company delivers a product or service obsolete and service interruption due to environmental,
operational or other mishaps.
|
| Repurchase Agreements Risk |
Repurchase Agreements Risk: The Portfolio may enter into certain types of repurchase agreements or purchase
and sale contracts. Under a repurchase agreement, the seller agrees to repurchase a security (typically
a security issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government) at a mutually agreed upon time and price. This
is intended to insulate the Portfolio from changes in the market value of the security during the repurchase
period. A purchase and sale contract is similar to a repurchase agreement, but purchase and sale contracts
provide that the purchaser receives any interest on the security paid during the period. Repurchase agreements
carry certain risks not associated with direct investments in securities, including a possible decline
in the market value of the underlying obligations. Non-U.S.
Securities Risk: The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political,
social and economic factors affecting the non-U.S. countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests.
Non-U.S. securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political
instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially,
less liquidity. Non-U.S. securities may also subject the Portfolio’s investments to changes in
currency rates, which can make the return on an investment increase or decrease, unrelated to the quality
or performance of the investment itself. Non-U.S. securities may be subject to economic sanctions or
other governmental actions or developments, exchange controls (including repatriation restrictions),
confiscations, trade restrictions (including tariffs) or problems related to share registration, trade
settlement or asset custody, which could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Portfolio’s
ability to purchase or sell certain foreign securities. To the extent the Portfolio holds securities
subject to such actions, the securities may become difficult to value and/or less liquid (or illiquid).
In some cases, the securities may become worthless. In addition, as a result of trade restrictions (including
tariffs) and other similar governmental actions or developments, the Portfolio may be forced to sell
or otherwise dispose of foreign investments at inopportune times or prices.
|
| Emerging Market Risk |
Emerging Market Risk: Emerging market countries
generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less
stable, than those of developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based
predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade
conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. Further, investments
in securities of issuers located in certain emerging countries involve the risk of loss resulting from
problems in share registration, settlement or custody, substantial economic, political and social disruptions
and the threat or imposition of sanctions or exchange controls (including repatriation restrictions).
The securities markets of emerging market countries have historically been extremely volatile and less
liquid than more developed markets, thus, the Portfolio may be unable to liquidate its positions in such
securities at a favorable time or price. These market conditions may continue or worsen. Investments
in these countries may be subject to political, economic, legal, market and currency risks. Significant
devaluation of emerging market currencies against the U.S. dollar may occur subsequent to acquisition
of investments denominated in emerging market currencies. Emerging market countries may also be more
susceptible to fraud, corruption, and money laundering, which may result in negative commercial consequences
in relation to the value, liquidity and tradability of investments in or related to those regions.
|
| Foreign Currency Risk |
Foreign Currency Risk:
Investments denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars may experience a decline in value, in U.S.
dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Portfolio’s investments
denominated in such currencies (particularly currencies of emerging markets countries), as well as any
investments in currencies themselves, could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant,
repatriation of funds or conversion of currencies. Irrespective of any foreign currency exposure hedging,
the Portfolio may experience a decline in the value of its portfolio securities, in U.S. dollar terms,
due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
|
| Forward Currency Contracts and Currency Hedging Risk |
Forward Currency Contracts and Currency Hedging Risk: Forward currency contracts, including those entered into for hedging purposes
(i.e., seeking to protect Portfolio investments),
may increase volatility, reduce returns, limit gains or magnify losses, perhaps substantially, particularly
since forward currency contracts, like most derivative instruments, have a leverage component that provides
investment exposure in excess of the amount invested. Forward currency contracts are subject to the risks
of the creditworthiness of and default by the counterparty and consequently may lose all or a portion
of their value due solely to the creditworthiness of or default by the counterparty. Forward currency
contracts also may be illiquid. Changes in liquidity may result in significant, rapid and unpredictable
changes in the value of such contracts. Forward currency contracts are subject to many of the risks of,
and can be highly sensitive to changes in the value of, the related currencies. As such, a small investment
could have a potentially large impact on the Portfolio’s performance. Forward currency contracts
incur costs, which reduce returns, and costs of engaging in such transactions may outweigh any gains
or any losses averted from hedging activities. Successful use of forward currency contracts, whether
for hedging or for other investment purposes, is subject to the Investment Manager’s ability to
accurately predict movements in currency exchange rates and, for hedging transactions, there may be imperfect
correlations between movements in exchange rates that could cause the Portfolio to incur significant
losses. Use of forward currency contracts, even if entered into for hedging purposes, may cause the Portfolio
to experience losses greater than if the Portfolio had not engaged in such transactions.
|
| Value Investing Risk |
Value Investing Risk: Value investments are believed
by the Investment Manager to be undervalued, but may not realize their perceived value for extended periods
of time or may never realize their perceived value. These securities may respond differently to market
and other developments than other types of securities.
|
| Large Cap Companies Risk |
Large
Cap Companies Risk: Investments in large cap companies may underperform other
segments of the market when such other segments are in favor or because such companies may be less responsive
to competitive challenges and opportunities and may be unable to attain high growth rates during periods
of economic expansion.
|
| Focused Investing Risk |
Focused Investing Risk: The Portfolio’s net asset value may be more vulnerable to changes in the
market value of a single issuer or group of issuers and may be relatively more susceptible to adverse
effects from any single corporate, industry, economic, market, political or regulatory occurrence than
if the Portfolio’s investments consisted of securities issued by a larger number of issuers.
|
| Securities Selection Risk |
Securities Selection Risk:
Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform
to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds
with similar investment objectives or strategies.
|
|
| Lazard Global Small Cap Equity Portfolio
|
Risk Table - Lazard Global Small Cap Equity Portfolio
|
Risk [Text Block] |
| Principal Investment Risks |
Principal Investment Risks The value
of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.
|
| Risk Lose Money [Member] |
The value
of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.
|
| Market Risk |
Market Risk: The Portfolio may incur losses due to declines
in one or more markets in which it invests. These declines may be the result of, among other things,
political, regulatory, market, economic or social developments affecting the relevant market(s). To the
extent that such developments impact specific industries, market sectors, countries or geographic regions,
the Portfolio’s investments in such industries, market sectors, countries and/or geographic regions
can be expected to be particularly affected, especially if such investments are a significant portion
of its investment portfolio. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity,
credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the
Portfolio. Global economies and financial markets are increasingly interconnected, and conditions and
events in one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers worldwide. As a result,
local, regional or global events such as war or military conflict, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious
illness or other public health issues, social unrest, natural disasters, extreme weather, other geological
events, man-made disasters, supply chain disruptions, deflation, inflation, government defaults, government
shutdowns, the imposition of sanctions or other similar measures, recessions or other events could have
a significant negative impact on global economic and market conditions. For example, a public health
or other emergency and aggressive responses taken by many governments or voluntarily imposed by private
parties, including closing borders, restricting travel and imposing prolonged quarantines or similar
restrictions, as well as the closure of, or operational changes to, many retail and other businesses,
may have severe negative impacts on markets worldwide. Additionally, general market conditions may affect
the value of a Portfolio’s securities, including changes in interest rates, currency rates or monetary
policies. Furthermore, the imposition of tariffs, trade restrictions, currency restrictions or similar
actions (or retaliatory measures taken in response to such actions), or the threat or potential of one
or more such events and developments, could lead to price volatility and overall declines in the U.S.
and global investment markets.
|
| Issuer Risk |
Issuer Risk:
The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such
as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services,
as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors
unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.
|
| Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk |
Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk: Small and mid cap companies
carry additional risks because their earnings tend to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile
and their securities less liquid than larger, more established companies. The shares of small and mid
cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger companies, which can have an adverse
effect on the pricing of these securities and on the ability to sell these securities when the Investment
Manager deems it appropriate. Non-U.S. Securities Risk: The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and
economic factors affecting the non-U.S. countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-U.S.
securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability,
a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity.
Non-U.S. securities may also subject the Portfolio’s investments to changes in currency rates,
which can make the return on an investment increase or decrease, unrelated to the quality or performance
of the investment itself. Non-U.S. securities may be subject to economic sanctions or other governmental
actions or developments, exchange controls (including repatriation restrictions), confiscations, trade
restrictions (including tariffs) or problems related to share registration, trade settlement or asset
custody, which could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Portfolio’s ability
to purchase or sell certain foreign securities. To the extent the Portfolio holds securities subject
to such actions, the securities may become difficult to value and/or less liquid (or illiquid). In some
cases, the securities may become worthless. In addition, as a result of trade restrictions (including
tariffs) and other similar governmental actions or developments, the Portfolio may be forced to sell
or otherwise dispose of foreign investments at inopportune times or prices.
|
| Foreign Currency Risk |
Foreign Currency Risk:
Investments denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars may experience a decline in value, in U.S.
dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Portfolio’s investments
denominated in such currencies (particularly currencies of emerging markets countries), as well as any
investments in currencies themselves, could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant,
repatriation of funds or conversion of currencies. Irrespective of any foreign currency exposure hedging,
the Portfolio may experience a decline in the value of its portfolio securities, in U.S. dollar terms,
due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Investment Manager does not intend to utilize
foreign currency contracts for the purpose of generating investment returns.
|
| Value Investing Risk |
Value Investing Risk: Value investments are believed
by the Investment Manager to be undervalued, but may not realize their perceived value for extended periods
of time or may never realize their perceived value. These securities may respond differently to market
and other developments than other types of securities.
|
| Securities Selection Risk |
Securities
Selection Risk: Securities and other investments selected by the Investment
Manager for the Portfolio may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s
underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.
|
| High Portfolio Turnover Risk |
High Portfolio Turnover Risk:
The Portfolio’s investment strategy may involve high portfolio turnover (such as 100% or more).
A portfolio turnover rate of 100%, for example, is equivalent to the Portfolio buying and selling all
of its securities once during the course of the year. A high portfolio turnover rate could result in
high transaction costs and an increase in taxable capital gains distributions to the Portfolio’s
shareholders, which will reduce returns to shareholders.
|
|
| Lazard Government Money Market Portfolio
|
Risk Table - Lazard Government Money Market Portfolio
|
Risk [Text Block] |
| Principal Investment Risks |
Principal Investment Risks You could
lose money by investing in the Portfolio. Although the Portfolio seeks to preserve the value of your
investment at $1.00 per share, it cannot guarantee it will do so. An investment in the Portfolio is not
a bank account and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other
government agency. The Portfolio’s sponsor is not required to reimburse the Portfolio for losses,
and you should not expect that the sponsor will provide financial support to the Portfolio at any time,
including during periods of market stress. Credit Risk:
Issuers of money market instruments or financial institutions that have entered into repurchase agreements
with the Portfolio may fail to make payments when due or complete transactions, or they may become less
willing or less able to do so. Market Risk:
The Portfolio may incur losses due to declines in one or more markets in which it invests. These declines
may be the result of, among other things, political, regulatory, market, economic or social developments
affecting the relevant market(s). To the extent that such developments impact specific industries, market
sectors, countries or geographic regions, the Portfolio’s investments in such industries, market
sectors, countries and/or geographic regions can be expected to be particularly affected, especially
if such investments are a significant portion of its investment portfolio. In addition, turbulence in
financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively
affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio. Global economies and financial markets
are increasingly interconnected, and conditions and events in one country, region or financial market
may adversely impact issuers worldwide. As a result, local, regional or global events such as war or
military conflict, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues,
social unrest, natural disasters, extreme weather, other geological events, man-made disasters, supply
chain disruptions, deflation, inflation, government defaults, government shutdowns, the imposition of
sanctions or other similar measures, recessions or other events could have a significant negative impact
on global economic and market conditions. For example, a public health or other emergency and aggressive
responses taken by many governments or voluntarily imposed by private parties, including closing borders,
restricting travel and imposing prolonged quarantines or similar restrictions, as well as the closure
of, or operational changes to, many retail and other businesses, may have severe negative impacts on
markets worldwide. Additionally, general market conditions may affect the value of a Portfolio’s
securities, including changes in interest rates, currency rates or monetary policies. Furthermore, the
imposition of tariffs, trade restrictions, currency restrictions or similar actions (or retaliatory measures
taken in response to such actions), or the threat or potential of one or more such events and developments,
could lead to price volatility and overall declines in the U.S. and global investment markets. Interest Rate Risk: Prices of bonds and other
debt securities tend to move inversely with changes in interest rates. Interest rate risk is usually
greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities or durations. A rise in interest rates (or
the expectation of a rise in interest rates) may result in periods of volatility, decreased liquidity
and increased redemptions, and, as a result, the Portfolio may have to liquidate portfolio securities
at disadvantageous prices. The Portfolio may be subject to heightened interest rate risk due to certain
changes in general economic conditions, inflation and monetary policy, such as certain types of interest
rate changes by the Federal Reserve. Repurchase Agreements Risk:
The Portfolio may enter into certain types of repurchase agreements. Under a repurchase agreement, the
seller agrees to repurchase a security (typically a security issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government)
at a mutually agreed upon time and price. This is intended to insulate the Portfolio from changes in
the market value of the security during the repurchase period. Repurchase agreements carry certain risks
not associated with direct investments in securities, including a possible decline in the market value
of the underlying obligations. Government Securities Risk: Not all obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities
are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Some obligations are backed only by the
credit of the issuing agency or instrumentality, and in some cases there may be some risk of default
by the issuer. Any guarantee by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities of a security
held by the Portfolio does not apply to the market value of such security or to shares of the Portfolio
itself. A security backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the United States is guaranteed
only as to the timely payment of interest and principal when held to maturity. Notwithstanding that such
U.S. Government Securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, circumstances
could arise that would prevent the timely payment of interest or principal, which could result in losses
to the Portfolio (e.g., Congressional debt ceiling impasses). Liquidity
Risk: Although the Portfolio invests in a diversified portfolio
of high quality instruments, the Portfolio’s investments may become less liquid as a result of
market developments or adverse investor perception. If this happens, the Portfolio’s ability to
redeem its shares for cash may be affected. Risk
Associated with the Portfolio Holding Cash: The Portfolio will generally
hold a portion of its assets in cash, primarily to meet redemptions. Cash positions may hurt performance
and may subject the Portfolio to additional risks and costs, such as increased exposure to the custodian
bank holding the assets and any fees imposed for large cash balances. U.S. Withholding Tax Risk: The Portfolio generally
seeks to invest in securities the income from which is considered “qualified interest income”
under relevant tax law and guidance. Thus, the Portfolio generally expects its distributions to be exempt
from U.S. withholding tax when paid to non-U.S. investors. However, there can be no assurance that all
of the Portfolio’s distributions will be exempt from U.S. withholding tax. State and Local Taxation Risk: The Portfolio may invest
in securities whose interest is subject to state and local income taxes. Consult your tax professional
for more information. Transactions Risk: The Portfolio could experience a loss and its liquidity may be negatively impacted
when selling securities to meet redemption requests. The risk of loss increases if the redemption requests
are unusually large or frequent or occur in times of overall market turmoil or declining prices. Similarly,
large purchases of Portfolio shares may adversely affect the Portfolio’s performance to the extent
that the Portfolio is delayed in investing new cash and is required to maintain a larger cash position
than it ordinarily would. Stable Net Asset Value Risk: There is no assurance that the Portfolio will meet its investment objective of
maintaining a net asset value (“NAV”) of $1.00 per share on a continuous basis. Furthermore,
there can be no assurance that the Portfolio’s affiliates will purchase distressed assets from
the Fund, make capital infusions, enter into capital support agreements or take other actions to ensure
that the Portfolio maintains a NAV of $1.00 per share. In the event any money market fund fails to maintain
a stable NAV, other money market funds, including the Portfolio, could face a universal risk of increased
redemption pressures, potentially jeopardizing the stability of their NAVs. In general, certain other
money market funds have in the past failed to maintain stable NAVs and there can be no assurance that
such failures and resulting redemption pressures will not occur in the future.
