Update on our Japan funds

Article Excerpt

Japanese stock markets have moved down lately along with global markets. As well, recent election losses by the ruling Liberal Democratic-led coalition may slow some economic and social reforms. However, overall, we think that Japan’s economy will continue to grow and push stock prices up. JAPAN EQUITY FUND $8.12 (New York symbol JEQ; CWA Rating: Aggressive) invests mostly in large capitalization stocks on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The Japan Equity Fund’s top holdings include: Toyota Motor, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Mizuho Financial, Matsushita Electric Industrial, Nomura Holdings, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Canon, Takeda Pharma, and NTT. Japan Equity Fund is available for 6% less than the current value of its assets. It’s a buy. JAPAN SMALLER CAP FUND $11.39 (New York symbol JOF; CWA Rating: Aggressive) invests mainly in less-widely-followed Japanese over-the-counter stocks. The fund’s top holdings are Jupiter Telecom, Suruga Corp., Nichias Corporation, Tokai Rubber, Futuba Industrial, Aeon Delight, Disco Corp., Kansai Urban Banking, Nagase & Company and Yokahama Rubber. Japan Smaller Cap Fund sells for…