Investors can find such funds by checking out the entire list of Zacks #1 Rank European Equity Funds.

3 Solid Samples

ING European Real Estate Fund A (IAERX) seeks to provide investors with high total return, consisting of capital appreciation and current income. It was incepted in November 2007.

The fund normally invests at least 80% of net assets in a portfolio of equity securities of real estate companies located in Europe. The fund may invest in convertible securities, initial public offering and depositary receipts.

The fund has an expense ratio of 1.75%. As of July 2009, it has a portfolio turnover of 166%.

Steven D. Burton has been lead manager of the fund since November 2007. Burton is a managing director at ING and has 24 years investment experience.

T. Rowe Price European Stock (PRESX) seeks long-term growth of capital through investments primarily in the common stocks of companies in the emerging market countries of Europe and the Mediterranean region. It was incepted in August 2000.

The fund invests in stocks of companies in emerging European and Mediterranean economies, including Eastern Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and the former Soviet Union. It may purchase the stocks of companies of any size, but focuses primarily on large and medium-sized companies in these regions.

The fund has an expense ratio of 1.94%. As of April 2009, it has a portfolio turnover of 51.8%.

S. Leigh Robertson has been lead manager of the fund since September 2007. Robertson is a vice president of T. Rowe Price Group and has been with the firm since 2002.

DFA Continental Small Company (DFCSX) seeks long-term capital appreciation. It was incepted in April 1988.

The fund pursues its objective by investing in a broad range of readily marketable stocks of small companies that are traded principally in the securities markets of certain European countries. As a non-fundamental policy the fund invests most of its net assets in securities companies located in continental Europe

Shareholders have to make a minimum initial investment of $100,000 to enter this Zacks #1 Rank ("Strong Buy") fund. It has an expense ratio of 0.15%.

Karen E. Umland has been Lead Manager of the fund since 31-Dec-98. Umland has been with Dimensional since 1993 and is a vice president with the firm.

Discover Many More Funds

Learn more about the new Zacks Mutual Fund Rank and discover some of the best market-beating mutual funds by browsing our mutual funds section. This part of Zacks.com offers a variety of tools, including mutual fund research, a new mutual fund screener, helpful answers to frequently asked questions and quick access to prospectuses and other information.

By applying the Zacks Rank to mutual funds, investors can find funds that not only outpaced the market in the past but are also expected to outperform going forward.

Company Description

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. is a global investment management organization that provides a broad array of mutual funds, subadvisory services and separate account management for individual and institutional investors, retirement plans and financial intermediaries.

The company offers a variety of sophisticated investment planning and guidance tools. T. Rowe Price's disciplined, risk-aware investment approach focuses on diversification, style consistency, and fundamental research.

Shares Jump on Third Quarter Results

T. Rowe Price saw a nice spike after announcing third-quarter results. Earnings per share of 50 cents were below last year's 56 cents but topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 9%.

The company also reported a 16% increase in assets under management, totaling $366.2 billion.

Management said the firm's investment advisory results relative to peers remain strong, with 87% of the T. Rowe Price funds across their share classes surpassing their comparable Lipper averages on a total return basis for the 5-year period ended September 30, 2009, 83% outperforming for the 3-year period and at least 79% outperforming for the 1- and 10-year periods.

The company also noted that it remains debt-free with substantial liquidity, including cash and mutual fund investment holdings of $1.4 billion that supports TROW's ability to continue investing for the future.

During the past month, TROW's return has more than doubled that of the major averages.

Bullish Forecasts

Analysts polled by Zacks have been hiking earnings estimates. The current full-year projection of $1.61 per share is up from last month's $1.48. For 2010, the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.36 per share climbed from $2.05 over the past 30 days.

Stellar Fundamentals

In addition to having a balance sheet that shows no debt, TROW offers a solid return on equity (ROE) of 12.7%, which is in line with the industry average. The company's net profit margin of 17.5% soars past the industry average of 8%. This Growth and Income pick also pays an industry-leading dividend yield of 2%. Zacks Investment Research

Chicago, IL – October 19, 2009 – Zacks.com releases the list of companies likely to issue earnings surprises. This week’s list includes Eastman Chemical (EMN), E.I. DuPont (DD), T. Rowe Price (TROW), Western Digital (WDC) and SuperValu (SVU). To see more earnings analysis, visit http://at.zacks.com/?id=3207.

Every day, Zacks.com makes 4 stock picks available, free of charge. To see them, go to http://at.zacks.com/?id=5612.

