Bond fund owners and
bond owners losing more than $250,000 to recover their losses on the Internet
WWW
Bond fund owners and bond owners
losing more than $250,000 in their investments due do to brokder
misconduct. Their bonds have become
illiquid or defaulted as a result of the sub-prime crisis. The ratings agencies reduce their ratings
from AAA to junk bond lowsl. The brokers
recomended these bond funds and bonds hedge funds as a "conservative fixed
income investment that can not probably lose money and is insured in the event
that it loses money." These bonds
have devaluated excessively due to the recent news and the run on the
investment banking companies, leaving investors with worthless paper. Some of these investors put the mony in
headge funds that keep trading and reselling papers to third parties causing
additional unreasonable losses. Such
investors, many of whome have retired and depend on these investments, may be
entitled to recover their losses. They
have to contact lawyers, who specialize in this area, and offer free
consultations and no fee if no recovery occurs.
Following are some examples as the Internet WWW (World Wide Web) reports
them:
http://stockam.wordpress.com/2008/03/10/waking-up-to-red-ticks/
No
relief for bulls
It
was bears day out, as they dominated throughout the trading session. After the
Sensex opened with a huge negative gap of over 300 points, unabated selling saw
the index slip below the 16k mark. Sensex closed at the lowest level since
September 18, 2007. The fall could be attributed to a melt down in the
global equity markets. Finally, the 30-share Sensex closed at 15,542 dropping
566 points. The NSE Nifty closed at 4,771 losing 149 points.
http://www.sec.gov/news/digest/06-11.txt
The
Commission's complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of
Columbia, alleges that, during the period 1997 through April 2001 Gobora
defrauded Merrill Lynch clients in two ways. The first scheme involved
"cherry picking" short term foreign exchange trades, with profitable
trades allocated by Gobora to favored clients, and losing trades given to
unfavored clients. The second scheme involved delaying the execution and
allocation of foreign exchange trades that were prompted by client trades of
foreign securities; if the market moved positively after a position was opened,
Gobora allocated the trade to favored clients, with the original client trading
the foreign exchange at the later, less favorable price. The Merrill Lynch
clients that were hurt by these schemes included several U.S. registered
investment companies.
The
amended complaint alleges, among other things, that the four principals of
Beacon Hill together implemented a fraudulent scheme that resulted in investors
losing more than $300 million. The allegations are that from at least the
beginning of 2002 through October 2002, Beacon Hill and its principals made
material misrepresentations to investors and engaged in other fraudulent
conduct. The misrepresentations concerned the methodology Beacon Hill used for
calculating the net asset values of the hedge funds it managed; the hedging and
trading strategy for the purportedly "market neutral" funds; and the
value and performance of the funds.
http://www.secinfo.com/dqd82.v9.htm
However,
if you cannot afford the risk of losing your entire investment in this
partnership, you should not purchase these partnership interests.
Signature(s)
- do not sign without familiarizing yourself with the information in the
Prospectus, including: (i) the fundamental risks and financial hazards of this
investment, including the risk of losing your entire investment; (ii) that the
Partnership is the first client account to trade in the Atlas Futures Fund
portfolio; (iii) the Partnership's substantial charges; (iv) the Partnership's
highly leveraged trading activities; (v) the lack of liquidity of the Units
including a lock-in period of twelve months; (vi) the existence of actual and
potential conflicts of interest in the structure and operation of the
Partnership; (vii) that Limited Partners may not take part in the management of
the Partnership; and (viii) the tax consequences of the Partnership.
http://www.newagebd.com/2006/jan/03/busi.html
Dhaka
stocks bounce back
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
Dhaka stocks bounced back with
index gaining 19.14 points Monday after a low start of the new year’s trading.
The Chittagong Stock Exchange, however, extended its losing streak on the
second day of 2006.
http://www.collectstocks.com/frofhoinde19.html
Reorganizing
Under Bankruptcy Protection: Early 2000s
LoRe continued the "mainstreaming" of Frederick's that Patterson had
begun, but the financial health of the company soon became the primary concern.
In June 2000 Knightsbridge sold the company to Wilshire Partners, a private
investment firm based in Newport Beach, California, for an undisclosed price.
At this time Frederick's was sagging under the crushing weight of a $70 million
debt load, most of which was a legacy of the Knightsbridge takeover, which was
devised as a leveraged buyout. It was also losing its long-running battle with
Victoria's Secret, whose sales neared the $3 billion mark by 1999--compared
with Frederick's approximate revenues of $145 million. Therefore, Frederick's
filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in July 2000 and secured new
financing enabling it to maintain operations and continue to revamp its product
lines and stores.
http://www.secinfo.com/dMMAy.tb.9.htm
If
the counterparty of the repurchase agreement defaults and does not repurchase
the underlying security, the Fund might incur a loss if the value of the
underlying security declines, and the Fund might incur disposition costs in
liquidating the underlying security. In addition, if the counterparty becomes
involved in bankruptcy proceedings, the Fund may be delayed or prevented from
obtaining the underlying security for its own purposes. In order to minimize
any such risk, the Fund will only engage in repurchase agreements with
recognized securities dealers and banks determined to present minimal credit
risk by the Adviser, under the direction and supervision of the Board of
Directors.