|
| Risk Lose Money [Member] |
You could
lose money by investing in the Portfolio. Although the Portfolio seeks to preserve the value of your
investment at $1.00 per share, it cannot guarantee it will do so. An investment in the Portfolio is not
a bank account and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other
government agency. The Portfolio’s sponsor is not required to reimburse the Portfolio for losses,
and you should not expect that the sponsor will provide financial support to the Portfolio at any time,
including during periods of market stress.
|
|
| Lazard International Equity Portfolio
|
Risk Table - Lazard International Equity Portfolio
|
Risk [Text Block] |
| Principal Investment Risks |
Principal
Investment Risks The value of your investment in the Portfolio
will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.
|
| Risk Lose Money [Member] |
The value of your investment in the Portfolio
will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.
|
| Market Risk |
Market
Risk: The Portfolio may incur losses due to declines in one or
more markets in which it invests. These declines may be the result of, among other things, political,
regulatory, market, economic or social developments affecting the relevant market(s). To the extent that
such developments impact specific industries, market sectors, countries or geographic regions, the Portfolio’s
investments in such industries, market sectors, countries and/or geographic regions can be expected to
be particularly affected, especially if such investments are a significant portion of its investment
portfolio. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or
fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.
Global economies and financial markets are increasingly interconnected, and conditions and events in
one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers worldwide. As a result, local, regional
or global events such as war or military conflict, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness
or other public health issues, social unrest, natural disasters, extreme weather, other geological events,
man-made disasters, supply chain disruptions, deflation, inflation, government defaults, government shutdowns,
the imposition of sanctions or other similar measures, recessions or other events could have a significant
negative impact on global economic and market conditions. For example, a public health or other emergency
and aggressive responses taken by many governments or voluntarily imposed by private parties, including
closing borders, restricting travel and imposing prolonged quarantines or similar restrictions, as well
as the closure of, or operational changes to, many retail and other businesses, may have severe negative
impacts on markets worldwide. Additionally, general market conditions may affect the value of a Portfolio’s
securities, including changes in interest rates, currency rates or monetary policies. Furthermore, the
imposition of tariffs, trade restrictions, currency restrictions or similar actions (or retaliatory measures
taken in response to such actions), or the threat or potential of one or more such events and developments,
could lead to price volatility and overall declines in the U.S. and global investment markets.
|
| Issuer Risk |
Issuer Risk: The value of a security
may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance,
financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical
and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s
value, such as investor perception. Non-U.S. Securities Risk: The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and
economic factors affecting the non-U.S. countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-U.S.
securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability,
a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity.
Non-U.S. securities may also subject the Portfolio’s investments to changes in currency rates,
which can make the return on an investment increase or decrease, unrelated to the quality or performance
of the investment itself. Non-U.S. securities may be subject to economic sanctions or other governmental
actions or developments, exchange controls (including repatriation restrictions), confiscations, trade
restrictions (including tariffs) or problems related to share registration, trade settlement or asset
custody, which could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Portfolio’s ability
to purchase or sell certain foreign securities. To the extent the Portfolio holds securities subject
to such actions, the securities may become difficult to value and/or less liquid (or illiquid). In some
cases, the securities may become worthless. In addition, as a result of trade restrictions (including
tariffs) and other similar governmental actions or developments, the Portfolio may be forced to sell
or otherwise dispose of foreign investments at inopportune times or prices.
|
| Emerging Market Risk |
Emerging Market Risk: Emerging market countries
generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less
stable, than those of developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based
predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt
burdens or volatile inflation rates. Further, investments in securities of issuers located in certain
emerging countries involve the risk of loss resulting from problems in share registration, settlement
or custody, substantial economic, political and social disruptions and the threat or imposition of sanctions
or exchange controls (including repatriation restrictions). The securities markets of emerging market
countries have historically been extremely volatile and less liquid than more developed markets, thus,
the Portfolio may be unable to liquidate its positions in such securities at a favorable time or price.
These market conditions may continue or worsen. Investments in these countries may be subject to political,
economic, legal, market and currency risks. Significant devaluation of emerging market currencies against
the U.S. dollar may occur subsequent to acquisition of investments denominated in emerging market currencies.
Emerging market countries may also be more susceptible to fraud, corruption, and money laundering, which
may result in negative commercial consequences in relation to the value, liquidity and tradability of
investments in or related to those regions.
|
| Foreign Currency Risk |
Foreign Currency Risk: Investments denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars may experience
a decline in value, in U.S. dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The
Portfolio’s investments denominated in such currencies (particularly currencies of emerging markets
countries), as well as any investments in currencies themselves, could be adversely affected by delays
in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of currencies. Irrespective of any foreign
currency exposure hedging, the Portfolio may experience a decline in the value of its portfolio securities,
in U.S. dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Investment Manager
does not intend to utilize foreign currency contracts for the purpose of generating investment returns.
|
| Value Investing Risk |
Value Investing Risk: Value investments are believed
by the Investment Manager to be undervalued, but may not realize their perceived value for extended periods
of time or may never realize their perceived value. These securities may respond differently to market
and other developments than other types of securities.
|
| Large Cap Companies Risk |
Large
Cap Companies Risk: Investments in large cap companies may underperform other
segments of the market when such other segments are in favor or because such companies may be less responsive
to competitive challenges and opportunities and may be unable to attain high growth rates during periods
of economic expansion.
|
| Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk |
Small and Mid Cap Companies
Risk: Small and mid cap companies carry additional risks because
their earnings tend to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile and their securities less
liquid than larger, more established companies. The shares of small and mid cap companies tend to trade
less frequently than those of larger companies, which can have an adverse effect on the pricing of these
securities and on the ability to sell these securities when the Investment Manager deems it appropriate.
|
| Securities Selection Risk |
Securities Selection Risk:
Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform
to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds
with similar investment objectives or strategies.
|
|
| Lazard International Equity Select Portfolio
|
Risk Table - Lazard International Equity Select Portfolio
|
Risk [Text Block] |
| Principal Investment Risks |
Principal Investment Risks The value
of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.
|
| Risk Lose Money [Member] |
The value
of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.
|
| Market Risk |
Market Risk: The Portfolio may incur losses due to declines
in one or more markets in which it invests. These declines may be the result of, among other things,
political, regulatory, market, economic or social developments affecting the relevant market(s). To the
extent that such developments impact specific industries, market sectors, countries or geographic regions,
the Portfolio’s investments in such industries, market sectors, countries and/or geographic regions
can be expected to be particularly affected, especially if such investments are a significant portion
of its investment portfolio. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity,
credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the
Portfolio. Global economies and financial markets are increasingly interconnected, and conditions and
events in one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers worldwide. As a result,
local, regional or global events such as war or military conflict, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious
illness or other public health issues, social unrest, natural disasters, extreme weather, other geological
events, man-made disasters, supply chain disruptions, deflation, inflation, government defaults, government
shutdowns, the imposition of sanctions or other similar measures, recessions or other events could have
a significant negative impact on global economic and market conditions. For example, a public health
or other emergency and aggressive responses taken by many governments or voluntarily imposed by private
parties, including closing borders, restricting travel and imposing prolonged quarantines or similar
restrictions, as well as the closure of, or operational changes to, many retail and other businesses,
may have severe negative impacts on markets worldwide. Additionally, general market conditions may affect
the value of a Portfolio’s securities, including changes in interest rates, currency rates or monetary
policies. Furthermore, the imposition of tariffs, trade restrictions, currency restrictions or similar
actions (or retaliatory measures taken in response to such actions), or the threat or potential of one
or more such events and developments, could lead to price volatility and overall declines in the U.S.
and global investment markets.
|
| Issuer Risk |
Issuer Risk:
The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such
as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services,
as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors
unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception. Non-U.S. Securities Risk: The Portfolio’s performance
will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-U.S. countries and companies
in which the Portfolio invests. Non-U.S. securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less
efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and
legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity. Non-U.S. securities may also subject the Portfolio’s
investments to changes in currency rates, which can make the return on an investment increase or decrease,
unrelated to the quality or performance of the investment itself. Non-U.S. securities may be subject
to economic sanctions or other governmental actions or developments, exchange controls (including
repatriation restrictions), confiscations, trade restrictions (including tariffs) or problems related
to share registration, trade settlement or asset custody, which could, among other things, effectively
restrict or eliminate the Portfolio’s ability to purchase or sell certain foreign securities. To
the extent the Portfolio holds securities subject to such actions, the securities may become difficult
to value and/or less liquid (or illiquid). In some cases, the securities may become worthless. In addition,
as a result of trade restrictions (including tariffs) and other similar governmental actions or developments,
the Portfolio may be forced to sell or otherwise dispose of foreign investments at inopportune times
or prices.
|
| Emerging Market Risk |
Emerging Market Risk: Emerging market countries
generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less
stable, than those of developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based
predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade
conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. Further, investments
in securities of issuers located in certain emerging countries involve the risk of loss resulting from
problems in share registration, settlement or custody, substantial economic, political and social disruptions
and the threat or imposition of sanctions or exchange controls (including repatriation restrictions).