This Week's Events

Third-quarter earnings season hits full stride this week with 439 companies confirmed to report. More than of a quarter of these are from the S&P 500 (135 companies).

Housing data will be the highlight on the economic calendar. The existing home sales data will be influenced by the first-time home buyers' credit. The starts and permits data could be more interesting, especially if they show fear on the part of builders about the subsidy potentially not being renewed.

• Monday: October NAHB housing index
• Tuesday: September housing starts and building permits, September Producer Price Index (PPI)
• Wednesday: Fed Beige Book, weekly crude inventories, weekly mortgage applications
• Thursday: September Leading Indicators, August FHFA housing price index, Fed balance sheet, weekly initial jobless claims, weekly natural gas inventories
• Friday: September existing home sales

Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke has 2 speeches scheduled for this week. On Monday, he will talk about Asia and the financial crisis at a conference in Santa Barbara. On Friday, he will talk about the changes to the financial regulations and monetary policy at a Boston Fed conference.

Boston Federal Reserve Bank President Eric Rosengren will give opening remarks to conference attendees on Wednesday. He will speak again on Thursday to discuss whether the Fed should make fiscal stability one of its objectives. New York Federal Reserve Bank President William Dudley will moderate a panel about monetary policy on Thursday. Vice Chairman Donald L. Kohn will be at the conference on Friday, participating in a panel discussion about the international response to the financial crisis.

Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank President Charles Plosser will discuss monetary policy at the Standford Institute for Economic Policy Research on Tuesday. Governor Daniel Tarullo is scheduled to speak on Wednesday at the Exchequer Club of Washington, D.C.

Attitudes towards earnings news appear to have shifted from celebrating positive surprises to almost demanding perfection. This week should be more telling, given the large number of companies reporting. Keep an eye on revenues, since that appears to be a stumbling block for many. Through Thursday (Oct 15) evening, the ratio of positive-to-negative revenue surprises is just 1.5:1. Conversely, the ratio of positive-to-negative earnings surprises is 6.1:1.

Companies That Could Issue Positive Earnings Surprises

Recent revisions by 3 analysts have pushed the third-quarter Zacks Consensus Estimate higher for Eastman Chemical (EMN). Analysts now expect the company to report profits of $1.13 per share, a 4-cent increase over the average forecast of a month ago. The most accurate estimate is more bullish at $1.15 per share. EMN has topped expectations for 2 consecutive quarters. Eastman Chemical is scheduled to report on Friday, October 23, before the start of trading.

Five analysts have raised their full-year forecasts on E.I. DuPont (DD) in recent weeks, including 3 during the past 7 days. The revisions have pushed the Zacks Consensus Estimate 2 cents higher to 33 cents per share. Though DD has topped expectations twice in the past 4 quarters, this call is not without risk since the chemical company's Q408 results were 4 cents below projections. DuPont is scheduled to report on Tuesday, Oct 20, after the close of trading.

A continued rise in assets under management (AUM) has analysts optimistic about T. Rowe Price (TROW). The Zacks Consensus Estimate has risen by 2 cents over the past 30 days, reaching 46 cents per share. More than half of the 19 covering analysts have increased their projections. TROW has topped expectations for 2 consecutive quarters, reversing a previous trend of disappointments. T. Rowe Price is scheduled to report on Friday, Oct 23, before the start of trading.

Western Digital (WDC) has topped earnings expectations for 7 consecutive quarters. Ahead of the hard drive maker's fiscal first-quarter report, about one-third of the covering analysts have raised their profit projections. The revisions have pushed the Zacks Consensus Estimate 6 cents higher to 89 cents per share. The most accurate is far more bullish at 94 cents per share. Western Digital is scheduled to report on Thursday, Oct 22, after the close of trading.

Companies That Could Issue Negative Earnings Surprises

SuperValu (SVU) has missed expectations twice during the last 4 quarters. This past week, 2 analysts lowered their fiscal second-quarter forecasts, causing the Zacks Consensus Estimate to fall by a penny to 36 cents per share. The most accurate estimate is even more bearish at 33 cents per share. SuperValu is scheduled to report on Tuesday, Oct 20, before the start of trading.

Charles Rotblut, CFA, is the senior market analyst for Zacks.com.

