| NASDAQ Exchange | US Country |
The fund described focuses primarily on investing in the equity securities of small-cap companies, defined by their market capitalization aligning with the range of the Russell 2000® Index, which includes 2,000 of the smallest U.S. companies according to market capitalization. It is committed to maintaining at least 80% of its net assets, plus any borrowed funds for investment purposes, in small-cap companies' equity securities. These securities can include a variety of equity-like interests such as preferred stocks, warrants, and securities that can be converted into common or preferred stocks. This strategic approach aims to leverage the growth potential of small-cap markets while maintaining a diversified investment portfolio.
The primary investment focus of the fund revolves around equity securities of small-cap companies. This encompasses investments in preferred stocks, which offer dividends before common stock and may be converted into a specified number of common stock; warrants, which are derivatives that give the right but not the obligation to buy or sell a security at a specific price before expiration; and securities convertible into common or preferred stocks, providing flexibility and potential for appreciation in value. The fund takes an active approach to investing in a diverse range of small-cap entities, aiming to capitalize on the growth potential while spreading investment risk.
A cornerstone of the fund's investment strategy is its alignment with the Russell 2000® Index. By defining a small-cap company as one whose market capitalization falls within the range of companies tracked by this index, the fund positions itself to capture the dynamic nature and growth potential of the U.S.'s smallest publicly traded companies. This strategy not only guides the fund's investment decisions but also ensures that the fund stays true to its objective of focusing on the small-cap sector of the market, which is often overlooked but can offer significant growth opportunities.