Strategy. The Fund invests mainly in common stock of U.S. and foreign companies. The Fund can invest without limit in foreign securities and can invest in any country, including countries with emerging markets (i.e., those that are generally in the early stages of their industrial cycles). However, the Fund currently emphasizes its investments in the United States and other developed markets in Europe. The Fund does not limit its investments to companies in a particular capitalization range, but primarily invests in mid- and large-cap companies. The Fund normally will invest in at least three countries (one of which may be the United States). Typically, the Fund invests in a number of different countries. The Fund is not required to allocate its … Show more… The Fund invests mainly in common stock of U.S. and foreign companies. The Fund can invest without limit in foreign securities and can invest in any country, including countries with emerging markets (i.e., those that are generally in the early stages of their industrial cycles). However, the Fund currently emphasizes its investments in the United States and other developed markets in Europe. The Fund does not limit its investments to companies in a particular capitalization range, but primarily invests in mid- and large-cap companies. The Fund normally will invest in at least three countries (one of which may be the United States). Typically, the Fund invests in a number of different countries. The Fund is not required to allocate its investments in any set percentages in any particular countries. In addition to common stocks, the Fund can invest in preferred stocks. The Fund may purchase American Depositary Shares (ADS) as part of American Depositary Receipt (ADR) issuances, which are negotiable certificates issued by a U.S. bank representing a specified number of shares in a foreign stock traded on a U.S. exchange. The portfolio manager primarily looks for quality companies, regardless of domicile, that have sustainable growth. This investment approach combines a thematic approach to idea generation with bottom-up, fundamental company analysis. The portfolio manager seeks to identify secular changes in the world and looks for pockets of durable change that he believes will drive global growth for the next decade. These large scale structural themes are referred to collectively as MANTRA : Mass Affluence, New Technology, Restructuring, and Aging. The portfolio manager does not target a fixed allocation with regard to any particular theme, and may choose to focus on various sub-themes within each theme. Within each sub-theme, the portfolio manager employs fundamental company analysis to select investments for the Funds portfolio. The economic characteristics sought include a combination of high return on invested capital, good cash flow characteristics, high barriers to entry, dominant market share, a strong competitive position, talented management, and balance sheet strength that the portfolio manager believes will enable the company to fund its own growth. These criteria may vary. The portfolio manager also considers how industry dynamics, market trends and general economic conditions may affect a companys earnings outlook. The portfolio manager has a long-term investment horizon of typically three to five years. The portfolio manager also has a contrarian buy discipline; he buys high quality companies that fit the investment criteria when he believes valuations underestimate long-term earnings potential. For example, a companys stock price may dislocate from its fundamental outlook due to a short-term earnings glitch or negative, short-term market sentiment, which can give rise to an investment opportunity. The portfolio manager monitors individual issuers for changes in earnings potential or other effects of changing market conditions that may trigger a decision to sell a security, but do not require a decision to do so. Show less