About the Zacks Rank

Since 1988, the Zacks Rank has proven that "Earnings estimate revisions are the most powerful force impacting stock prices." Since inception in 1988, #1 Rank Stocks have generated an average annual return of +26%. During the 2000-2002 bear market, Zacks #1 Rank stocks gained +43.8%, while the S&P 500 tumbled -37.6%. Also note that the Zacks Rank system has just as many Strong Sell recommendations (Rank #5) as Strong Buy recommendations (Rank #1). Since 1988, Zacks Rank #5 stocks have underperformed the S&P 500 by 111% annually (-0.8% versus +8%). Thus, the Zacks Rank system allows investors to truly manage portfolio trading effectively.

Zacks "Profit from the Pros" e-mail newsletter offers continuous coverage of the industries and the stocks poised to outperform the market. Subscribe to this free newsletter today by visiting http://at.zacks.com/?id=5614.

About Zacks

Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Leonard Zacks. As a PhD in mathematics Len knew he could find patterns in stock market data that would lead to superior investment results. Amongst his many accomplishments was the formation of his proprietary stock picking system; the Zacks Rank, which continues to outperform the market by nearly a 3 to 1 margin. The best way to unlock the profitable stock recommendations and market insights of Zacks Investment Research is through our free daily email newsletter; Profit from the Pros. In short, it's your steady flow of Profitable ideas GUARANTEED to be worth your time! Register for your free subscription to Profit from the Pros by going to http://at.zacks.com/?id=5615.

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Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.

Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.

Disclaimer: Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors should always research companies and securities before making any investments. Nothing herein should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security.

Contact: Charles Rotblut, CFA
Company: Zacks.com
Phone: 312-265-9352
Email: pr@zacks.com
Visit: www.Zacks.com

Investors can find such funds by checking out the entire list of Zacks #1 Rank European Equity Funds.

3 Solid Samples

Henderson European Focus A (HFEAX), which was founded in August 2001, seeks long-term capital appreciation.

The fund normally invests at least 80% its net assets in equity securities of European companies. It invests in companies of any size and in "growth" stocks.

Unit holders have to make a minimum initial investment of $500 to enter this Zacks #1 Rank ("Strong Buy") fund. It has an expense ratio of 1.62%.

Stephen Peak has been lead manager of the fund since August 2001. He is a well known authority on Continental European Investment.

Eastern Europe Equity Fund A (VEEEX) seeks capital appreciation by investing in equity securities, such as common stocks and securities that are convertible into common stock.

The fund typically invests at least 80% of its assets in equity securities of companies located in Eastern Europe, or companies that conduct a significant portion of their business in the region. The fund offers dividends and capital gains annually.

Pascal Curtet has been lead manager of the fund since August 2008. Previously, he was managing a Russian and Eastern European Equity Fund at Banque Morval, a Geneva based private bank.

T. Rowe Price European Stock (PRESX) seeks long-term capital appreciation, with current income as a secondary consideration. It was founded in February 1990.

The fund invests in both small and large European companies, and offers dividends and capital gains annually in December.

The fund has an expense ratio of 1.14%. As of April 2009, it has a portfolio turnover of 78.4%. Dean Tenerelli has been lead manager of the fund since October 2005.

Discover Many More Funds

Learn more about the new Zacks Mutual Fund Rank and discover some of the best market-beating mutual funds by browsing our new mutual funds section. This part of Zacks.com offers a variety of tools, including mutual fund research, a new mutual fund screener, helpful answers to frequently asked questions and quick access to prospectuses and other information.

By applying the Zacks Rank to mutual funds, investors can find funds that not only outpaced the market in the past but are also expected to outperform going forward.

Investors can find such funds by checking out the entire list of the Zacks #1 Rank European Equity Funds.

3 Solid Samples

Metzler/Payden European Emerging Markets (MPYMX) seeks long-term capital appreciation. The fund is non-diversified.

The fund normally invests at least 80% of assets in the equity securities of issuers organized or headquartered in developing economies of Central and Eastern Europe. It invests in securities that trade and pay dividends in euros and other foreign currencies.

Unit holders have to make a minimum initial investment of $5,000 to enter this Zacks#1 Rank (“Strong Buy") fund. It has an expense ratio of 1.47%.

Fidelity Nordic (FNORX) seeks long-term growth of capital by investing in securities of Danish, Finnish, Norwegian and Swedish issuers.

The fund may invest the balance, however, in securities of other European issuers. It may invest up to 35% of total assets in any industry that accounts for more than 20% of the Nordic market.

Melissa M. Reilly has been lead manger at the fund since May 2009. The fund offers dividends and capital gains annually in December.

