T. Rowe Price Releases Industrials Sector Fund

The new fund seeks long-term capital growth by investing in foreign and U.S. companies within the industrials sector.

The fund trades under the name Global Industrials Fund, and will normally invest at least 80% of net assets in securities issued by companies in the industrial sector. At least 40% of fund assets will be placed in companies outside the U.S. across a minimum of five different countries.

Fund managers also plan to invest in companies at any level of market capitalization, depending on where opportunities exist.

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Peter Bates takes on leadership of the fund. He has served as an equity research analyst for T. Rowe Price since joining the firm in 2004, covering environmental services, industrial manufacturing, capital goods and large industrial conglomerates.

Industrial industries in which the fund will invest include the following:

  • aerospace and defense
  • building products and equipment
  • automobiles
  • machinery
  • construction and engineering
  • electrical components and equipment
  • industrial technology
  • transportation
  • manufacturing and industrial conglomerates

Stock selection in the fund uses T. Rowe Price’s global research platform and is based on fundamental analysis that assesses industry trends and companies’ long-term prospects. The net expense ratio is estimated at 1.05%.

Minimum initial investment in the Global Industrials Fund is $2,500 or $1,000 for retirement plans. Minimum uniform gifts or uniform transfers to minors’ accounts are also set at $1,000.

The fund is less diversified than a non-focused fund, and its substantial reward potential is coupled with significant risk. In addition, any foreign holdings could be affected by declining local currencies or adverse political or economic events.

A prospectus for the fund is available here, or by calling 1-800-541-8803.

Program Transitions Military to Finance

Edward Jones created FORCES last year to provide training and a compensation package to smooth the transition to a financial services career for veterans.

The program has been a success on two fronts. Not only does the initiative offer professional careers to military veterans transitioning to civilian life, but it has also been an effective way to recruit skilled, effective financial advisers. Edward Jones research has found that individual investors are drawn to financial advisers with military experience based on transferable characteristics such as discipline (77%), goal-orientation (73%) and integrity (72%).  

Slightly more than one in ten of Edward Jones financial advisers (11%) has military experience. The program is designed specifically for people without a financial services background but who have  the skills and competencies the firm looks for.

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“Edward Jones has a long legacy of hiring military veterans and honoring their service to the country—it’s not just viewed as a corporate initiative, but as a business imperative,” said Jim Weddle, managing partner of Edward Jones. “The competencies and skill sets embraced in the military not only align with, but greatly complement, those needed to be a successful financial adviser.”

More information about FORCES is available at the Edward Jones website.

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