New Germany Fund Delivers +40% Annual Gains
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By Nathan Slaughter Editor, The ETF Authority Visit this link to learn more about this premium newsletter. View our subscription options for The ETF Authority. |
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Over the past several years, emerging markets in Asia and Latin America have captured one headline after another — piling up huge gains for investors along the way.
Meanwhile, some developed markets in Europe have quietly put together an impressive winning streak of their own, but without all of the hoopla — or the extreme volatility. For example, German stocks, as measured by the benchmark DAX 30 Index, produced impressive gains of around +65% between 2004 and 2006.
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While
many American investors may simply think of Germany as the land of
Oktoberfest, the nation actually represents the largest economy in all
of Europe — and is home to global leaders like Siemens, Bayer, BASF and
Volkswagen. Germany is also the world's biggest exporter, shipping over
$1.1 trillion worth of goods last year.
After struggling through an economic slump during the 1990's, former
German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder ushered in a wave of economic reforms
several years ago that eased individual tax rates and slashed corporate
rates from 40% to 25%. And more recently, German leaders have shown a
willingness to tackle other economic obstacles, such as modernizing the
country's labor laws.
Since then, the German economic growth engine has gotten back on track,
with GDP growth forecast to eclipse that of the U.S over the next few
years.
Those looking for some exposure to the region may want to consider the New
Germany Fund (NYSE: GF). Managed by Deutsche Bank's DWS Scudder, GF
targets some of Germany's most attractive small and mid-sized companies.
Top holdings include healthcare equipment supplier Fresenius and former
state-owned steelmaker Salzgitter.
The fund struggled during the great bear market of 2000-2002, but came
roaring back in 2003, posting an impressive total return of +102% — #1
among all European stock funds. And over the past five years, GF has
delivered eye-catching annual gains in excess of +40%, nearly doubling
the +22% return of the MSCI EAFE Index.
Yet, despite its track record, the fund is still trading at a sizeable
discount to its net
asset value (NAV) of over 10% — the shares are trading at just
$18.09, but the fund's underlying portfolio assets are worth $20.14.
With that discount shrinking steadily over the past four years, and with
the dollar weakening ever further against foreign currencies, GF should
continue to reward shareholders in the years ahead.
Good investing!
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Income Security
of the Month
Our "Income Security of the Month" for November 2007 invests in
a fast-growing overseas market that does not get much exposure in the
mainstream financial press. And although it typically makes enormous
annual dividend payments — an impressive $7.12 per share last year alone
— this fund is perhaps most appealing for its total return potential.
Specifically, the fund has delivered average total returns of +47.0% per
year since 2004.
Undervalued
Stock of the Month
Our favorite value stock for November 2007 has pulled back
-51% from its highs. As a result, bargain hunters now have a rare
opportunity to pick up one of the world's most dominant companies with a
"Price Appreciation Potential" of +91%.
Top
10 Stocks for 2007 and Beyond
In this 25-page report, we bring you an in-depth look at our ten
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