The securities markets of emerging market countries have historically been extremely volatile and less
liquid than more developed markets, thus, the Portfolio may be unable to liquidate its positions in such
securities at a favorable time or price. These market conditions may continue or worsen. Investments
in these countries may be subject to political, economic, legal, market and currency risks. Significant
devaluation of emerging market currencies against the U.S. dollar may occur subsequent to acquisition
of investments denominated in emerging market currencies. Emerging market countries may also be more
susceptible to fraud, corruption, and money laundering, which may result in negative commercial consequences
in relation to the value, liquidity and tradability of investments in or related to those regions.
|
| Foreign Currency Risk |
Foreign Currency Risk:
Investments denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars may experience a decline in value, in U.S.
dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Portfolio’s investments
denominated in such currencies (particularly currencies of emerging markets countries), as well as any
investments in currencies themselves, could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant,
repatriation of funds or conversion of currencies. Irrespective of any foreign currency exposure hedging,
the Portfolio may experience a decline in the value of its portfolio securities, in U.S. dollar terms,
due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Investment Manager does not intend to utilize
foreign currency contracts for the purpose of generating investment returns.
|
| Focused Investing Risk |
Focused Investing Risk: The Portfolio’s net
asset value may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single issuer or group of issuers
and may be relatively more susceptible to adverse effects from any single corporate, industry, economic,
market, political or regulatory occurrence than if the Portfolio’s investments consisted of securities
issued by a larger number of issuers.
|
| Value Investing Risk |
Value Investing Risk: Value investments are believed by the Investment Manager to be undervalued, but
may not realize their perceived value for extended periods of time or may never realize their perceived
value. These securities may respond differently to market and other developments than other types of
securities.
|
| Sector Risk |
Sector Risk: Implementation of the Portfolio’s
investment strategy may, during certain periods, result in the investment of a significant portion of
the Portfolio’s assets in a particular market sector, such as companies in the financials sector,
and the Portfolio would be expected to be affected by developments in that sector. Financials. Companies in the financials sector can be significantly
affected by, among other things: government regulation; changes in interest rates and/or monetary policy
and general economic conditions; the availability and cost of capital; capital requirements; decreased
liquidity in credit markets; and the rate of defaults on corporate, consumer and government debt.
|
| Large Cap Companies Risk |
Large Cap Companies Risk:
Investments in large cap companies may underperform other segments of the market when such other segments
are in favor or because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities
and may be unable to attain high growth rates during periods of economic expansion.
|
| Securities Selection Risk |
Securities Selection Risk: Securities and other investments
selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform to expectations. This could result
in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives
or strategies.
|
|
| Lazard International Quality Growth Portfolio
|
Risk Table - Lazard International Quality Growth Portfolio
|
Risk [Text Block] |
| Principal Investment Risks |
Principal Investment Risks The value
of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.
|
| Risk Lose Money [Member] |
The value
of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.
|
| Market Risk |
Market Risk: The Portfolio may incur losses due to declines
in one or more markets in which it invests. These declines may be the result of, among other things,
political, regulatory, market, economic or social developments affecting the relevant market(s). To the
extent that such developments impact specific industries, market sectors, countries or geographic regions,
the Portfolio’s investments in such industries, market sectors, countries and/or geographic regions
can be expected to be particularly affected, especially if such investments are a significant portion
of its investment portfolio. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity,
credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the
Portfolio. Global economies and financial markets are increasingly interconnected, and conditions and
events in one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers worldwide. As a result,
local, regional or global events such as war or military conflict, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious
illness or other public health issues, social unrest, natural disasters, extreme weather, other geological
events, man-made disasters, supply chain disruptions, deflation, inflation, government defaults, government
shutdowns, the imposition of sanctions or other similar measures, recessions or other events could have
a significant negative impact on global economic and market conditions. For example, a public health
or other emergency and aggressive responses taken by many governments or voluntarily imposed by private
parties, including closing borders, restricting travel and imposing prolonged quarantines or similar
restrictions, as well as the closure of, or operational changes to, many retail and other businesses,
may have severe negative impacts on markets worldwide. Additionally, general market conditions may affect
the value of a Portfolio’s securities, including changes in interest rates, currency rates or monetary
policies. Furthermore, the imposition of tariffs, trade restrictions, currency restrictions or similar
actions (or retaliatory measures taken in response to such actions), or the threat or potential of one
or more such events and developments, could lead to price volatility and overall declines in the U.S.
and global investment markets.
|
| Issuer Risk |
Issuer Risk:
The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such
as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services,
as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors
unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.
Non-U.S. Securities Risk:
The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting
the non-U.S. countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-U.S. securities carry special
risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company
information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity. Non-U.S. securities
may also subject the Portfolio’s investments to changes in currency rates, which can make the return
on an investment increase or decrease, unrelated to the quality or performance of the investment itself.
Non-U.S. securities may be subject to economic sanctions or other governmental actions or developments,
exchange controls (including repatriation restrictions), confiscations, trade restrictions (including
tariffs) or problems related to share registration, trade settlement or asset custody, which could, among
other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Portfolio’s ability to purchase or sell certain
foreign securities. To the extent the Portfolio holds securities subject to such actions, the securities
may become difficult to value and/or less liquid (or illiquid). In some cases, the securities may become
worthless. In addition, as a result of trade restrictions (including tariffs) and other similar governmental
actions or developments, the Portfolio may be forced to sell or otherwise dispose of foreign investments
at inopportune times or prices.
|
| Emerging Market Risk |
Emerging Market Risk: Emerging market countries generally have economic structures that are less diverse
and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries. The economies
of countries with emerging markets may be based predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly
vulnerable to changes in local or global trade conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or
volatile inflation rates. Further, investments in securities of issuers located in certain emerging countries
involve the risk of loss resulting from problems in share registration, settlement or custody, substantial
economic, political and social disruptions and the threat or imposition of sanctions or exchange controls
(including repatriation restrictions). The securities markets of emerging market countries have historically
been extremely volatile and less liquid than more developed markets, thus, the Portfolio may be unable
to liquidate its positions in such securities at a favorable time or price. These market conditions may
continue or worsen. Investments in these countries may be subject to political, economic, legal, market
and currency risks. Significant devaluation of emerging market currencies against the U.S. dollar may
occur subsequent to acquisition of investments denominated in emerging market currencies. Emerging market
countries may also be more susceptible to fraud, corruption, and money laundering, which may result in
negative commercial consequences in relation to the value, liquidity and tradability of investments in
or related to those regions.
|
| Foreign Currency Risk |
Foreign Currency Risk: Investments denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars may experience
a decline in value, in U.S. dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The
Portfolio’s investments denominated in such currencies (particularly currencies of emerging markets
countries), as well as any investments in currencies themselves, could be adversely affected by delays
in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of currencies. Irrespective of any foreign
currency exposure hedging, the Portfolio may experience a decline in the value of its portfolio securities,
in U.S. dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Investment Manager
does not intend to utilize foreign currency contracts for the purpose of generating investment returns.
|
| Growth Investing Risk |
Growth Investing Risk:
Growth investments are believed by the Investment Manager to have the potential for growth, but may not
realize such perceived potential for extended periods of time or may never realize such perceived growth
potential. Such securities may be more volatile than other securities because they can be more sensitive
to investor perceptions of the issuing company’s growth potential. These securities may respond
differently to market and other developments than other types of securities.
|
| Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk |
Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk: Small and mid cap companies
carry additional risks because their earnings tend to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile
and their securities less liquid than larger, more established companies. The shares of small and mid
cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger companies, which can have an adverse
effect on the pricing of these securities and on the ability to sell these securities when the Investment
Manager deems it appropriate.
|
| Large Cap Companies Risk |
Large Cap Companies Risk: Investments in large cap companies may underperform other segments of the market
when such other segments are in favor or because such companies may be less responsive to competitive
challenges and opportunities and may be unable to attain high growth rates during periods of economic
expansion.
|
| Focused Investing Risk |
Focused Investing Risk: The
Portfolio’s net asset value may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single issuer
or group of issuers and may be relatively more susceptible to adverse effects from any single corporate,
industry, economic, market, political or regulatory occurrence
than if the Portfolio’s investments consisted of securities issued by a larger number of issuers.
|
| Securities Selection Risk |
Securities Selection Risk:
Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform
to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds
with similar investment objectives or strategies.
|
|
| Lazard International Strategic Equity Portfolio
|
Risk Table - Lazard International Strategic Equity Portfolio
|
Risk [Text Block] |
| Principal Investment Risks |
Principal Investment Risks The value
of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.
|
| Risk Lose Money [Member] |
The value
of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.
|
| Market Risk |
Market Risk: The Portfolio may incur losses due to declines
in one or more markets in which it invests. These declines may be the result of, among other things,
political, regulatory, market, economic or social developments affecting the relevant market(s). To the
extent that such developments impact specific industries, market sectors, countries or geographic regions,
the Portfolio’s investments in such industries, market sectors, countries and/or geographic regions
can be expected to be particularly affected, especially if such investments are a significant portion
of its investment portfolio. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity,
credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the
Portfolio. Global economies and financial markets are increasingly interconnected, and conditions and
events in one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers worldwide. As a result,
local, regional or global events such as war or military conflict, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious
illness or other public health issues, social unrest, natural disasters, extreme weather, other geological
events, man-made disasters, supply chain disruptions, deflation, inflation, government defaults, government
shutdowns, the imposition of sanctions or other similar measures, recessions or other events could have
a significant negative impact on global economic and market conditions. For example, a public health
or other emergency and aggressive responses taken by many governments or voluntarily imposed by private
parties, including closing borders, restricting travel and imposing prolonged quarantines or similar
restrictions, as well as the closure of, or operational changes to, many retail and other businesses,
may have severe negative impacts on markets worldwide. Additionally, general market conditions may affect
the value of a Portfolio’s securities, including changes in interest rates, currency rates or monetary
policies. Furthermore, the imposition of tariffs, trade restrictions, currency restrictions or similar
actions (or retaliatory measures taken in response to such actions), or the threat or potential of one
or more such events and developments, could lead to price volatility and overall declines in the U.S.
and global investment markets.
|
| Issuer Risk |
Issuer Risk:
The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such
as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services,
as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors
unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception. Non-U.S. Securities Risk: The Portfolio’s performance
will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting the non-U.S. countries and companies
in which the Portfolio invests. Non-U.S. securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less
efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and
legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity. Non-U.S. securities may also subject the Portfolio’s
investments to changes in currency rates, which can make the return on an investment increase or decrease,
unrelated to the quality or performance of the investment itself. Non-U.S. securities may be subject
to economic sanctions or other governmental actions or developments, exchange controls (including repatriation
restrictions), confiscations, trade restrictions (including tariffs) or problems related to share registration,
trade settlement or asset custody, which could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate
the Portfolio’s ability to purchase or sell certain foreign securities. To the extent the Portfolio
holds securities subject to such actions, the securities may become difficult to value and/or less liquid
(or illiquid). In some cases, the securities may become worthless. In addition, as a result of trade
restrictions (including tariffs) and other similar governmental actions or developments, the Portfolio
may be forced to sell or otherwise dispose of foreign investments at inopportune times or prices.
|
| Emerging Market Risk |
Emerging Market Risk: Emerging market countries
generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less
stable, than those of developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based
predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade
conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. Further, investments
in securities of issuers located in certain emerging countries involve the risk of loss resulting from
problems in share registration, settlement or custody, substantial economic, political and social disruptions
and the threat or imposition of sanctions or exchange controls (including repatriation restrictions).
The securities markets of emerging market countries have historically been extremely volatile and less
liquid than more developed markets, thus, the Portfolio may be unable to liquidate its positions in such
securities at a favorable time or price. These market conditions may continue or worsen. Investments
in these countries may be subject to political, economic, legal, market and currency risks. Significant
devaluation of emerging market currencies against the U.S. dollar may occur subsequent to acquisition
of investments denominated in emerging market currencies. Emerging market countries may also be more
susceptible to fraud, corruption, and money laundering, which may result in negative commercial consequences
in relation to the value, liquidity and tradability of investments in or related to those regions.
|
| Foreign Currency Risk |
Foreign Currency Risk:
Investments denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars may experience a decline in value, in U.S.
dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Portfolio’s investments
denominated in such currencies (particularly currencies of emerging markets countries), as well as any
investments in currencies themselves, could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant,
repatriation of funds or conversion of currencies. Irrespective of any foreign currency exposure hedging,
the Portfolio may experience a decline in the value of its portfolio securities, in U.S. dollar terms,
due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Investment Manager does not intend to utilize
foreign currency contracts for the purpose of generating investment returns.
|
| Focused Investing Risk |
Focused Investing Risk: The Portfolio’s net
asset value may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single issuer or group of issuers
and may be relatively more susceptible to adverse effects from any single corporate, industry, economic,
market, political or regulatory occurrence than if the Portfolio’s investments consisted of securities
issued by a larger number of issuers.
|
| Value Investing Risk |
Value Investing Risk: Value investments are believed by the Investment Manager to be undervalued, but
may not realize their perceived value for extended periods of time or may never realize their perceived
value. These securities may respond differently to market and other developments than other types of
securities.
|
| Large Cap Companies Risk |
Large Cap Companies Risk:
Investments in large cap companies may underperform other segments of the market when such other segments
are in favor or because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities
and may be unable to attain high growth rates during periods of economic expansion.
|
| Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk |
Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk: Small and mid cap companies
carry additional risks because their earnings tend to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile
and their securities less liquid than larger, more established companies. The shares of small and mid
cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger companies, which can have an adverse
effect on the pricing of these securities and on the ability to sell these securities when the Investment
Manager deems it appropriate.
|
| Securities Selection Risk |
Securities Selection Risk: Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio
may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared
to other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.
|
|
| Lazard Opportunistic Strategies Portfolio
|
Risk Table - Lazard Opportunistic Strategies Portfolio
|
Risk [Text Block] |
| Principal Investment Risks |
Principal
Investment Risks The value of your investment in the Portfolio
will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.
|
| Risk Lose Money [Member] |
The value of your investment in the Portfolio
will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.
|
| Market Risk |
Market
Risk: The Portfolio may incur losses due to declines in one or
more markets in which it invests. These declines may be the result of, among other things, political,
regulatory, market, economic or social developments affecting the relevant market(s). To the extent that
such developments impact specific industries, market sectors, countries or geographic regions, the Portfolio’s
investments in such industries, market sectors, countries and/or geographic regions can be expected to
be particularly affected, especially if such investments are a significant portion of its investment
portfolio. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or
fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.
