Toronto-based Brandes Investment Partners & Co. (Brandes Canada) has launched Brandes Global Opportunities Fund with a simple, yet powerful, premise: Any Country. Any Size. Always Value.
It is the first fund managed by San Diego-based Brandes Investment Partners, LP to be launched in the last five years in Canada. According to Brandes Canada, the fund fulfills an unmet need for an unconstrained equity fund that enables investors to take advantage of worldwide equity market valuations.
The fund allows investors, with one purchase, to buy what Brandes LP identifies as undervalued businesses from around the world, regardless of market capitalization or location. It provides access to fast-growing emerging markets and well-developed, mature markets, while leveraging Brandes’ stock picking ability to unleash maximum long-term growth potential.
“The Brandes Global Opportunities Fund provides exposure to company-specific opportunities in a flexible mandate,” says Carol Lynde, Brandes Canada president.
“We have been investing in companies of all sizes and in all regions of the world for nearly 40 years, so we can offer a depth of judgment based on cumulative experience,” explains Charles Brandes, Brandes LP founder and chairman.
The investment committee overseeing the fund includes Charles Brandes; Ralph Birchmeier, director, investments; Ken Little, research director, investments; Brent Woods, managing director, investments; and Gerardo Zamorano, director, investments. The committee members have an average of nearly 22 years of experience and are supported by 29 research analysts and 12 research associates.
The fund is being launched at a time when the contraction in global markets, over the past five years, has depressed the stock prices of many profitable companies, creating a window of opportunity. Average price ratios (for large- and small-cap stocks alike) around the world are lower than their historical average, while dividend yields are higher.
The fund is eligible for all plan types and may be purchased with a minimum investment of $1,000 ($100 through a pre-authorized debit plan); subsequent investments may be made for a minimum of $500.