The
High Yield Bond Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in asset-backed
securities. The Everest Fund, Bond Fund, Money Market Fund and Large Cap Growth
Fund may invest without limitation in asset-backed securities whose
characteristics are consistent with the Fund's investment program and are not
further limited below. The credit quality of most asset-backed securities
depends primarily on the credit quality of the assets underlying such
securities, how well the entity issuing the security is insulated from the
credit risk of the originator of the debt obligations or any other affiliated
entities and the amount and quality of any credit support provided to the
securities. The rate of principal payment on asset-backed securities generally
depends on the rate of principal payments received on the underlying assets
which in turn may be affected by a variety of economic and other factors. As a
result, the yield on any asset-backed security is difficult to predict with
precision and actual yield to maturity may be more or less than the anticipated
yield to maturity. In addition, for asset-backed securities purchased at a
premium, the premium may be lost in the event of early pre-payment which may
result in a loss to the Fund.
http://www.marketwatch.com/tools/quotes/secarticle.asp?&sid=1762933&symb=MGI&guid=4247786&type=1
We
are subject to a number of risks relating to U.S. federal and state regulatory
requirements which could result in material settlements, fines or penalties or
changes in our business operations that may adversely affect our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
In
the United States, the money transfer business is subject to a variety of state
regulations. We are also subject to U.S. federal anti-money laundering laws and
the requirements of the Office of Foreign Assets Control, which prohibit us
from transmitting money to specified countries or on behalf of prohibited
individuals. If we were to inadvertently transmit money on behalf of, or
unknowingly conduct business with, a prohibited individual, we could be
required to pay significant damages, including fines and penalties. The USA
PATRIOT Act mandates several anti-money laundering requirements. Any
intentional or negligent violation of anti-money laundering laws by our
employees could lead to significant fines and/or penalties, and could limit our
ability to conduct business in some jurisdictions. The federal government or
the states may elect to impose additional anti-money laundering requirements.
Changes in laws, regulations or other industry practices and standards may
occur which could increase our compliance and other costs of doing business,
could require significant systems redevelopment, reduce the market for or value
of our products or services or render our products or services less profitable
or obsolete, and could have an adverse effect on our results of operations. If
onerous regulatory requirements were imposed on our agents, they could lead to
a loss of agents, which, in turn, could lead to a loss of retail business.
Failure
to comply with the laws and regulatory requirements of federal and state
regulatory authorities could result in, among other things, revocation of
required licenses or registrations, loss of approved status, termination of
contracts with banks or retail representatives, administrative enforcement actions
|
If
we lose key retail agents in our Global Funds Transfer segment,
...... million from the settlement of a lawsuit brought by Game
Financial Corporation. ... |
Headge Bond Funds losing multi $00,000
lawsuit
http://www.marketwatch.com/tools/quotes/secarticle.asp?&sid=1762933&symb=MGI&guid=4247786&type=1
our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our
business has in the past been, and may in the future continue to be, the
subject of class actions, regulatory actions, investigations or other
litigation. The outcome of class action lawsuits, regulatory actions or
investigations is difficult to assess or quantify. Plaintiffs in these types of
lawsuits may seek recovery of very large or indeterminate amounts, and the
magnitude of lawsuits and actions may remain unknown for substantial periods of
time. The cost to defend future lawsuits or investigations may be significant.
There may also be adverse publicity associated with lawsuits and investigations
that could decrease customer acceptance of our services. As a result,
litigation or investigations may adversely affect our business, financial
condition and results of operations.
http://icma.eprospectus.edgar-online.com/EFX_dll/EDGARpro.dll?FetchFilingHTML1?sessionId=oMawCP1sZQABS2h&ID=4372364
The state`s geographic
location renders it vulnerable to natural disasters such as hurricanes. The
state of Florida experienced severe hurricanes in mid-August and early
September 2004. Hurricane Charley, a category 4 hurricane, hit the state`s
southwest and central regions in mid-August. Hurricane Frances followed on the
heels of Charley, but was less severe as a category 2 hurricane. A third
hurricane, Hurricane Ivan, a category 3 hurricane, followed Hurricane Frances.
The damage from the hurricanes is estimated at $4 billion. Florida`s
non-reimbursable share of the total cost of the hurricanes is $676 million. The
major portion of the claims from the hurricanes is expected to be handled by
insurance companies and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. In 1996
Florida settled a lawsuit with the tobacco industry in which the state sought
to recover the costs associated with tobacco usage by Flo ridians. The total
amount expected to be collected from the tobacco companies through the
settlement is estimated to be around $13 billion over 25 years. This money will
be used for children`s health coverage, to reimburse the state for smoking
-related medical expenses, and for state enforcement efforts in reducing sales
of tobacco products. As of June 30, 2004, settlement collections of $4.2
billion have been reported by the state.
PAGE
1
<R>
PROSPECTUS
</R>
<R>
MAY
1, 2006
</R>
T.