Global economies and financial markets are increasingly interconnected, and conditions and events in
one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers worldwide. As a result, local, regional
or global events such as war or military conflict, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness
or other public health issues, social unrest, natural disasters, extreme weather, other geological events,
man-made disasters, supply chain disruptions, deflation, inflation, government defaults, government shutdowns,
the imposition of sanctions or other similar measures, recessions or other events could have a significant
negative impact on global economic and market conditions. For example, a public health or other emergency
and aggressive responses taken by many governments or voluntarily imposed by private parties, including
closing borders, restricting travel and imposing prolonged quarantines or similar restrictions, as well
as the closure of, or operational changes to, many retail and other businesses, may have severe negative
impacts on markets worldwide. Additionally, general market conditions may affect the value of a Portfolio’s
securities, including changes in interest rates, currency rates or monetary policies. Furthermore, the
imposition of tariffs, trade restrictions, currency restrictions or similar actions (or retaliatory measures
taken in response to such actions), or the threat or potential of one or more such events and developments,
could lead to price volatility and overall declines in the U.S. and global investment markets.
|
| Issuer Risk |
Issuer Risk: The value of a security
may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance,
financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical
and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s
value, such as investor perception.
|
| Underlying Funds Risk |
Underlying Funds Risk: Shares of closed-end funds and ETFs may trade at prices at, below or above their
net asset value. Shares of closed-end funds, in particular, frequently trade at persistent discounts
to their net asset value. In addition, the performance of an ETF pursuing a passive index-based strategy
may diverge from the performance of the index. The Portfolio’s investments in Underlying Funds
are subject to the risks of the Underlying Funds’ investments, as well as to the general risks
of investing in Underlying Funds. The Portfolio will bear not only the Portfolio’s management fees
and operating expenses, but also the Portfolio’s proportional share of the management fees and
operating expenses of the Underlying Funds in which the Portfolio invests. Rule 12d1-4 under the 1940
Act allows the Portfolio to acquire the securities of another investment company, including an Underlying
Fund, in excess of the limitations imposed by Section 12 of the 1940 Act, subject to certain limitations
and conditions.
|
| Short Position Risk |
Short Position Risk:
Short positions may involve substantial risks. If a short position appreciates in value during the period
of the Portfolio’s investment, there will be a loss to the Portfolio that could be substantial.
Short positions involve more risk than long positions because the maximum sustainable loss on a security
purchased is limited to the amount paid for the security plus the transaction costs. However, the Portfolio’s
potential loss on a short position is unlimited because, theoretically, there is no limit to the potential
price increase of a security. In addition, the Portfolio’s short sales transactions are dependent
on counterparties to its securities borrowing transactions and are subject to the risk of default by
a counterparty, which could result in a loss of Portfolio assets used as collateral or the loss of monies
owed to the Portfolio by a counterparty. Non-U.S.
Securities Risk: The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political,
social and economic factors affecting the non-U.S. countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests.
Non-U.S. securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political
instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially,
less liquidity. Non-U.S. securities may also subject the Portfolio’s investments to changes in
currency rates, which can make the return on an investment increase or decrease, unrelated to the quality
or performance of the investment itself. Non-U.S. securities may be subject to economic sanctions or
other governmental actions or developments, exchange controls (including repatriation restrictions),
confiscations, trade restrictions (including tariffs) or problems related to share registration, trade
settlement or asset custody, which could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Portfolio’s
ability to purchase or sell certain foreign securities. To the extent the Portfolio holds securities
subject to such actions, the securities may become difficult to value and/or less liquid (or illiquid).
In some cases, the securities may become worthless. In addition, as a result of trade restrictions (including
tariffs) and other similar governmental actions or developments, the Portfolio may be forced to sell
or otherwise dispose of foreign investments at inopportune times or prices.
|
| Emerging Market Risk |
Emerging Market Risk: Emerging market countries
generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less
stable, than those of developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based
predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade
conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. Further, investments
in securities of issuers located in certain emerging countries involve the risk of loss resulting from
problems in share registration, settlement or custody, substantial economic, political and social disruptions
and the threat or imposition of sanctions or exchange controls (including repatriation restrictions).
The securities markets of emerging market countries have historically been extremely volatile and less
liquid than more developed markets, thus, the Portfolio may be unable to liquidate its positions in such
securities at a favorable time or price. These market conditions may continue or worsen. Investments
in these countries may be subject to political, economic, legal, market and currency risks. Significant
devaluation of emerging market currencies against the U.S. dollar may occur subsequent to acquisition
of investments denominated in emerging market currencies. Emerging market countries may also be more
susceptible to fraud, corruption, and money laundering, which may result in negative commercial consequences
in relation to the value, liquidity and tradability of investments in or related to those regions.
|
| Foreign Currency Risk |
Foreign Currency Risk:
Investments denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars may experience a decline in value, in U.S.
dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Portfolio’s investments
denominated in such currencies (particularly currencies of
emerging markets countries), as well as any investments in currencies themselves, could be adversely
affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, repatriation of funds or conversion of currencies. Irrespective
of any foreign currency exposure hedging, the Portfolio may experience a decline in the value of its
portfolio securities, in U.S. dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The
Investment Manager does not intend to utilize foreign currency contracts for the purpose of generating
investment returns.
|
| Fixed-Income and Debt Securities Risk |
Fixed-Income and Debt Securities Risk: The market value of a debt security may decline due to general market conditions
that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic
conditions, changes in the outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse
investor sentiment generally. The debt securities market can be susceptible to increases in volatility
and decreases in liquidity. Liquidity can decline unpredictably in response to overall economic conditions
or credit tightening. Prices of bonds and other
debt securities tend to move inversely with changes in interest rates. Interest rate risk is usually
greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities or durations. A rise in interest rates (or
the expectation of a rise in interest rates) may result in periods of volatility, decreased liquidity
and increased redemptions, and, as a result, the Portfolio may have to liquidate portfolio securities
at disadvantageous prices. The Portfolio may be subject to heightened interest rate risk due to certain
changes in general economic conditions, inflation and monetary policy, such as certain types of interest
rate changes by the Federal Reserve. The Portfolio’s investments
in lower-rated, higher-yielding securities (“junk bonds”) are subject to greater credit risk
than its higher rated investments. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer will not make interest or
principal payments, or will not make payments on a timely basis. Non-investment grade securities tend
to be more volatile, less liquid and are considered speculative. If there is a decline, or perceived
decline, in the credit quality of a debt security (or any guarantor of payment on such security), the
security’s value could fall, potentially lowering the Portfolio’s share price. The prices
of non-investment grade securities, unlike investment grade debt securities, may fluctuate unpredictably
and not necessarily inversely with changes in interest rates. The market for these securities may be
less liquid and therefore these securities may be harder to value or sell at an acceptable price, especially
during times of market volatility or decline.
|
| Focused Investing Risk |
Focused
Investing Risk: The Portfolio’s net asset value may be more vulnerable
to changes in the market value of a single issuer or group of issuers and may be relatively more susceptible
to adverse effects from any single corporate, industry, economic, market, political or regulatory occurrence
than if the Portfolio’s investments consisted of securities issued by a larger number of issuers.
|
| Derivatives and Hedging Risk |
Derivatives and Hedging Risk:
Derivatives and other similar transactions, including those entered into for hedging purposes (i.e., seeking to protect Portfolio investments),
may increase volatility, reduce returns, limit gains or magnify losses, perhaps substantially, particularly
since most derivatives have a leverage component that provides investment exposure in excess of the amount
invested. Swap agreements; forward currency contracts; over-the-counter options on securities (including
options on shares of ETFs), indexes and currencies; and other over-the-counter derivatives transactions
are subject to the risks of the creditworthiness of and default by the counterparty and consequently
may lose all or a portion of their value due solely to the creditworthiness of or default by the counterparty.
Over-the-counter derivatives frequently may be illiquid and difficult to value. Changes in liquidity
may result in significant, rapid and unpredictable changes in the prices for derivatives. These derivatives
transactions, as well as the exchange-traded futures and options in which the Portfolio may invest, are
subject to many of the risks of, and can be highly sensitive to changes in the value of the related reference
asset, index or rate. As such, a small investment could have a potentially large impact on the Portfolio’s
performance. In fact, many derivatives may be subject to greater risks than those associated with investing
directly in the underlying or other reference asset. Derivatives transactions incur costs, either explicitly
or implicitly, which reduce returns, and costs of engaging in such transactions may outweigh any gains
or any losses averted from hedging activities. Successful use of derivatives, whether for hedging or
for other investment purposes, is subject to the Investment Manager’s ability to predict correctly
movements in the direction of the relevant reference asset or market and, for hedging activities, correlation
of the derivative instruments used with the investments seeking to be hedged. Use of derivatives transactions,
even if entered into for hedging purposes, may cause the Portfolio to experience losses greater than
if the Portfolio had not engaged in such transactions. When the Portfolio enters into derivatives transactions,
it may be required to post margin and make settlement payments while the positions are open, and the Portfolio may have to sell a security at
a disadvantageous time or price to meet such obligations. Derivatives transactions are also subject to
operational and legal risk.
|
| Commodities-Related Investments Risk |
Commodities-Related Investments Risk: Exposure to the commodities markets may subject the Portfolio to greater volatility
than other types of investments. The values of commodities and commodity-linked derivative instruments
are affected by events that may have less impact on the values of equity and fixed income securities.
Investments linked to the prices of commodities are considered speculative. Because the value of a commodity-linked
derivative instrument, such as a futures contract on a physical commodity, typically is based upon the
price movements of the underlying reference asset, index or rate, the value of these instruments will
rise or fall in response to changes in the underlying reference asset, index or rate. Prices of commodities
and commodity-linked investments may fluctuate significantly over short periods for a variety of factors,
including: changes in supply and demand relationships; weather; agricultural or livestock markets; agricultural
or livestock disease or pestilence; trade relationships; fiscal, monetary and exchange control programs;
and embargoes, tariffs, terrorism and international economic, political, military and regulatory developments.
|
| Sector Risk |
Sector Risk: Implementation of the Portfolio’s investment
strategy may, during certain periods, result in the investment of a significant portion of the Portfolio’s
assets in a particular market sector, such as companies in the information technology sector, and the
Portfolio would be expected to be affected by developments in that sector. Information Technology. Information technology companies
generally operate in intensely competitive markets on a worldwide basis. Because technological development
in many areas increases at a rapid rate, these companies often produce products with very short life
cycles and face the risk of product obsolescence. Information technology companies may be subject to
intense market volatility, changing consumer preferences, and government regulation or scrutiny.
|
| Securities Selection Risk |
Securities Selection Risk:
Securities and other investments selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform
to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds
with similar investment objectives or strategies.
|
|
| Lazard Real Assets Portfolio
|
Risk Table - Lazard Real Assets Portfolio
|
Risk [Text Block] |
| Principal Investment Risks |
Principal
Investment Risks The value of your investment in the Portfolio
will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.
|
| Risk Lose Money [Member] |
The value of your investment in the Portfolio
will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.
|
| Allocation Risk |
Allocation
Risk: The Portfolio’s ability to achieve its investment objective
depends in part on the Investment Manager’s skill in determining the Portfolio’s allocation
among real assets categories. The Investment Manager’s evaluations and assumptions underlying its
allocation decisions may differ from actual market conditions.
|
| Market Risk |
Market Risk: The Portfolio may incur
losses due to declines in one or more markets in which it invests. These declines may be the result of,
among other things, political, regulatory, market, economic or social developments affecting the relevant
market(s). To the extent that such developments impact specific industries, market sectors, countries
or geographic regions, the Portfolio’s investments in such industries, market sectors, countries
and/or geographic regions can be expected to be particularly affected, especially if such investments
are a significant portion of its investment portfolio. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and
reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which
could adversely affect the Portfolio. Global economies and financial markets are increasingly interconnected,
and conditions and events in one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers worldwide.
