| NASDAQ (NMS) Exchange | United States Country |
This fund is tailored for investors aiming to diversify their portfolios by incorporating small-capitalization companies from a variety of non-U.S. developed or emerging markets. The essence of the fund's strategy lies in its focus on equity securities that promise significant growth potential outside the United States. By adhering to the Morgan Stanley Capital International AC World Index ex USA Small Cap Index for geographical diversification, the fund ensures a broad coverage of promising markets. The investment strategy not only emphasizes diversification across at least ten countries but also manages risk meticulously through a balanced portfolio construction process aimed at mitigating issuer-specific and general market risks.
The cornerstone of the fund's strategy involves investing in common stocks of small-capitalization companies. These stocks represent ownership shares in companies that are believed to offer high growth potential in non-U.S. markets. The selection process leans towards organizations poised for significant performance, thereby offering the potential for substantial returns on these equity investments.
Apart from common stocks, the fund broadens its investment horizon by including other types of equity securities. This diversification entails investing in financial instruments that signify an ownership interest in or claim on the earnings of small-cap companies outside the U.S. The aim is to tap into the growth potential of these enterprises by leveraging various forms of equity investments, thereby enhancing the potential for profitable returns.
By investing in issuers located in at least ten different countries, as per the Morgan Stanley Capital International AC World Index ex USA Small Cap Index, the fund prioritizes geographic diversification. This strategy is designed to spread investment risk across various economies and sectors, reducing vulnerability to local market volatilities and potentially enhancing returns through exposure to a mix of developed and emerging markets.
The fund employs a careful selection process to construct a portfolio of approximately 80-85 stocks, aimed at balancing risk and return. By maintaining this specific number of investments, the adviser seeks to dilute issuer-specific risks while still capturing the innovative and growth-oriented essence of small-cap market investments. This approach is fundamental in offering investors a mitigated risk profile while exploring the growth avenues of international small-cap investments.