Rowe Price
Industry-Focused
Equity Funds
A
family of stock funds seeking long-term capital growth by maintaining
industry-focused
portfolios.
The
Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these
securities or passed upon the adequacy of this prospectus.
Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
<R>
|
1 |
|
About
the Funds |
|
|
|
|
Objective,
Strategy, Risks, and Expenses |
1 |
|
|
|
Other
Information About the Funds |
19 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
|
Information
About Accounts in T. Rowe |
|
|
|
|
Pricing
Shares and Receiving |
24 |
|
|
|
Useful
Information on Distributions and Taxes |
30 |
|
|
|
Transaction
Procedures and |
36 |
|
|
|
Account
Maintenance and Small |
39 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
3 |
|
More
About the Funds |
|
|
|
|
Organization
and Management |
41 |
|
|
|
Understanding
Performance Information |
44 |
|
|
|
Investment
Policies and Practices |
45 |
|
|
|
Disclosure
of Fund Portfolio Information |
51 |
|
|
|
Financial
Highlights |
52 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
Investing
With T. Rowe Price |
|
|
|
|
Account
Requirements |
61 |
|
|
|
Opening
a New Account |
62 |
|
|
|
Purchasing
Additional Shares |
64 |
|
|
|
Exchanging
and Redeeming Shares |
65 |
|
|
|
Rights
Reserved by the Funds |
67 |
|
|
|
Information
About Your Services |
68 |
|
|
|
T.
Rowe Price Brokerage |
70 |
|
|
|
Investment
Information |
71 |
|
|
|
T.
Rowe Price Privacy Policy |
73 |
</R>
PAGE
3
T. Rowe Price
Industry
— Focused Equity
Funds
T. Rowe Price Developing Technologies Fund, Inc.
T. Rowe Price Financial Services
Fund, Inc.
T. Rowe Price Global Technology
Fund, Inc.
T. Rowe Price Health Sciences
Fund, Inc.
T. Rowe Price Media &
Telecommunications Fund, Inc.
T. Rowe Price New Era Fund, Inc.
T. Rowe Price Real Estate Fund,
Inc.
T. Rowe Price Science &
Technology Fund, Inc.
<R>
Founded in 1937
by the late
Thomas
Rowe Price, Jr.,
T. Rowe Price
Associates, Inc.
(T.
Rowe Price), and its affiliates managed $ 269.5 billion for more than nine
million
individual
and institutional
investor
accounts as of
December 31, 2005 . T. Rowe Price is the
funds` investment
manager.
</R>
Mutual fund
shares are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by, any depository
institution. Shares are not insured by the FDIC, Federal Reserve, or any other
government agency, and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of
the principal amount
invested.
About
the Funds 1
OBJECTIVE STRATEGY
RISKS AND EXPENSES
What
is each fund`s objective?
|
Fund |
Objective |
Expected
risk relative to one another |
|
|
Developing
Technologies |
|
Highest |
|
|
Financial
Services |
Long-term
growth of capital and a modest level of income. |
Higher |
|
|
Global
Technology |
Long-term
capital growth. |
Highest |
|
|
Health
Sciences |
Long-term
capital appreciation. |
Highest |
|
|
Media
& Telecommunications |
Long-term
capital growth through the common stocks of media, technology, and
telecommunications companies . |
Highest |
|
|
New
Era |
Long-term
capital growth primarily through the stocks of natural resource or basic
commodity companies and also selected nonresource growth companies . |
Moderate |
|
|
Real
Estate |
Long-term
growth through a combination of capital appreciation and current income. |
Moderate |
|
|
Science
& Technology |
Long-term
capital appreciation. |
Highest |
|
Table
1 Industry-Focused
Equity Funds Comparison Guide
What
is each fund`s principal investment strategy?
The
essential characteristics of each fund`s investment strategy are summarized
below. While each fund takes a unique approach, the funds share many
strategies. None of the funds have a restriction on market capitaliza tion —
shares outstanding multiplied by share price — although (as described below)
some concentrate assets on a particular market cap range.
Developing
Technologies
Fund
Normally
i nvests at least 80 % of net assets in common stocks of companies we expect to
generate a majority of their revenues from the advancement and use of
developing technologies. Our primary emphasis will be on emerging companies
that are developing new technologies and services with attractive long-term
growth pros pects, in our view. The portfolio may also contain stocks of
companies with more proven records of developing and marketing breakthroughs in
technology.
We
will invest across a broad range of small, medium, and large companies,
although our initial emphasis will
primarily be on emerging technology stocks with higher growth potential than
may be possible with established technology companies.
Stock
selection emphasizes a growth approach based on comprehensive re search that
evaluates a company ` s pros pects for above-average, sustainable earnings
growth.
The
fund may look for opportunities to invest in suitable developing technology
companies through initial public offerings (IPOs). The portfolio may include
companies that are not directly involved in technology research and development
but that should benefit from advances in the field.
Up
to 30% of assets may be invested in foreign stocks of companies in established
and developing countries.