As a result, local, regional or global events such as war or military conflict, acts of terrorism, the
spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, social unrest, natural disasters, extreme
weather, other geological events, man-made disasters, supply chain disruptions, deflation, inflation,
government defaults, government shutdowns, the imposition of sanctions or other similar measures, recessions
or other events could have a significant negative impact on global economic and market conditions. For
example, a public health or other emergency and aggressive responses taken by many governments or voluntarily
imposed by private parties, including closing borders, restricting travel and imposing prolonged quarantines
or similar restrictions, as well as the closure of, or operational changes to, many retail and other
businesses, may have severe negative impacts on markets worldwide. Additionally, general market conditions
may affect the value of a Portfolio’s securities, including changes in interest rates, currency
rates or monetary policies. Furthermore, the imposition of tariffs, trade restrictions, currency restrictions
or similar actions (or retaliatory measures taken in response to such actions), or the threat or potential
of one or more such events and developments, could lead to price volatility and overall declines in the
U.S. and global investment markets.
|
| Issuer Risk |
Issuer Risk:
The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such
as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services,
as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors
unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.
|
| Natural Resources Risk |
Natural Resources Risk: Investments related to
natural resources may be affected by numerous factors, including events occurring in nature, inflationary
pressures and domestic and international politics. For example, events occurring in nature (such as earthquakes
or fires in prime natural resource areas) and political events (such as coups or military confrontations)
can affect the overall supply of a natural resource and the value of companies involved in such natural
resource. Political risks and other risks to which non-U.S. companies are subject also may affect U.S.
companies if they have significant operations or investments in non-U.S. countries. In addition, interest
rates, prices of raw materials and other commodities, international economic developments, energy conservation,
tax and other government regulations (both U.S. and non-U.S.) may affect the supply of and demand for
natural resources, which can affect the profitability and value of securities issued by companies in
the natural resources category. Securities of companies within specific natural resources sub-categories
can perform differently than the overall market. This may be due to changes in such things as the regulatory
or competitive environment or to changes in investor perceptions.
|
| Real Estate Investments Risk |
Real Estate Investments Risk: The Portfolio’s investments
in real estate investments, including REITs and infrastructure companies, could lose money due to the
performance of real estate-related securities even if securities markets generally are experiencing positive
results. The performance of real estate investments may be determined to a great extent by the current
status of the real estate industry in general, or by other factors that may affect the real estate industry,
even if other industries would not be so affected. Consequently, real estate investments could lead to
investment results that may be significantly different from investments in other real assets categories
or investments in the broader securities markets. The risks related to investments in real estate investments
include, but are not limited to: adverse changes in general economic and local market conditions; adverse
developments in employment; changes in supply or demand for similar or competing properties; unfavorable
changes in applicable taxes, governmental regulations and interest rates; operating or development expenses;
and lack of available financing. REITs. Due
to certain special considerations that apply to REITs, investments in REITs may carry additional risks
not necessarily present in investments in other securities. REIT securities (including those trading
on national exchanges) typically have trading volumes that are less than those of securities of other
types of companies, which may affect the Portfolio’s ability to trade or liquidate those securities.
An investment in a REIT may be adversely affected if the REIT fails to comply with applicable laws and
regulations, including failing to qualify as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the “Code”). Failure to qualify with any of these requirements could jeopardize a company’s
status as a REIT. The Portfolio generally will have no control over
the operations and policies of a REIT, including qualification as a REIT. Infrastructure Companies. Securities and instruments
of infrastructure companies are more susceptible to adverse economic or regulatory occurrences affecting
their industries. Infrastructure companies may be subject to a variety of factors that may adversely
affect their business or operations, including high interest costs in connection with capital construction
programs, high leverage, costs associated with environmental and other regulations, the effects of economic
slowdown, surplus capacity, increased competition from other providers of services, uncertainties concerning
the availability of fuel and other natural resources at reasonable prices, the effects of energy conservation
policies, unfavorable tax laws or accounting policies and other factors. Infrastructure companies also
may be affected by or subject to, among other factors, regulation by various government authorities,
including rate regulation, innovations in technology that could render the way in which a company delivers
a product or service obsolete and service interruption due to environmental, operational or other mishaps.
|
| Commodities-Related Investments Risk |
Commodities-Related Investments Risk:
Exposure to the commodities markets may subject the Portfolio to greater volatility than other types
of investments. The values of commodities and commodity-linked derivative instruments are affected by
events that may have less impact on the values of equity and fixed income securities. Investments linked
to the prices of commodities are considered speculative. Because the value of a commodity-linked derivative
instrument, such as a futures contract on a physical commodity, typically is based upon the price movements
of the underlying reference asset, index or rate, the value of these instruments will rise or fall in
response to changes in the underlying reference asset, index or rate. Prices of commodities and commodity-linked
investments may fluctuate significantly over short periods for a variety of factors, including: changes
in supply and demand relationships; weather; agricultural or livestock markets; agricultural or livestock
disease or pestilence; trade relationships; fiscal, monetary and exchange control programs; and embargoes,
tariffs, terrorism and international economic, political, military and regulatory developments.
|
| Fixed-Income and Debt Securities Risk |
Fixed-Income and Debt Securities Risk:
The market value of a debt security may decline due to general market conditions that are not specifically
related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the
outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally.
The debt securities market can be susceptible to increases in volatility and decreases in liquidity.
Liquidity can decline unpredictably in response to overall economic conditions or credit tightening. Prices of bonds and other debt securities tend to move inversely with changes
in interest rates. Interest rate risk is usually greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities
or durations. A rise in interest rates (or the expectation of a rise in interest rates) may result in
periods of volatility, decreased liquidity and increased redemptions, and, as a result, the Portfolio
may have to liquidate portfolio securities at disadvantageous prices. The Portfolio may be subject to
heightened interest rate risk due to certain changes in general economic conditions, inflation and monetary
policy, such as certain types of interest rate changes by the Federal Reserve. The
Portfolio’s investments in lower-rated, higher-yielding securities (“junk bonds”) are
subject to greater credit risk than its higher rated investments. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer
will not make interest or principal payments, or will not make payments on a timely basis. Non-investment
grade securities tend to be more volatile, less liquid and are considered speculative. If there is a
decline, or perceived decline, in the credit quality of a debt security (or any guarantor of payment
on such security), the security’s value could fall, potentially lowering the Portfolio’s
share price. The prices of non-investment grade securities, unlike investment grade debt securities,
may fluctuate unpredictably and not necessarily inversely with changes in interest rates. The market
for these securities may be less liquid and therefore these securities may be harder to value or sell
at an acceptable price, especially during times of market volatility or decline. Some
debt securities may give the issuer the option to call, or redeem, the securities before their maturity,
and, during a time of declining interest rates, the Portfolio may have to reinvest the proceeds of called
or redeemed securities in an investment offering a lower yield (and the Portfolio may not fully benefit
from any increase in the value of its portfolio holdings as a result of declining interest rates). Structured notes are privately negotiated debt instruments
where the principal and/or interest is determined by reference to a specified asset, market or rate,
or the differential performance of two assets or markets. Structured notes can have risks of both debt
securities and derivatives transactions.
|
| Government Securities Risk |
Government Securities Risk: Not all obligations of the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities
are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Some obligations are backed only by the
credit of the issuing agency or instrumentality, and in some cases there may be some risk of default
by the issuer. Any guarantee by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities of a security
held by the Portfolio does not apply to the market value of such security or to shares of the Portfolio
itself. A security backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the United States is guaranteed
only as to the timely payment of interest and principal when held to maturity. Notwithstanding that such
U.S. Government Securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, circumstances
could arise that would prevent the timely payment of interest or principal, which could result in losses
to the Portfolio (e.g., Congressional debt ceiling impasses). Non-U.S.
Securities Risk: The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political,
social and economic factors affecting the non-U.S. countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests.
Non-U.S. securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political
instability, a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially,
less liquidity. Non-U.S. securities may also subject the Portfolio’s investments to changes in
currency rates, which can make the return on an investment increase or decrease, unrelated to the quality
or performance of the investment itself. Non-U.S. securities may be subject to economic sanctions or
other governmental actions or developments, exchange controls (including repatriation restrictions),
confiscations, trade restrictions (including tariffs) or problems related to share registration, trade
settlement or asset custody, which could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Portfolio’s
ability to purchase or sell certain foreign securities. To the extent the Portfolio holds securities
subject to such actions, the securities may become difficult to value and/or less liquid (or illiquid).
In some cases, the securities may become worthless. In addition, as a result of trade restrictions (including
tariffs) and other similar governmental actions or developments, the Portfolio may be forced to sell
or otherwise dispose of foreign investments at inopportune times or prices.
|
| Emerging Market Risk |
Emerging Market Risk: Emerging market countries
generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less
stable, than those of developed countries. The economies of countries with emerging markets may be based
predominantly on only a few industries, may be highly vulnerable to changes in local or global trade
conditions, and may suffer from extreme debt burdens or volatile inflation rates. Further, investments
in securities of issuers located in certain emerging countries involve the risk of loss resulting from
problems in share registration, settlement or custody, substantial economic, political and social disruptions
and the threat or imposition of sanctions or exchange controls (including repatriation restrictions).
The securities markets of emerging market countries have historically been extremely volatile and less
liquid than more developed markets, thus, the Portfolio may be unable to liquidate its positions in such
securities at a favorable time or price. These market conditions may continue or worsen. Investments
in these countries may be subject to political, economic, legal, market and currency risks. Significant
devaluation of emerging market currencies against the U.S. dollar may occur subsequent to acquisition
of investments denominated in emerging market currencies. Emerging market countries may also be more
susceptible to fraud, corruption, and money laundering, which may result in negative commercial consequences
in relation to the value, liquidity and tradability of investments in or related to those regions.
|
| Foreign Currency Risk |
Foreign Currency Risk:
Investments denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars may experience a decline in value, in U.S.
dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. The Portfolio’s investments
denominated in such currencies (particularly currencies of emerging markets countries), as well as any
investments in currencies themselves, could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant,
repatriation of funds or conversion of currencies. Irrespective of any foreign currency exposure hedging,
the Portfolio may experience a decline in the value of its portfolio securities, in U.S. dollar terms,
due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
|
| Quantitative Model Risk |
Quantitative
Model Risk: A quantitative model, such as the risk and other models used
by the Investment Manager requires adherence to a systematic, disciplined process. The Investment Manager’s
ability to monitor and, if necessary, adjust its quantitative model could be adversely affected by various
factors including incorrect or outdated market and other data inputs. Factors that affect a security’s
value can change over time, and these changes may not be reflected in the quantitative model. In addition, factors used in quantitative
analysis and the weight placed on those factors may not be predictive of a security’s value.
|
| Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk |
Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk:
Small and mid cap companies carry additional risks because their earnings tend to be less predictable,
their share prices more volatile and their securities less liquid than larger, more established companies.
The shares of small and mid cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger companies,
which can have an adverse effect on the pricing of these securities and on the ability to sell these
securities when the Investment Manager deems it appropriate.
|
| Liquidity Risk |
Liquidity
Risk: The lack of a readily available market may limit the ability
of the Portfolio to sell certain securities and other investments at the time and price it would like.
The size of certain securities offerings of emerging markets issuers may be relatively smaller in size
than offerings in more developed markets and, in some cases, the Portfolio, by itself or together with
other Portfolios or other accounts managed by the Investment Manager, may hold a position in a security
that is large relative to the typical trading volume for that security; these factors can make it difficult
for the Portfolio to dispose of the position at the desired time or price.
|
| Derivatives and Hedging Risk |
Derivatives and Hedging Risk: Derivatives and other similar
transactions, including those entered into for hedging purposes (i.e., seeking to protect Portfolio investments), may increase volatility, reduce returns,
limit gains or magnify losses, perhaps substantially, particularly since most derivatives have a leverage
component that provides investment exposure in excess of the amount invested. Swap agreements; forward
currency contracts; over-the-counter options on securities (including options on shares of ETFs), indexes
and currencies; structured notes; and other over-the-counter derivatives transactions are subject to
the risks of the creditworthiness of and default by the counterparty and consequently may lose all or
a portion of their value due solely to the creditworthiness of or default by the counterparty. Over-the-counter
derivatives frequently may be illiquid and difficult to value. Changes in liquidity may result in significant,
rapid and unpredictable changes in the prices for derivatives. These derivatives transactions, as well
as the exchange-traded futures and options in which the Portfolio may invest, are subject to many of
the risks of, and can be highly sensitive to changes in the value of the related reference asset, index
or rate. As such, a small investment could have a potentially large impact on the Portfolio’s performance.
In fact, many derivatives may be subject to greater risks than those associated with investing directly
in the underlying or other reference asset. Derivatives transactions incur costs, either explicitly or
implicitly, which reduce returns, and costs of engaging in such transactions may outweigh any gains or
any losses averted from hedging activities. Successful use of derivatives, whether for hedging or for
other investment purposes, is subject to the Investment Manager’s ability to predict correctly
movements in the direction of the relevant reference asset or market and, for hedging activities, correlation
of the derivative instruments used with the investments seeking to be hedged. Use of derivatives transactions,
even if entered into for hedging purposes, may cause the Portfolio to experience losses greater than
if the Portfolio had not engaged in such transactions. When the Portfolio enters into derivatives transactions,
it may be required to post margin and make settlement payments while the positions are open, and the
Portfolio may have to sell a security at a disadvantageous time or price to meet such obligations. Derivatives
transactions are also subject to operational and legal risk. The same risks, as applicable, apply to
derivatives transactions by the Subsidiary.
|
| ETF Risk |
ETF
Risk: Shares of ETFs may trade at prices that vary from their net
asset values, sometimes significantly. The shares of ETFs may trade at prices at, below or above their
net asset value. In addition, the performance of an ETF pursuing a passive index-based strategy may diverge
from the performance of the index. The Portfolio’s investments in ETFs are subject to the risks
of the ETFs’ investments, as well as to the general risks of investing in ETFs. The Portfolio will
bear not only the Portfolio’s management fees and operating expenses, but also the Portfolio’s
proportional share of the management fees and operating expenses of the ETFs in which the Portfolio invests.
