Four foreign closed-ends to buy now

Article Excerpt

Around the world, governments have been increasing spending in a bid to counter the recession. When these efforts start to take effect, and economic growth resumes, top-quality foreign stocks should rebound. Here are four closed-end funds that trade on the New York exchange at discounts to their net asset values. All four funds hold top-quality stocks. We see all four as buys. SWISS HELVETIA FUND $8.96 (New York symbol SWZ; Shares outstanding: 33.3 million; Market cap: $297.8 million; CWA Rating: Conservative) invests mainly in large-capitalization Swiss stocks. Hottinger Group, which dates back to 1786, manages the fund. The Swiss government has moved quickly to restore confidence in the country’s banking system. It’s also lowering interest rates to ease credit and devalue the Swiss franc. The Swiss economy is heavily reliant on exports. A rise in world trade would greatly benefit the country’s industries. The $469.1-million Swiss Helvetia Fund’s top holdings are: Nestle SA (food and beverages), 19.9%; Roche Holdings (pharmaceuticals), 12.9%; Novartis AG (health…