Developing
technology companies . Some of the industries likely to be included in the
portfolio are :
communications
- voice, data, and wireless;
Internet
infrastructure - hardware, software, and networking equipment;
semiconductors
- components and equipment;
computers
- hardware and software; and
e-commerce
(companies doing business through the Internet) and data processing services.
PAGE
5
Financial
Services Fund
Normally
i nvests at least 80 % of net assets in the common stocks of companies in the
financial services industry. May also invest in companies deriving substantial
revenues ( at least 50% ) from conducting business with the industry, such as
providers of financial software .
Stock
selection is based on fundamental, bottom-up analysis that seeks to identify
companies with good appre ciation prospects.
<R>
May
use both growth and value approaches to stock selection. In the growth area,
the manager seeks companies with capable management, attractive business
niches, sound financial and accounting practices, and a demon strated ability
to increase revenues, earnings, and cash flow consistently. In the value area,
the manager will seek companies whose current stock prices appear undervalued
in terms of earnings, projected cash flow, or asset value per share ;
that have growth potential temporarily unrecognized by the market ; or
that may be temporarily out of favor.
</R>
Many
fund holdings are expected to pay a dividend.
Financial
services companies. For purposes of selecting investments, we define the
financial services industry broadly . I t includes (but is not limited to) the
following:
regional
and money - center banks;
insurance
companies;
home,
auto, and other specialty finance companies;
securities
brokerage firms and electronic trading networks;
investment
management firms;
publicly
traded, government-sponsored financial enterprises;
thrift
and savings banks;
financial
conglomerates;
foreign
financial services companies; and
electronic
transaction processors for financial services companies.
Global
Technology Fund
Normally
i nvests at least 80 % of net assets in the common stocks of companies we
expect to generate a majority of their revenues from the development,
advancement, and use of technology. Our primary emphasis is on the common
stocks of what we consider to be leading technology companies around the world.
We will normally seek to invest a minimum of 30% of the portfolio in
established and emerging foreign markets and the balance in the U.S. However,
the amount of the fund invested in foreign securities will vary and could be
substantially less than 30%, depending on the manager`s view of opportunities
overseas versus those in the U.S.
The
growth of the Internet and the widespread availability of communications
services are breaking down regional boundaries. Therefore, we will seek to
invest across a broad range of global enterprises.
Stock
selection generally reflects a growth approach based on intensive research that
assesses a company`s fun damental prospects for above-average earnings.
Holdings
can range from small, unseasoned companies developing new technologies to blue
chip firms with established track records of developing and marketing
technology. Investments may also include companies that should benefit from
technological advances even if they are not directly involved in research and
development.
The
fund may invest in suitable technology companies through initial public offerings
(IPOs).
Global
technology companies. Some of the industries and companies likely to be
included in the portfolio are:
communications
- voice, data, and wireless;
Internet
infrastructure - hardware, software, and networking equipment;
semiconductors
- components and equipment;
computer
- hardware and software;
e-commerce
(companies doing business through the Internet) and data processing services;
and
media
and entertainment.
Health
Sciences Fund
Normally
i nvests at least 80 % of net assets in the common stocks of companies engaged
in the research, devel opment, production, or distribution of products or
services related to health care, medicine, or the life sciences (collectively
termed "health sciences").
While
the fund can invest in companies of any size, the majority of fund assets are
expected to be invested in large- and mid-capitalization companies.
The
fund will use fundamental, bottom-up analysis that seeks to identify high-
quality companies and the most
compelling investment opportunities.
In
general, the fund will follow a growth investment strategy, seeking companies
whose earnings are expected to grow faster than inflation and the economy in
general. When stock valuations seem unusually high, however, a
"value" approach that gives preference to seemingly undervalued
companies may be emphasized.
Health
sciences companies. We divide the health sciences industry into four main
areas:
pharmaceuticals;
health
care services companies;
products
and devices providers; and
biotechnology
firms.
Our
allocation among these four areas will vary depending on the relative potential
we see within each area and the outlook for the overall health sciences sector.
Media
& Telecommunications Fund
Normally
i nvests at least 80% of net assets in the common stocks of media and
telecommunications companies.
Generally,
the fund invests in companies in the large- to mid-capitalization range.
Stock
selection is based on fundamental, bottom-up analysis that seeks to identify
companies with good appre ciation prospects.
May
use both growth and value approaches to stock selection. In the growth area,
the manager seeks companies with capable management, attractive business
niches, sound financial and accounting practices, and a demon strated ability
to increase revenues, earnings, and cash flow consistently. In the value area,
the manager seeks companies whose current stock prices appear undervalued in
terms of earnings, projected cash flow, or asset value per share, that have
growth potential temporarily unrecognized by the market, or whose stock prices
may be temporarily depressed.
<R>
Fund
investments may be in U.S. or non-U.S. companies, and may also include futures
and options as well as other investments in keeping with the fund`s
objective.
</R>
Media
and telecommunications companies. These include companies engaged in any facet
of media and telecommu nications, including:
publishing;
movies;
cable
TV;
telephones;
cellular
services; and
technology
and equipment.