Although Section 12 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) limits
the amount of the Portfolio’s assets that may be invested in one or more ETFs, Rule 12d1-4 under
the 1940 Act allows the Portfolio to acquire the securities of another investment company, including
ETFs, in excess of the limitations imposed by Section 12 of the 1940 Act, subject to certain limitations
and conditions.
|
| Subsidiary and Tax Status Risk |
Subsidiary and Tax Status Risk: The Portfolio invests in the Subsidiary, which is not registered as an investment
company under the 1940 Act. A regulatory change in the U.S. or the Cayman Islands, under which the Portfolio
and the Subsidiary, respectively, are organized, that impacts the Subsidiary or how the Portfolio invests
in the Subsidiary, such as a change in tax law, could adversely affect the Portfolio. By investing in
the Subsidiary, the Portfolio is exposed to the risks associated with the Subsidiary’s investments,
which generally include the risks of investing in commodity-related derivative instruments (described
elsewhere in this Prospectus). Income and gains from commodities or certain commodity-linked derivative
instruments directly held by the Portfolio do not constitute “qualifying income” to the Portfolio
for purposes of qualification as a “regulated investment company” (“RIC”) for
federal income tax purposes. Without such qualification, the Portfolio could fail to qualify as a RIC
and be subject to tax. The Portfolio intends to gain exposure indirectly to commodity markets by investing
in its Subsidiary, which invests primarily in these commodity-linked derivative instruments. The tax
treatment of the Portfolio’s investments in the Subsidiary may be adversely affected by future
legislation, Treasury regulations, court decisions and/or guidance issued by the Internal Revenue Service
that could affect whether income derived from such investment is “qualifying income” under
the Code, or otherwise affect the character, timing and/or amount of the Portfolio’s taxable income
or any gains and distributions made by the Portfolio.
|
| Securities Selection Risk |
Securities
Selection Risk: Securities and other investments selected by the Investment
Manager for the Portfolio may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s
underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.
|
|
| Lazard US Convertibles Portfolio
|
Risk Table - Lazard US Convertibles Portfolio
|
Risk [Text Block] |
| Principal Investment Risks |
Principal Investment Risks The value
of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.
|
| Risk Lose Money [Member] |
The value
of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.
|
| Market Risk |
Market Risk: The Portfolio may incur losses due to declines
in one or more markets in which it invests. These declines may be the result of, among other things,
political, regulatory, market, economic or social developments affecting the relevant market(s). To the
extent that such developments impact specific industries, market sectors, countries or geographic regions,
the Portfolio’s investments in such industries, market sectors, countries and/or geographic regions
can be expected to be particularly affected, especially if such investments are a significant portion
of its investment portfolio. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity,
credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the
Portfolio. Global economies and financial markets are increasingly interconnected, and conditions and
events in one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers worldwide. As a result,
local, regional or global events such as war or military conflict, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious
illness or other public health issues, social unrest, natural disasters, extreme weather, other geological
events, man-made disasters, supply chain disruptions, deflation, inflation, government defaults, government
shutdowns, the imposition of sanctions or other similar measures, recessions or other events could have
a significant negative impact on global economic and market conditions. For example, a public health
or other emergency and aggressive responses taken by many governments or voluntarily imposed by private
parties, including closing borders, restricting travel and imposing prolonged quarantines or similar
restrictions, as well as the closure of, or operational changes to, many retail and other businesses,
may have severe negative impacts on markets worldwide. Additionally, general market conditions may affect
the value of a Portfolio’s securities, including changes in interest rates, currency rates or monetary
policies. Furthermore, the imposition of tariffs, trade restrictions, currency restrictions or similar
actions (or retaliatory measures taken in response to such actions), or the threat or potential of one
or more such events and developments, could lead to price volatility and overall declines in the U.S.
and global investment markets.
|
| Issuer Risk |
Issuer Risk:
The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such
as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services,
as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors
unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.
|
| Convertible Securities Risk |
Convertible Securities Risk: The market value of convertible
securities may perform like that of non-convertible fixed income securities; that is, their prices move
inversely with changes in interest rates (i.e.,
as interest rates go up, prices go down). In addition, convertible securities are subject to the risk
that the issuer will not make interest or principal payments, or will not make payments on a timely basis.
Since it derives a portion of its value from the common stock into which it may be converted, a convertible
security also is subject to the same types of market and issuer risks that apply to the underlying common
stock.
|
| Fixed-Income and Debt Securities Risk |
Fixed-Income and Debt Securities Risk: The market value of a debt security may decline due to general market conditions
that are not specifically related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic
conditions, changes in the outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse
investor sentiment generally. The debt securities market can be susceptible to increases in volatility
and decreases in liquidity. Liquidity can decline unpredictably in response to overall economic conditions
or credit tightening. Prices of bonds and other
debt securities tend to move inversely with changes in interest rates. Interest rate risk is usually
greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities or durations. A rise in interest rates (or
the expectation of a rise in interest rates) may result in periods of volatility, decreased liquidity
and increased redemptions, and, as a result, the Portfolio may have to liquidate portfolio securities
at disadvantageous prices. The Portfolio may be subject to heightened interest rate risk due to certain
changes in general economic conditions, inflation and monetary policy, such as certain types of interest
rate changes by the Federal Reserve. The Portfolio’s investments
in lower-rated, higher-yielding securities (“junk bonds”) are subject to greater credit risk
than its higher rated investments. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer will not make interest or
principal payments, or will not make payments on a timely basis. Non-investment grade securities tend
to be more volatile, less liquid and are considered speculative. If there is a decline, or perceived
decline, in the credit quality of a debt security (or any guarantor of payment on such security), the
security’s value could fall, potentially lowering the Portfolio’s share price. The prices
of non-investment grade securities, unlike investment grade debt securities, may fluctuate unpredictably
and not necessarily inversely with changes in interest rates. The
market for these securities may be less liquid and therefore these securities may be harder to value
or sell at an acceptable price, especially during times of market volatility or decline. Some
debt securities may give the issuer the option to call, or redeem, the securities before their maturity,
and, during a time of declining interest rates, the Portfolio may have to reinvest the proceeds of called
or redeemed securities in an investment offering a lower yield (and the Portfolio may not fully benefit
from any increase in the value of its portfolio holdings as a result of declining interest rates). Adjustable rate securities provide the Portfolio with a certain
degree of protection against rises in interest rates, although adjustable rate securities will participate
in any declines in interest rates. Certain adjustable rate securities, such as those with interest rates
that fluctuate directly or indirectly based on multiples of a stated index, are designed to be highly
sensitive to changes in interest rates and can subject the holders thereof to extreme reductions of yield
and possibly loss of principal. Certain fixed-income securities may be issued at a discount from their
face value (such as zero coupon securities) or purchased at a price less than their stated face amount
or at a price less than their issue price plus the portion of “original issue discount” previously
accrued thereon, i.e., purchased at a “market
discount.” The amount of original issue discount and/or market discount on certain obligations
may be significant, and accretion of market discount together with original issue discount will cause
the Portfolio to realize income prior to the receipt of cash payments with respect to these securities.
|
| Preferred Securities Risk |
Preferred Securities Risk:
There are various risks associated with investing in preferred securities. In addition, unlike common
stock, participation in the growth of an issuer may be limited. · Credit risk is the risk that a security held by the Portfolio will decline in
price or the issuer of the security will fail to make dividend, interest or principal payments when due
because the issuer experiences a decline in its financial status. · Interest rate risk is the risk that securities will decline in value because of
changes in market interest rates. When market interest rates rise, the market value of such securities
generally will fall. · Preferred securities may include provisions
that permit the issuer, at its discretion, to defer or omit distributions for a stated period without
any adverse consequences to the issuer. · Preferred securities are generally subordinated
to bonds and other debt instruments in an issuer’s capital structure in terms of having priority
to corporate income, claims to corporate assets and liquidation payments, and therefore will be subject
to greater credit risk than more senior debt instruments. · During periods of declining interest rates,
an issuer may be able to exercise an option to call, or redeem its issue at par earlier than the scheduled
maturity. If this occurs during a time of lower or declining interest rates, the Portfolio may have to
reinvest the proceeds in lower yielding securities (and the Portfolio may not benefit from any increase
in the value of its portfolio holdings as a result of declining interest rates). · Certain preferred securities may be substantially less liquid than many other
securities, such as common stocks or U.S. government securities. Illiquid securities involve the risk
that the securities will not be able to be sold at the time desired by the Portfolio or at prices approximating
the value at which the Portfolio is carrying the securities on its books.
|
| Depositary Receipts Risk |
Depositary Receipts Risk: American Depositary Receipts
and similar depositary receipts typically will be subject to certain of the risks associated with direct
investments in the securities of non-U.S. companies, because their values depend on the performance of
the underlying non-U.S. securities. However, currency fluctuations will impact investments in depositary
receipts differently than direct investments in non-U.S. dollar-denominated non-U.S. securities, because
a depositary receipt will not appreciate in value solely as a result of appreciation in the currency
in which the underlying non-U.S. dollar security is denominated.
|
| Government Securities Risk |
Government Securities Risk: Not all obligations of
the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities are backed by the full faith and credit of the
U.S. Treasury. Some obligations are backed only by the credit of the issuing agency or instrumentality, and in some cases there may be some risk
of default by the issuer. Any guarantee by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities of
a security held by the Portfolio does not apply to the market value of such security or to shares of
the Portfolio itself. A security backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the United
States is guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and principal when held to maturity. Notwithstanding
that such U.S. Government Securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, circumstances
could arise that would prevent the timely payment of interest or principal, which could result in losses
to the Portfolio (e.g., Congressional debt ceiling impasses).
|
| Quantitative Model Risk |
Quantitative
Model Risk: A quantitative model, such as the risk and other models used
by the Investment Manager requires adherence to a systematic, disciplined process. The Investment Manager’s
ability to monitor and, if necessary, adjust its quantitative model could be adversely affected by various
factors including incorrect or outdated market and other data inputs. Factors that affect a security’s
value can change over time, and these changes may not be reflected in the quantitative model. In addition,
factors used in quantitative analysis and the weight placed on those factors may not be predictive of
a security’s value.
|
| Derivatives and Hedging Risk |
Derivatives and Hedging Risk: Derivatives and other similar transactions, including those entered into for
hedging purposes (i.e., seeking to protect Portfolio
investments), may increase volatility, reduce returns, limit gains or magnify losses, perhaps substantially,
particularly since most derivatives have a leverage component that provides investment exposure in excess
of the amount invested. Swap agreements and other over-the-counter derivatives transactions are subject
to the risks of the creditworthiness of and default by the counterparty and consequently may lose all
or a portion of their value due solely to the creditworthiness of or default by the counterparty. Over-the-counter
derivatives frequently may be illiquid and difficult to value. Changes in liquidity may result in significant,
rapid and unpredictable changes in the prices for derivatives. These derivatives transactions, as well
as the exchange-traded futures and options in which the Portfolio may invest, are subject to many of
the risks of, and can be highly sensitive to changes in the value of the related reference asset, index
or rate. As such, a small investment could have a potentially large impact on the Portfolio’s performance.
In fact, many derivatives may be subject to greater risks than those associated with investing directly
in the underlying or other reference asset. Derivatives transactions incur costs, either explicitly or
implicitly, which reduce returns, and costs of engaging in such transactions may outweigh any gains or
any losses averted from hedging activities. Successful use of derivatives, whether for hedging or for
other investment purposes, is subject to the Investment Manager’s ability to predict correctly
movements in the direction of the relevant reference asset or market and, for hedging activities, correlation
of the derivative instruments used with the investments seeking to be hedged. Use of derivatives transactions,
even if entered into for hedging purposes, may cause the Portfolio to experience losses greater than
if the Portfolio had not engaged in such transactions. When the Portfolio enters into derivatives transactions,
it may be required to post margin and make settlement payments while the positions are open, and the
Portfolio may have to sell a security at a disadvantageous time or price to meet such obligations. Derivatives
transactions are also subject to operational and legal risk.
|
| Sector Risk |
Sector Risk:
Implementation of the Portfolio’s investment strategy may, during certain periods, result in the
investment of a significant portion of the Portfolio’s assets in a particular market sector, such
as companies in the information technology sector, and the Portfolio would be expected to be affected
by developments in that sector. Information Technology.
Information technology companies generally operate in intensely competitive markets
on a worldwide basis. Because technological development in many areas increases at a rapid rate, these
companies often produce products with very short life cycles and face the risk of product obsolescence.
