CENTRAL EUROPE AND RUSSIA FUND $12.38 - New York symbol CEE

CENTRAL EUROPE AND RUSSIA FUND $12.38 (New York symbol CEE; CWA Fund Rating: Speculative) is a closed-end fund that invests mostly in larger cap stocks from Russia and central Europe. The fund’s manager is Deutsche Asset Management. The $314-million fund’s 62 holdings are currently invested in Russia (49%), Poland (16%), Turkey (12%), Czech Republic (12%), Hungary (4%), U.S. (4%) and Austria (3%). The fund’s top holdings are Gazprom (a Russian gas utility) at 8.5%; Lukoil (Russia: oil and gas), 7.3%; Ceske Energetike Zavody (Poland: utility), 5.8%; Sberbank (Russia: bank), 5.5%; Rosneft Oil (Russia: oil and gas), 5.4%; Telefonica (Czech Republic: telecom), 4.9%; Telekomunikacja Polska (Poland: telecom), 4.9%; Bank Pekao (Poland: bank), 4.7%; Surgutneftagaz (Russia: oil and gas), 4.5%; and Powszechna Kasa (Poland: bank), 3.8%. Lower oil and gas prices and the economic slowdown have pulled down Russian markets. As well, central European stocks have dropped along with falling currencies and exports and a weak banking system. Still, the longer term outlook for the entire region is positive. The fund sells at a wide 22% discount. Central Europe and Russia Fund is a buy for aggressive investors.

A professional investment analyst for more than 30 years, Pat has developed a stock-selection technique that has proven reliable in both bull and bear markets. His proprietary ValuVesting System™ focuses on stocks that provide exceptional quality at relatively low prices. Many savvy investors and industry leaders consider it the most powerful stock-picking method ever created.