New
Era Fund
Normally
invests a minimum of two-thirds of fund assets in the common stocks of natural
resource companies whose earning s and tangible assets could benefit from
accelerating inflation.
Will
also invest in other growth companies that we believe have strong potential for
earnings growth but do not own or develop natural resources.
The
relative percentages invested in resource and nonresource companies can vary
depending on economic and monetary conditions and our outlook for inflation.
PAGE
7
When
selecting natural resource stocks, we look for companies whose products can be
produced and marketed profitably when both labor costs and prices are rising.
In the mining area, for example, we might look for a company with the ability
to expand production and maintain superior exploration programs and production
facilities.
At
least half of fund assets will be invested in U.S. securities, but up to 50% of
total assets may be invested in foreign securities.
Natural
resource companies. The fund`s natural resource holdings typically own,
develop, refine, service, or trans port resources , including:
energy;
metals;
forest
products;
real
estate; and
other
basic commodities.
Real
Estate Fund
Normally
invests at least 80% of net assets in the equity securities of real estate
companies.
Our
definition of real estate companies is broad and includes those that derive at
least 50% of revenues or prof its from, or commit at least 50% of assets to, real
estate activities.
Up
to 20% of fund assets may be invested in companies deriving a substantial
portion of revenues or profits from servicing real estate firms, as well as in
companies unrelated to the real estate business.
The
fund will not own real estate directly.
Stock
selection is based on fundamental, bottom-up analysis that generally seeks to
identify high-quality compa nies with both good appreciation prospects and
income-producing potential.
Factors
considered by the portfolio manager in selecting stocks include one or more of
the following : relative valuation ; free cash flow ; undervalued assets ;
quality and experience of management ; type of real estate owned ; and the
nature of a company`s real estate activities.
<R>
Real
estate companies. The fund is likely to maintain a significant portion of
assets in real estate investment trusts (REITs). REITs pool money to invest in
properties (equity REITs) or mortgages (mortgage REITs). The fund gener ally
invests in equity REITs. Other investments in the real estate industry
may include:
</R>
real
estate operating companies, brokers, developers, and builders of residential,
commercial, and industrial properties;
property
management firms;
finance,
mortgage, and mortgage servicing firms;
construction
supply and equipment manufacturing companies; and
firms
dependent on real estate holdings for revenues and profits, including lodging,
leisure, timber, mining, and agriculture companies.
Science
& Technology Fund
Normally
i nvests at least 80 % of net assets in the common stocks of companies expected
to benefit from the development, advancement, and use of science and /or
technology.
Holdings
can range from small , unseasoned companies developing new technologies to blue
chip firms with established track records of developing and marketing
technology.
May
also invest in companies that should benefit from technological advances even
if they are not directly involved in research and development.
Stock
selection generally reflects a growth approach based on intensive research that
assesses a company`s fun damental prospects for above-average earnings.
The
fund may invest in suitable technology companies through initial public
offerings (IPOs).
<R>
Science
and technology companies. Some of the companies likely to be included in
the portfolio operate in such industries as :
</R>
electronics,
including hardware, software, and components;
communications;
e-commerce
(companies doing business through the Internet);
information
services;
media;
life
sciences and health care;
environmental
services;
chemicals
and synthetic materials; and
defense
and aerospace.
PAGE
9
All
funds
In
pursuing its investment objective, each fund`s management has the discretion to
purchase some securities that do not meet its normal investment criteria, as
described above, when it perceives an unusual opportunity for gain. These
special situations might arise when the fund`s management believes a security
could increase in value for a variety of reasons , including a change in
management, an extraordinary corporate event, or a temporary imbalance in the
supply of or demand for the securities.
<R>
While
most assets will be invested in U.S. common stocks (except as noted above
for the Global Technology and Media & Telecommunications Funds)
, other securities may also be purchased, including foreign stocks, futures, and
options, in keeping with fund objectives.
</R>
Securities
may be sold for a variety of reasons, such as to secure gains, limit losses, or
redeploy assets into more promising opportunities.
<R>
Certain
i
nvestment restrictions, such as a required minimum or maximum investment in
a particular type of security, are measured at the time each fund
purchases a security. The status, market value, maturity, credit qual ity,
or other characteristics of each fund`s securities may change after they are
purchased, and this may cause the amount of each fund`s assets invested
in such securities to exceed the stated maximum restriction or fall below the
stated minimum restriction. If this occurs, it would not be considered a
violation of the investment restric tion. However, purchases by
the fund during the time it is above or below the stated percentage restriction
would be made in compliance with applicable restrictions.
</R>
For
details about each fund`s investment program, please see the Investment
Policies and Practices section.
What
are the main risks of investing in the funds?
As
with all equity funds, each fund`s share price can fall because of weakness in
the broad market, a particular industry, or specific holdings. The market as a
whole can decline for many reasons, including adverse political or economic
developments here or abroad, changes in investor psychology, or heavy
institutional selling. The pros pects for an industry or company may
deteriorate because of a variety of factors, including disappointing earnings
or changes in the competitive environment. In addition, our assessment of
companies held in the funds may prove incorrect, resulting in losses or poor
performance even in a rising market. Finally, each fund`s investment approach
could fall out of favor with the investing public, resulting in lagging
performance versus other types of stock funds.