Information technology companies may be subject to intense market volatility, changing consumer preferences,
and government regulation or scrutiny.
|
| Securities Selection Risk |
Securities
Selection Risk: Securities and other investments selected by the Investment
Manager for the Portfolio may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s
underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.
|
| Focused Investing Risk |
Focused Investing Risk: The
Portfolio’s net asset value may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single issuer
or group of issuers and may be relatively more susceptible to adverse effects from any single corporate,
industry, economic, market, political or regulatory occurrence than if the Portfolio’s investments
consisted of securities issued by a larger number of issuers.
|
| Liquidity Risk |
Liquidity Risk: The lack of a readily available
market may limit the ability of the Portfolio to sell certain securities and other investments at the
time and price it would like. The size of certain securities offerings of emerging markets issuers may
be relatively smaller in size than offerings in more developed markets and, in some cases, the Portfolio,
by itself or together with other Portfolios or other accounts managed by the Investment Manager, may
hold a position in a security that is large relative to the typical trading volume for that security;
these factors can make it difficult for the Portfolio to dispose of the position at the desired time
or price.
|
|
| Lazard US Equity Focus Portfolio
|
Risk Table - Lazard US Equity Focus Portfolio
|
Risk [Text Block] |
| Principal Investment Risks |
Principal
Investment Risks The value of your investment in the Portfolio
will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.
|
| Risk Lose Money [Member] |
The value of your investment in the Portfolio
will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.
|
| Market Risk |
Market
Risk: The Portfolio may incur losses due to declines in one or
more markets in which it invests. These declines may be the result of, among other things, political,
regulatory, market, economic or social developments affecting the relevant market(s). To the extent that
such developments impact specific industries, market sectors, countries or geographic regions, the Portfolio’s
investments in such industries, market sectors, countries and/or geographic regions can be expected to
be particularly affected, especially if such investments are a significant portion of its investment
portfolio. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or
fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.
Global economies and financial markets are increasingly interconnected, and conditions and events in
one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers worldwide. As a result, local, regional
or global events such as war or military conflict, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness
or other public health issues, social unrest, natural disasters, extreme weather, other geological events,
man-made disasters, supply chain disruptions, deflation, inflation, government defaults, government shutdowns,
the imposition of sanctions or other similar measures, recessions or other events could have a significant
negative impact on global economic and market conditions. For example, a public health or other emergency
and aggressive responses taken by many governments or voluntarily imposed by private parties, including
closing borders, restricting travel and imposing prolonged quarantines or similar restrictions, as well
as the closure of, or operational changes to, many retail and other businesses, may have severe negative
impacts on markets worldwide. Additionally, general market conditions may affect the value of a Portfolio’s
securities, including changes in interest rates, currency rates or monetary policies. Furthermore, the
imposition of tariffs, trade restrictions, currency restrictions or similar actions (or retaliatory measures
taken in response to such actions), or the threat or potential of one or more such events and developments,
could lead to price volatility and overall declines in the U.S. and global investment markets.
|
| Issuer Risk |
Issuer Risk: The value of a security
may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance,
financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical
and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s
value, such as investor perception.
|
| Non-Diversification Risk |
Non-Diversification Risk: The Portfolio’s net asset value may be more vulnerable to changes in the
market value of a single issuer or group of issuers and may be relatively more susceptible to adverse
effects from any single corporate, industry, economic, market, political or regulatory occurrence than
if the Portfolio’s investments consisted of securities issued by a larger number of issuers.
|
| Value Investing Risk |
Value Investing Risk: Value investments are believed
by the Investment Manager to be undervalued, but may not realize their perceived value for extended periods
of time or may never realize their perceived value. These securities may respond differently to market
and other developments than other types of securities.
|
| Large Cap Companies Risk |
Large Cap Companies Risk:
Investments in large cap companies may underperform other segments of the market when such other segments
are in favor or because such companies may be less responsive to competitive challenges and opportunities
and may be unable to attain high growth rates during periods of economic expansion.
|
| Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk |
Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk: Small and mid cap companies
carry additional risks because their earnings tend to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile
and their securities less liquid than larger, more established companies. The shares of small and mid
cap companies tend to trade less frequently than those of larger companies, which can have an adverse
effect on the pricing of these securities and on the ability to sell these securities when the Investment
Manager deems it appropriate. Non-U.S. Securities Risk: The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and
economic factors affecting the non-U.S. countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-U.S.
securities carry special risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability,
a lack of company information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity.
Non-U.S. securities may also subject the Portfolio’s investments to changes in currency rates,
which can make the return on an investment increase or decrease, unrelated to the quality or performance
of the investment itself. Non-U.S. securities may be subject to economic sanctions or other governmental
actions or developments, exchange controls (including repatriation restrictions), confiscations, trade
restrictions (including tariffs) or problems related to share registration, trade settlement or asset
custody, which could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Portfolio’s ability
to purchase or sell certain foreign securities. To the extent the Portfolio holds securities subject
to such actions, the securities may become difficult to value and/or less liquid (or illiquid). In some
cases, the securities may become worthless. In addition, as a result of trade restrictions (including
tariffs) and other similar governmental actions or developments, the Portfolio may be forced to sell
or otherwise dispose of foreign investments at inopportune times or prices. In addition, investments
denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars may experience a decline in value, in U.S. dollar terms,
due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Emerging market countries can generally have
economic structures that are less diverse and mature, and political systems that are less stable, than
those of developed countries.
|
| Sector Risk |
Sector Risk:
Implementation of the Portfolio’s investment strategy may, during certain periods, result in the
investment of a significant portion of the Portfolio’s assets in a particular market sector, such
as companies in the information technology sector, and the Portfolio would be expected to be affected
by developments in that sector. Information Technology.
Information technology companies generally operate in intensely competitive markets
on a worldwide basis. Because technological development in many areas increases at a rapid rate, these
companies often produce products with very short life cycles and face the risk of product obsolescence.
Information technology companies may be subject to intense market volatility, changing consumer preferences,
and government regulation or scrutiny.
|
| Securities Selection Risk |
Securities
Selection Risk: Securities and other investments selected by the Investment
Manager for the Portfolio may not perform to expectations. This could result in the Portfolio’s
underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives or strategies.
|
|
| Lazard US High Yield Portfolio
|
Risk Table - Lazard US High Yield Portfolio
|
Risk [Text Block] |
| Principal Investment Risks |
Principal Investment Risks The value
of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.
|
| Risk Lose Money [Member] |
The value
of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.
|
| Market Risk |
Market Risk: The Portfolio may incur losses due to declines
in one or more markets in which it invests. These declines may be the result of, among other things,
political, regulatory, market, economic or social developments affecting the relevant market(s). To the
extent that such developments impact specific industries, market sectors, countries or geographic regions,
the Portfolio’s investments in such industries, market sectors, countries and/or geographic regions
can be expected to be particularly affected, especially if such investments are a significant portion
of its investment portfolio. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity,
credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the
Portfolio. Global economies and financial markets are increasingly interconnected, and conditions and
events in one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers worldwide. As a result,
local, regional or global events such as war or military conflict, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious
illness or other public health issues, social unrest, natural disasters, extreme weather, other geological
events, man-made disasters, supply chain disruptions, deflation, inflation, government defaults, government
shutdowns, the imposition of sanctions or other similar measures, recessions or other events could have
a significant negative impact on global economic and market conditions. For example, a public health
or other emergency and aggressive responses taken by many governments or voluntarily imposed by private
parties, including closing borders, restricting travel and imposing prolonged quarantines or similar
restrictions, as well as the closure of, or operational changes to, many retail and other businesses,
may have severe negative impacts on markets worldwide. Additionally, general market conditions may affect
the value of a Portfolio’s securities, including changes in interest rates, currency rates or monetary
policies. Furthermore, the imposition of tariffs, trade restrictions, currency restrictions or similar
actions (or retaliatory measures taken in response to such actions), or the threat or potential of one
or more such events and developments, could lead to price volatility and overall declines in the U.S.
and global investment markets.
|
| Issuer Risk |
Issuer Risk:
The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such
as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services,
as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors
unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.
|
| Fixed-Income and Debt Securities Risk |
Fixed-Income and Debt Securities Risk: The market value of a debt
security may decline due to general market conditions that are not specifically related to a particular
company, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the outlook for corporate
earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally. The debt securities market can be susceptible
to increases in volatility and decreases in liquidity. Liquidity can decline unpredictably in response
to overall economic conditions or credit tightening. Prices
of bonds and other debt securities tend to move inversely with changes in interest rates. Interest rate
risk is usually greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities or durations. A rise in interest
rates (or the expectation of a rise in interest rates) may result in periods of volatility, decreased
liquidity and increased redemptions, and, as a result, the Portfolio may have to liquidate portfolio
securities at disadvantageous prices. The Portfolio may be subject to heightened interest rate risk due
to certain changes in general economic conditions, inflation and monetary policy, such as certain types
of interest rate changes by the Federal Reserve. The Portfolio’s
investments in lower-rated, higher-yielding securities (“junk bonds”) are subject to greater
credit risk than its higher rated investments. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer will not make
interest or principal payments, or will not make payments on a timely basis. Non-investment grade securities
tend to be more volatile, less liquid and are considered speculative. If there is a decline, or perceived
decline, in the credit quality of a debt security (or any guarantor of payment on such security), the
security’s value could fall, potentially lowering the Portfolio’s share price. The prices
of non-investment grade securities, unlike investment grade debt securities, may fluctuate unpredictably
and not necessarily inversely with changes in interest rates. The market for these securities may be
less liquid and therefore these securities may be harder to value or sell at an acceptable price, especially
during times of market volatility or decline.
|
| Interest Rate Risk |
Interest
Rate Risk: Prices of bonds and other debt securities tend to move inversely
with changes in interest rates. Interest rate risk is usually greater for fixed-income securities with
longer maturities or durations. A rise in interest rates (or the expectation of a rise in interest rates)
may result in periods of volatility, decreased liquidity and increased redemptions, and, as a result,
the Portfolio may have to liquidate portfolio securities at disadvantageous prices. The Portfolio may
be subject to heightened interest rate risk due to certain changes in general economic conditions, inflation
and monetary policy, such as certain types of interest rate changes by the Federal Reserve.
|
| Liquidity Risk |
Liquidity Risk: The lack of a readily available
market may limit the ability of the Portfolio to sell certain securities and other investments at the
time and price it would like. The size of certain securities offerings of emerging markets issuers may
be relatively smaller in size than offerings in more developed markets and, in some cases, the Portfolio,
by itself or together with other Portfolios or other accounts managed by the Investment Manager, may
hold a position in a security that is large relative to the typical trading volume for that security;
these factors can make it difficult for the Portfolio to dispose of the position at the desired time
or price. Non-U.S. Securities Risk:
The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting
the non-U.S. countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-U.S. securities carry special
risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company
information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity. Non-U.S. securities
may also subject the Portfolio’s investments to changes in currency rates, which can make the return
on an investment increase or decrease, unrelated to the quality or performance of the investment itself.
Non-U.S. securities may be subject to economic sanctions or other governmental actions or developments,
exchange controls (including repatriation restrictions), confiscations, trade restrictions (including
tariffs) or problems related to share registration, trade settlement or asset custody, which could, among
other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Portfolio’s ability to purchase or sell certain
foreign securities. To the extent the Portfolio holds securities subject to such actions, the securities
may become difficult to value and/or less liquid (or illiquid). In some cases, the securities may become
worthless. In addition, as a result of trade restrictions (including tariffs) and other similar governmental
actions or developments, the Portfolio may be forced to sell or otherwise dispose of foreign investments
at inopportune times or prices. In addition, investments denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars
may experience a decline in value, in U.S. dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange
rates. Emerging market countries can generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature,
and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries.
|
|
| Lazard US Short Duration Fixed Income Portfolio
|
Risk Table - Lazard US Short Duration Fixed Income Portfolio
|
Risk [Text Block] |
| Principal Investment Risks |
Principal Investment Risks The value
of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.
|
| Risk Lose Money [Member] |
The value
of your investment in the Portfolio will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.
|
| Market Risk |
Market Risk: The Portfolio may incur losses due to declines
in one or more markets in which it invests. These declines may be the result of, among other things,
political, regulatory, market, economic or social developments affecting the relevant market(s). To the
extent that such developments impact specific industries, market sectors, countries or geographic regions,
the Portfolio’s investments in such industries, market sectors, countries and/or geographic regions
can be expected to be particularly affected, especially if such investments are a significant portion
of its investment portfolio. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity,
credit and/or fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the
Portfolio. Global economies and financial markets are increasingly interconnected, and conditions and
events in one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers worldwide. As a result,
local, regional or global events such as war or military conflict, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious
illness or other public health issues, social unrest, natural disasters, extreme weather, other geological
events, man-made disasters, supply chain disruptions, deflation, inflation, government defaults, government
shutdowns, the imposition of sanctions or other similar measures, recessions or other events could have
a significant negative impact on global economic and market conditions. For example, a public health
or other emergency and aggressive responses taken by many governments or voluntarily imposed by private
parties, including closing borders, restricting travel and imposing prolonged quarantines or similar
restrictions, as well as the closure of, or operational changes to, many retail and other businesses,
may have severe negative impacts on markets worldwide. Additionally, general market conditions may affect
the value of a Portfolio’s securities, including changes in interest rates, currency rates or monetary
policies. Furthermore, the imposition of tariffs, trade restrictions, currency restrictions or similar
actions (or retaliatory measures taken in response to such actions), or the threat or potential of one
or more such events and developments, could lead to price volatility and overall declines in the U.S.
and global investment markets.
|
| Issuer Risk |
Issuer Risk:
The value of a security may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such
as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services,
as well as the historical and prospective earnings of the issuer and the
value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s value, such as investor perception.
|
| Fixed-Income and Debt Securities Risk |
Fixed-Income and Debt Securities Risk:
The market value of a debt security may decline due to general market conditions that are not specifically
related to a particular company, such as real or perceived adverse economic conditions, changes in the
outlook for corporate earnings, changes in interest or currency rates or adverse investor sentiment generally.
The debt securities market can be susceptible to increases in volatility and decreases in liquidity.
Liquidity can decline unpredictably in response to overall economic conditions or credit tightening. Prices of bonds and other debt securities tend to move inversely with changes
in interest rates. Interest rate risk is usually greater for fixed-income securities with longer maturities
or durations. A rise in interest rates (or the expectation of a rise in interest rates) may result in
periods of volatility, decreased liquidity and increased redemptions, and, as a result, the Portfolio
may have to liquidate portfolio securities at disadvantageous prices. The Portfolio may be subject to
heightened interest rate risk due to certain changes in general economic conditions, inflation and monetary
policy, such as certain types of interest rate changes by the Federal Reserve. The
Portfolio’s investments in lower-rated, higher-yielding securities (“junk bonds”) are
subject to greater credit risk than its higher rated investments. Credit risk is the risk that the issuer
will not make interest or principal payments, or will not make payments on a timely basis. Non-investment
grade securities tend to be more volatile, less liquid and are considered speculative. If there is a
decline, or perceived decline, in the credit quality of a debt security (or any guarantor of payment
on such security), the security’s value could fall, potentially lowering the Portfolio’s
share price. The prices of non-investment grade securities, unlike investment grade debt securities,
may fluctuate unpredictably and not necessarily inversely with changes in interest rates. The market
for these securities may be less liquid and therefore these securities may be harder to value or sell
at an acceptable price, especially during times of market volatility or decline. Adjustable rate securities provide the Portfolio with a certain degree of protection
against rises in interest rates, although adjustable rate securities will participate in any declines
in interest rates. Certain adjustable rate securities, such as those with interest rates that fluctuate
directly or indirectly based on multiples of a stated index, are designed to be highly sensitive to changes
in interest rates and can subject the holders thereof to extreme reductions of yield and possibly loss
of principal. Certain fixed-income securities may be issued at a discount from their face value (such
as zero coupon securities) or purchased at a price less than their stated face amount or at a price less
than their issue price plus the portion of “original issue discount” previously accrued thereon,
i.e., purchased at a “market discount.”
The amount of original issue discount and/or market discount on certain obligations may be significant,
and accretion of market discount together with original issue discount will cause the Portfolio to realize
income prior to the receipt of cash payments with respect to these securities.
|
| Mortgage-Related and Asset-Backed Securities Risk |
Mortgage-Related and Asset-Backed Securities Risk:
Mortgage-related securities are complex instruments, subject to both credit and prepayment risk, and
may be more volatile and less liquid, and more difficult to price accurately, than more traditional debt
securities. Mortgage-related securities generally are subject to credit risks associated with the performance
of the underlying mortgage properties. Prepayment risk can lead to fluctuations in value of the mortgage-related
security which may be pronounced. As with other interest-bearing securities, the prices of certain mortgage-related
securities are inversely affected by changes in interest rates (or the expectation of such changes).
However, although the value of a mortgage-related security may decline when interest rates rise, the
converse is not necessarily true, since during periods of declining interest rates the mortgages underlying
the security are more likely to be prepaid. The risks
of asset-backed securities are similar to those of mortgage-related securities. However, asset-backed
securities present certain risks that are not presented by mortgage-related securities. Primarily, these
securities may provide the Portfolio with a less effective security interest in the related collateral
than do mortgage-related securities.
|
| Structured Products Risk |
Structured Products Risk: Structured notes and other structured products are privately negotiated debt
instruments where the principal and/or interest is determined by reference to a specified asset, market
or rate, or the differential performance of two assets or markets. Structured products can have risks
of both fixed-income securities and derivatives transactions. Derivatives transactions may increase volatility
or reduce returns, perhaps substantially, particularly since most derivatives have a leverage component
that provides investment exposure in excess of the amount invested, and they are subject to many of the risks
of, and can be highly sensitive to changes in the value of, the related reference asset, market or rate.
As such, a small investment could have a potentially large impact on the Portfolio’s performance.
Use of derivatives transactions may cause the Portfolio to experience losses greater than if the Portfolio
had not engaged in such transactions.
|
| Preferred Securities Risk |
Preferred Securities Risk: There are various risks associated with investing in preferred securities. In
addition, unlike common stock, participation in the growth of an issuer may be limited. · Credit risk is the risk that a security held by the Portfolio will decline in
price or the issuer of the security will fail to make dividend, interest or principal payments when due
because the issuer experiences a decline in its financial status. · Interest rate risk is the risk that securities will decline in value because of
changes in market interest rates. When market interest rates rise, the market value of such securities
generally will fall. · Preferred securities may include provisions
that permit the issuer, at its discretion, to defer or omit distributions for a stated period without
any adverse consequences to the issuer. · Preferred securities are generally subordinated
to bonds and other debt instruments in an issuer’s capital structure in terms of having priority
to corporate income, claims to corporate assets and liquidation payments, and therefore will be subject
to greater credit risk than more senior debt instruments. · During periods of declining interest rates,
an issuer may be able to exercise an option to call, or redeem its issue at par earlier than the scheduled
maturity. If this occurs during a time of lower or declining interest rates, the Portfolio may have to
reinvest the proceeds in lower yielding securities (and the Portfolio may not benefit from any increase
in the value of its portfolio holdings as a result of declining interest rates). · Certain preferred securities may be substantially less liquid than many other
securities, such as common stocks or U.S. government securities. Illiquid securities involve the risk
that the securities will not be able to be sold at the time desired by the Portfolio or at prices approximating
the value at which the Portfolio is carrying the securities on its books.
|
| High Portfolio Turnover Risk |
High Portfolio Turnover Risk: The Portfolio’s investment
strategy may involve high portfolio turnover (such as 100% or more). A portfolio turnover rate of 100%,
for example, is equivalent to the Portfolio buying and selling all of its securities once during the
course of the year. A high portfolio turnover rate could result in high transaction costs and an increase
in taxable capital gains distributions to the Portfolio’s shareholders, which will reduce returns
to shareholders. Non-U.S. Securities Risk:
The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting
the non-U.S. countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-U.S. securities carry special
risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company
information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity. Non-U.S. securities
may also subject the Portfolio’s investments to changes in currency rates, which can make the return
on an investment increase or decrease, unrelated to the quality or performance of the investment itself.
Non-U.S. securities may be subject to economic sanctions or other governmental actions or developments,
exchange controls (including repatriation restrictions), confiscations, trade restrictions (including
tariffs) or problems related to share registration, trade settlement or asset custody, which could, among
other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Portfolio’s ability to purchase or sell certain
foreign securities. To the extent the Portfolio holds securities subject to such actions, the securities
may become difficult to value and/or less liquid (or illiquid). In some cases, the securities may become
worthless. In addition, as a result of trade restrictions (including tariffs) and other similar governmental
actions or developments, the Portfolio may be forced to sell or otherwise dispose of foreign investments
at inopportune times or prices. In addition, investments denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars
may experience a decline in value, in U.S. dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange
rates. Emerging market countries can generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature,
and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries.
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| Government Securities Risk |
Government Securities Risk: Not all obligations of
the U.S. government, its agencies and instrumentalities are backed by the full faith and credit of the
U.S. Treasury. Some obligations are backed only by the credit of the issuing agency or instrumentality, and in some cases there may be some risk
of default by the issuer. Any guarantee by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities of
a security held by the Portfolio does not apply to the market value of such security or to shares of
the Portfolio itself. A security backed by the U.S. Treasury or the full faith and credit of the United
States is guaranteed only as to the timely payment of interest and principal when held to maturity. Notwithstanding
that such U.S. Government Securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, circumstances
could arise that would prevent the timely payment of interest or principal, which could result in losses
to the Portfolio (e.g., Congressional debt ceiling impasses).
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| Lazard US Small Cap Equity Select Portfolio
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Risk Table - Lazard US Small Cap Equity Select Portfolio
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Risk [Text Block] |
| Principal Investment Risks |
Principal
Investment Risks The value of your investment in the Portfolio
will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.
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| Risk Lose Money [Member] |
The value of your investment in the Portfolio
will fluctuate, which means you could lose money.
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| Market Risk |
Market
Risk: The Portfolio may incur losses due to declines in one or
more markets in which it invests. These declines may be the result of, among other things, political,
regulatory, market, economic or social developments affecting the relevant market(s). To the extent that
such developments impact specific industries, market sectors, countries or geographic regions, the Portfolio’s
investments in such industries, market sectors, countries and/or geographic regions can be expected to
be particularly affected, especially if such investments are a significant portion of its investment
portfolio. In addition, turbulence in financial markets and reduced liquidity in equity, credit and/or
fixed income markets may negatively affect many issuers, which could adversely affect the Portfolio.
Global economies and financial markets are increasingly interconnected, and conditions and events in
one country, region or financial market may adversely impact issuers worldwide. As a result, local, regional
or global events such as war or military conflict, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness
or other public health issues, social unrest, natural disasters, extreme weather, other geological events,
man-made disasters, supply chain disruptions, deflation, inflation, government defaults, government shutdowns,
the imposition of sanctions or other similar measures, recessions or other events could have a significant
negative impact on global economic and market conditions. For example, a public health or other emergency
and aggressive responses taken by many governments or voluntarily imposed by private parties, including
closing borders, restricting travel and imposing prolonged quarantines or similar restrictions, as well
as the closure of, or operational changes to, many retail and other businesses, may have severe negative
impacts on markets worldwide. Additionally, general market conditions may affect the value of a Portfolio’s
securities, including changes in interest rates, currency rates or monetary policies. Furthermore, the
imposition of tariffs, trade restrictions, currency restrictions or similar actions (or retaliatory measures
taken in response to such actions), or the threat or potential of one or more such events and developments,
could lead to price volatility and overall declines in the U.S. and global investment markets.
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| Issuer Risk |
Issuer Risk: The value of a security
may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance,
financial leverage and reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services, as well as the historical
and prospective earnings of the issuer and the value of its assets or factors unrelated to the issuer’s
value, such as investor perception.
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| Small and Mid Cap Companies Risk |
Small and Mid Cap Companies
Risk: Small and mid cap companies carry additional risks because
their earnings tend to be less predictable, their share prices more volatile and their securities less
liquid than larger, more established companies. The shares of small and mid cap companies tend to trade
less frequently than those of larger companies, which can have an adverse effect on the pricing of these
securities and on the ability to sell these securities when the Investment Manager deems it appropriate.
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| Value Investing Risk |
Value Investing Risk: Value investments are believed
by the Investment Manager to be undervalued, but may not realize their perceived value for extended periods
of time or may never realize their perceived value. These securities may respond differently to market
and other developments than other types of securities. Non-U.S. Securities Risk:
The Portfolio’s performance will be influenced by political, social and economic factors affecting
the non-U.S. countries and companies in which the Portfolio invests. Non-U.S. securities carry special
risks, such as less developed or less efficient trading markets, political instability, a lack of company
information, differing auditing and legal standards, and, potentially, less liquidity. Non-U.S. securities
may also subject the Portfolio’s investments to changes in currency rates, which can make the return
on an investment increase or decrease, unrelated to the quality or performance of the investment itself.
Non-U.S. securities may be subject to economic sanctions or other governmental actions or developments,
exchange controls (including repatriation restrictions), confiscations, trade restrictions (including
tariffs) or problems related to share registration, trade settlement or asset custody, which could, among
other things, effectively restrict or eliminate the Portfolio’s ability to purchase or sell certain
foreign securities. To the extent the Portfolio holds securities subject to such actions, the securities
may become difficult to value and/or less liquid (or illiquid). In some cases, the securities may become
worthless. In addition, as a result of trade restrictions (including tariffs) and other similar governmental
actions or developments, the Portfolio may be forced to sell or otherwise dispose of foreign investments
at inopportune times or prices. In addition, investments denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars
may experience a decline in value, in U.S. dollar terms, due solely to fluctuations in currency exchange
rates. Emerging market countries can generally have economic structures that are less diverse and mature,
and political systems that are less stable, than those of developed countries.
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| Securities Selection Risk |
Securities Selection Risk: Securities and other investments
selected by the Investment Manager for the Portfolio may not perform to expectations. This could result
in the Portfolio’s underperformance compared to other funds with similar investment objectives
or strategies.
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| High Portfolio Turnover Risk |
High Portfolio Turnover Risk:
The Portfolio’s investment strategy may involve high portfolio turnover (such as 100% or more).
A portfolio turnover rate of 100%, for example, is equivalent to the Portfolio buying and selling all
of its securities once during the course of the year. A high portfolio turnover rate could result in
high transaction costs and an increase in taxable capital gains distributions to the Portfolio’s
shareholders, which will reduce returns to shareholders.
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