The
funds are exposed to additional risks, such as those associated with the
qualities of the industries they invest in, that could adversely affect their
share prices. These risks are summarized as follows.
Developing
Technologies
Fund
An
investment in the fund entails substantial risk. Technology
stocks are particular ly volatile and subject to greater price swings, up and
down, than the broad market. Therefore, the prospects for superior gains are
balanced by the possibility of above-average losses.
It
is possible that companies whose products and services first appear promising
may not succeed over the long term; they may succumb to intense competition or
could quickly become obsolete in a rapidly developing mar ketplace.
Earnings
projections for developing companies that are not met can result in sharp price
declines. This is true even in a generally rising stock market environment.
A
portfolio focused primarily on these types of stocks is likely to be much more
volatile than one with broader diversification that includes investments in
diverse economic sectors. These risks are increased by significant exposure to
smaller, unseasoned (those with less than a three-year operating history), and
newly public compa nies. These companies may not have established products,
experienced management, or an earnings history , and their stocks may lack
liquidity .
<R>
Foreign
stock holdings may lose value because of declining foreign currencies ,
political instability, economic decline, illiquid markets, and governmental
interference associated with various foreign markets, especially developing one
s.
</R>
Financial
Services Fund
Since
the fund will be concentrated in the financial services industry, it will be
less diversified than stock funds investing in a broader range of industries
and, therefore, could experience significant volatility. Generally, the fund
represents greater potential risk than a more diversified fund, although the
dividends paid by financial ser vices companies moderate this risk to some
extent.
Financial
services companies may be hurt when interest rates rise sharply, although not
all companies are affected equally. The stocks may also be vulnerable to
rapidly rising inflation.
Many
companies in this field can possess growth characteristics, but the industry is
not generally perceived to be dynamic or aggressive, which could dampen fund
performance compared with more aggressive funds.
The
fund`s investments in growth stocks could result in greater volatility because
of the generally higher valua tions of these stocks. The fund`s use of the
value approach carries the risks that the market will not recognize a
security`s intrinsic value for a long time or that a stock judged to be
undervalued may actually be appropriately priced.
Global
Technology Fund
Since
this fund is focused on technology industries, it is less diversified than stock
funds investing in a broader range of industries and, therefore, could
experience significant volatility.
Technology
stocks historically have experienced unusually wide price swings, both up and
down. The potential for wide variation in performance reflects the special
risks common to companies in the rapidly changing field of technology. For
example, products or services that at first appear promising may not prove
commercially suc cessful or may become obsolete quickly. Earnings
disappointments and intense competition for market share can result in sharp
price declines.
The
level of risk will rise to the extent that the fund has significant exposure to
smaller, unseasoned (those with less than a three-year operating history), and
newly public companies. These companies may not have estab lished products,
experienced management, or an earnings history, and their stocks may lack
liquidity and be very volatile.
Since
the fund can invest a sizable portion of its assets in foreign securities, it
will be subject to the risk that some holdings will lose value because of
declining foreign currencies, political instability, economic decline, illiquid
markets, and governmental interference associated with various foreign markets,
especially developing ones.
Health
Sciences Fund
Since
this fund is concentrated in the health sciences industry, it is less
diversified than stock funds investing in a broader range of industries and,
therefore, could experience significant volatility. It may invest a
considerable portion of assets in companies in the same business, such as
pharmaceuticals, or in related businesses, such as hospital management and
managed care.
Developments
that could adversely affect the fund`s share price include: i ncreased
competition withi n the health care industry , chang es in legislation and
government regulation, reductions in government funding , p roduct lia bility
or other litigation , and the obsolescence of popular products .
Growth
stocks can have steep declines if their earnings disappoint investors. The
value approach carries the risk that the market will not recognize a security`s
intrinsic value for a long time or that a stock judged to be under valued may
actually be appropriately priced.
The
level of risk will be increased to the extent that the fund has significant
exposure to smaller or unseasoned companies (those with less than a three-year
operating history) , which may not have established products or more
experienced managemen t.
Media
& Telecommunications Fund
Since
the fund is focused on the media and telecommunications industries, it is less
diversified than stock funds investing in a broader range of industries and,
therefore, could experience significant volatility .
Companies
in these industries are subject to the risks of rapid obsolescence, lack of
investor or consumer accep tance, lack of standardization or compatibility with
existing technologies, an unfavorable regulatory environ ment, intense
competition, and a dependency on patent and copyright protection. Likewise, if
the portfolio has
PAGE
11
substantial
exposure to mid-cap companies, it would be subject to the greater volatility of
those stocks com pared with larger companies .
Growth
stocks can have steep declines if their earnings disappoint investors. The
value approach carries the risk that the market will not recognize a security`s
intrinsic value for a long time or that a stock judged to be under valued may
actually be appropriately priced.
<R>
Foreign
stock holdings may lose value because of declining foreign currencies,
political instability, economic decline, illiquid markets, and governmental
interference associated with various foreign markets, especially developing
ones.
</R>
New
Era Fund
The
fund is less diversified than most stock funds and could therefore experience
sharp price declines when con ditions are unfavorable to its sector. For
instance, since the fund attempts to invest in companies that may benefit from
accelerating inflation, low inflation could lessen returns.
The
rate of earnings growth of natural resource companies may be irregular since
these companies are strongly affected by natural forces, global economic
cycles, and international politics. For example, stock prices of energy
companies can fall sharply when oil prices fall , and real estate companies are
influenced by interest rates and other factors.
<R>
The
fund`s investments in foreign securities, or even in U.S. companies with significant
overseas investments may lose value because of declining foreign
currencies or adverse political or economic events overseas . Currency
risks may be somewhat reduced because many commodities markets are dollar
based, but exposure to foreign political and economic risk is heightened by
investments in companies with operations in emerging markets.
</R>
Real
Estate Fund
The
fund is concentrated in the real estate industry and, as a result, is less
diversified than stock funds investing in a broader range of industries.
Therefore, its price could fall in value when trends are perceived as
unfavorable for the real estate industry, although the income offered by some
real estate companies may help moderate this risk. For example, changes in the
tax laws, overbuilding, environmental issues, the quality of property manage
ment (in the case of REITs), and other factors could hurt the fund.
Real
estate is affected by general economic conditions. When growth is slowing,
demand for property decreases and prices may decline. Rising interest rates,
which drive up mortgage and financing costs, can restrain con struction and
buying and selling activity and may reduce the appeal of real estate
investments.
If
the portfolio has substantial exposure to small companies, it would be subject
to the greater volatility of small- cap stocks.
Science
& Technology Fund
Companies
in the rapidly changing fields of science and technology often face unusually
high price volatility, in terms of both gains and losses. Products or services
that at first appear promising may not prove commercially successful or may
become obsolete quickly. Earnings disappointments and intense competition for
market share can result in sharp price declines. A portfolio focused primarily
on these stocks is therefore likely to be much more volatile than one with
broader diversification that invest s in more sectors of the economy .
The
level of risk will rise to the extent that the fund has significant exposure to
smaller , unseasoned (those with less than a three-year operating history) ,
and newly public companies. T hese companies may not have estab lished products
, experienced management , or an earnings history , and their stocks may lack liquidity
and be very volatile .
All
funds
<R>
Foreign
stock holdings may lose value because of declining foreign currencies or
adverse political or economic events overseas. Investments in futures and
options, if any, are subject to additional volatility and potential losses.
</R>
As
with any mutual fund, there can be no guarantee the funds will achieve their
objectives.
Each
fund`s share price may decline , so when you sell your shares, you may lose money .
How
can I tell which fund is most appropriate for me?
Consider
your investment goals, your time horizon for achieving them, and your tolerance
for risk. If you can accept the risks of investing in a single industry, one or
more of the following may be an appropriate way to incorporate additional
exposure to a particular industry into a diversified portfolio :
Developing
Technologies Fund could be an appropriate part of your overall investment
strategy if you seek a very aggressive approach to capital growth through
investments in companies involved with newer, developing technologies and can
accept the potential for extreme volatility.
Financial
Services Fund could be an appropriate part of your overall investment strategy
if you seek the potential for significant capital growth and wish to
participate in the growth prospects of the financial services sector.
Global
Technology Fund could be an appropriate part of your overall investment
strategy if you seek an aggressive approach to capital growth through
investment in worldwide technology stocks and can accept the potential for
above-average price fluctuations.
Health
Sciences Fund could be an appropriate part of your overall investment strategy
if you seek an aggressive approach to capital growth through investment in
health sciences stocks and can accept the potential for above- average price
fluctuations.
Media
& Telecommunications Fund could be an appropriate part of your overall
investment strategy if you are willing to accept the risks of investing in a
limited group of industries in pursuit of long-term capital growth.
New
Era Fund could be an appropriate part of your overall investment strategy if
you are willing to accept the risks of investing in U.S. and foreign companies
whose earnings are especially influenced by worldwide economic and monetary
conditions in pursuit of long-term capital growth.
Real
Estate Fund could be an appropriate part of your overall investment strategy if
you are willing to accept the risks of investing in this industry in an effort
to achieve long-term capital growth and income.
Science
& Technology Fund could be an appropriate part of your overall investment
strategy if you seek an aggressive approach to capital growth through
investment in science and technology stocks and can accept the potential for
above-average price fluctuations.
The
fund or funds you select should not represent your complete investment program
or be used for short-term
trading
purposes.
Each
fund can be used in both regular and tax-deferred accounts, such as IRAs.
Equity
investors should have a long-term investment horizon and be willing to wait out
bear markets.
How
has each fund performed in the past?
The
bar charts showing calendar year returns and the average annual total return s
table indicate risk by illustrat ing how much returns can differ from one year
to the next and how fund performance compares with that of a comparable market
index. Fund past returns (before and after taxes) are not necessarily an
indication of future performance.
The
funds can also experience short-term performance swings, as shown by the best
and worst calendar quarter returns during the years depicted .
In
addition, the average annual total return s table shows hypothetical after-tax
returns to suggest how taxes paid by the shareholder may influence returns.
Actual after-tax returns depend on each investor`s situation and may differ
from those shown. After-tax returns are not relevant if the shares are held in
a tax-deferred account, such as a 401(k) or IRA. During periods of fund losses,
the post-liquidation after-tax return may exceed the fund`s other returns
because the loss generates a tax benefit that is factored into the result.
PAGE
13
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The fund began as the closed-end New Age
Media Fund
and
converted to open-end status on July 25, 1997, operating under a different
expense structure. |
|
|
|
|
<R>
Table 2 Average Annual Total Returns
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Developing
Technologies Fund |
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Returns
before taxes |
3.78
% |
-9.24 |
-14.12
% |
8/31/00 |
|
|||
|
Returns
after taxes on distributions |
3.78 |
-9.24 |
-14.19 |
|
|
|||
|
Returns
after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares |
2.46 |
-7.61 |
-11.33 |
|
|
|||
|
S
&P 500 Index |
4.91 |
0.54 |
-2.02 |
|
|
|||
|
Lipper
Science & Technology Funds Index |
5.37 |
-8.68 |
-16.89 |
|
|
|||
|
Financial
Services Fund |
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Returns
before taxes |
5.10 |
7.00 |
14.46 |
9/30/96 |
|
|||
|
Returns
after taxes on distributions |
2.79 |
5.71 |
13.15 |
|
|
|||
|
Returns
after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares |
6.35 |
5.73 |
12.44 |
|
|
|||
|
S&P
500 Index |
4.91 |
0.54 |
8.35 |
|
|
|||
|
Lipper
Financial Services Funds Index |
5.93 |
5.50 |
11.68 |
|
|
|||
|
Global
Technology Fund |
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Returns
before taxes |
10.91 |
-3.87 |
-8.98 |
9/29/00 |
|
|||
|
Returns
after taxes on distributions |
10.91 |
-3.87 |
-8.98 |
|
|
|||
|
Returns
after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares |
7.09 |
-3.25 |
-7.38 |
|
|
|||
|
MSCI
AC World Index - Information Technology |
7.05 |
-5.98 |
-11.93 |
|
|
|||
|
Health
Sciences Fund |
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Returns
before taxes |
13.53 |
4.21 |
14.10 |
12/29/95 |
|
|||
|
Returns
after taxes on distributions |
12.68 |
3.93 |
12.83 |
|
|
|||
|
Returns
after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares |
9.70 |
3.52 |
11.92 |
|
|
|||
|
S&P
500 Index |
4.91 |
0.54 |
9.07 |
|
|
|||
|
Lipper
Health/ Biotechnology Funds Index |
11.48 |
1.44 |
11.32
a |
|
|
|||
|
Media
& Telecommunications Fund |
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Returns
before taxes |
18.15 |
9.18 |
14.73 |
10/13/93 |
|
|||
|
Returns
after taxes on distributions |
18.15 |
9.18 |
12.47 |
|
|
|||
|
Returns
after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares |
11.80 |
7.99 |
11.75 |
|
|
|||
|
S&P
500 Index |
4.91 |
0.54 |
9.07 |
|
|
|||
|
Lipper
Telecommunications Funds Average |
6.52 |
-6.73 |
6.87 |
|
|
|||
|
New
Era Fund |
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Returns
before taxes |
29.88 |
15.06 |
13.84 |
1/20/69 |
|
|||
|
Returns
after taxes on distributions |
28.64 |
14.25 |
11.93 |
|
|
|||
|
Returns
after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares |
20.97 |
12.91 |
11.21 |
|
|
|||
|
S
&P 500 Index |
4.91 |
0.54 |
9.07 |
|
|
|||
|
Lipper
Natural Resources Funds Index |
46.41 |
15.18 |
14.80 |
|
|
|||
|
Real
Estate Fund |
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Returns
before taxes |
14.54 |
19.38 |
13.92 |
10/31/97 |
|
|||
|
Returns
after taxes on distributions |
12.79 |
17.49 |
12.08 |
|
|
|||
|
Returns
after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares |
9.61 |
15.84 |
11.06 |
|
|
|||
|
Dow
Jones Wilshire Real Estate Securities Index |
14.07 |
19.04 |
12.44 |
|
|
|||
|
Lipper
Real Estate Funds Index |
12.27 |
18.36 |
11.40 |
|
|
|||
|
Science
& Technology Fund |
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Returns
before taxes |
2.46 |
-11.26 |
1.87 |
9/30/87 |
|
|||
|
Returns
after taxes on distributions |
2.46 |
-11.26 |
0.44 |
|
|
|||
|
Returns
after taxes on distributions and sale of fund shares |
1.60 |
-9.19 |
1.47 |
|
|
|||
|
S&
P 500 Index |
4.91 |
0.54 |
9.07 |
|
|
|||
|
Lipper
Science & Technology Funds Index |
5.37 |
-8.68 |
5.79 |
|
|
|||
</R>
PAGE
15