T. Rowe Price European Stock (PRESX) was incepted in February 1990. The investment seeks long-term capital appreciation, with current income as a secondary consideration.

The fund invests in both small and large European companies. Normally, at least five countries will be represented in the portfolio.

The fund is ideal for investors looking for enhanced appreciation potential over time and greater diversification for their equity investments. The fund has outperformed total returns of its benchmark index in the last 1- and 3-year periods.

Discover Many More Funds

Learn more about the new Zacks Mutual Fund Rank and discover some of the best market-beating mutual funds by browsing our new mutual funds section. This part of Zacks.com offers a variety of tools, including mutual fund research, a new mutual fund screener, helpful answers to frequently asked questions and quick access to prospectuses and other information.

By applying the Zacks Rank to mutual funds, investors can find funds that not only outpaced the market in the past but are also expected to outperform going forward.

Chicago, IL – August 5, 2009 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Wal-Mart (WMT), Family Dollar (FDO), TJ Maxx/Marshalls (TJX), The Gap (GPS) and T. Rowe Price (TROW).

Get the most recent insight from Zacks Equity Research with the free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5513

Here are highlights from Tuesday’s Analyst Blog:

Personal Income Falls

If not for government automatic stabilizers and the Stimulus Bill, the overall trend in incomes would be much worse. Demographics are part of the reason that the savings rate is going up, since the Baby Boomers are in a scramble to save for retirement, which is right on the horizon for most of them. If they don’t save (or unless the housing market miraculously turns around and forms another bubble), large numbers of them will simply be unable to retire. The competition for Wal-Mart (WMT) greeter jobs will be intense and sales of cat food will soar (and not for Mr. Whiskers, either).

In large part, the economic growth of the 1990’s and the first part of this decade were a mirage driven by the falling savings rate. This is now being reversed and the economy faces a serious long-term headwind because of it. Keep in mind, though, that once people retire, their savings rate tends to go negative as they live off what they had accumulated over their lifetimes. Thus in about five years, demographics will be forcing the savings rate back down again.

On the plus side, the higher savings rate means that we are capable of funding more of the growing federal debt internally, rather than borrowing from China and OPEC. The rise in personal savings is being offset by an increase in government dis-savings, otherwise known as the budget deficit.

Net-net, though, the overall national savings rate is still going up, but not by nearly as much as the chart indicates. Then again, keep in mind we were running pretty hefty budget deficits even when the personal savings rate was close to zero. That was the combination that led to the country being deep in hock to China. We are still going into more debt abroad, but at a slower rate than we have been in recent years. This is borne out by the shrinking trade deficit.

Long-term, the need to increase the overall personal savings rate is going to be a major negative for the retail industry and all others that depend on discretionary spending. In the short-term, however, I would note that the retailers in general have come in with better-than-expected earnings (very low expectations going in) and are getting estimate increases for this year (and next year to a lesser extent). Still, it should slow their overall long-term growth rates, and as a result should cause them to trade at lower relative P/E’s than they have in the past.

I continue to see retailers that cater to the middle class as being the most vulnerable. Discounters like Family Dollar (FDO) and TJ Maxx/Marshalls (TJX) are likely to pick up share from chains like The Gap (GPS). Yes, there will be some pick-up as the economy finds its feet again, and the effects of the Stimulus Bill are likely to be much bigger in the second half than they were in the first half.

However, this is not going to be a V shaped recovery. History, both domestically and abroad, has shown that recessions caused by financial panics and balance sheet issues tend to last longer and lead to weaker recoveries than do recessions caused by the inventory cycle or by tight monetary policies.

Higher savings rates mean that people will be contributing more to their 401K’s and IRA’s. This should be good news for asset management firms like T. Rowe Price (TROW), so it is not like there will be no offsets to this trend.

Want more from Zacks Equity Research? Subscribe to the free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5515.

About Zacks Equity Research

Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term.

Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons.

Zacks "Profit from the Pros" e-mail newsletter provides highlights of the latest analysis from Zacks Equity Research. Subscribe to this free newsletter today: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5517

About Zacks

Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Leonard Zacks. As a PhD in mathematics Len knew he could find patterns in stock market data that would lead to superior investment results. Amongst his many accomplishments was the formation of his proprietary stock picking system; the Zacks Rank, which continues to outperform the market by nearly a 3 to 1 margin. The best way to unlock the profitable stock recommendations and market insights of Zacks Investment Research is through our free daily email newsletter; Profit from the Pros. In short, it's your steady flow of Profitable ideas GUARANTEED to be worth your time! Register for your free subscription to Profit from the Pros at http://at.zacks.com/?id=5518.

Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.

Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/zacksresearch

Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts

Disclaimer: Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors should always research companies and securities before making any investments. Nothing herein should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security.

Contact:
Mark Vickery
Web Content Editor
312-265-9380
Visit: www.zacks.com 

3 Samples

Eastern European Equity A (VEEEX) invests mainly in equity securities of Central and Eastern European companies. It seeks capital appreciation.

The fund focuses on well-managed businesses with consistent operating financial performance that have favorable long-term economic prospects, generate free cash flow, and trade below intrinsic value.

T. Rowe Price European Stock (PRESX) was founded in February 1990. It seeks long-term capital appreciation with current income as a secondary consideration.

The fund invests primarily in small and large European companies. Normally, at least 5 countries are represented in the portfolio. As of January 2009, its portfolio turnover was 105.90%.

Shareholders have to make a minimum initial investment of $2,500 to enter this Zacks #1 Rank ("Strong Buy") fund. It offers dividends and capital gains annually in December.

Metzler/Payden European Emerging Markets (MPYMX) invests in Europe's developing economies in the Central and Eastern parts of the continent, and seeks long-term capital appreciation.

The non-diversified fund invests in securities that trade and pay dividends in euros and other foreign currencies.

Markus Brueck has managed the fund since its inception in December 2002. Brueck has more than 15 years of experience in investment management business. The fund has an expense ratio of 1.47% and has topped the total returns of its benchmark index in the last 3-and 5-year periods.

Discover Many More Funds

Learn more about the new Zacks Mutual Fund Rank and discover some of the best market-beating mutual funds by browsing our new mutual funds section. This part of Zacks.com offers a variety of tools, including mutual fund research, a new mutual fund screener, helpful answers to frequently asked questions and quick access to prospectuses and other information.

By applying the Zacks Rank to mutual funds, investors can find funds that not only outpaced the market in the past but are also expected to outperform going forward.

Investors can find such funds by checking out the entire list of the Zacks #1 Rank European Equity Funds.

3 Solid Samples

Eastern European Equity A (VEEEX) seeks capital appreciation and primarily invests in equity securities of Central and Eastern European companies.

The fund tries to achieve high risk-adjusted returns by focusing on well-managed businesses with consistent operating financial performance that have favorable long-term economic prospects, generate free cash flow, and trade below intrinsic value.

Ucp Chemicals AG, Wiener Privatbank Immobilieninvest AG and NK Rosneft' OAO are among the top holdings at the fund.

T. Rowe Price European Stock (PRESX) was incepted in February 1990. The investment seeks long-term capital appreciation with current income as a secondary consideration.

The fund invests primarily in small and large European companies. Normally, at least five countries are represented in the portfolio. As of January 2009, its portfolio turnover was 105.90%.

Unit holders have to make a minimum initial investment of $2,500 to enter this Zacks#1 Rank ("Strong Buy") fund. The fund offers dividends and capital gains annually in December.

Metzler/Payden European Emerging Markets (MPYMX) seeks long-term capital appreciation. The fund invests in Europe's developing economies in the Central and Eastern parts of the continent.

The fund invests in securities that trade and pay dividends in euros and other foreign currencies. It is non-diversified.

Markus Brueck has managed the fund since its inception in December 2002. Brueck has more than 15 years of experience in investment management business. The fund has an expense ratio of 1.47% and has topped the total returns of its benchmark index in the last 3-and 5-year periods.

Discover Many More Funds

Learn more about the new Zacks Mutual Fund Rank and discover some of the best market-beating mutual funds by browsing our new mutual funds section. This part of Zacks.com offers a variety of tools, including mutual fund research, a new mutual fund screener, helpful answers to frequently asked questions and quick access to prospectuses and other information.

By applying the Zacks Rank to mutual funds, investors can find funds that not only outpaced the market in the past but are also expected to outperform going forward.

While the fund invests most assets in U.S. common stocks, it may also purchase other securities including foreign stocks, futures, and options. As of March 2009, the fund had allocated 95.8% of its assets in domestic stock, 2.8% in cash, 0.8% in foreign stock and 0.6% in preferred.

Henry Schein Inc. (HSIC), O'Reilly Automotive Inc. (ORLY) and FMC Technologies Inc. (FTI) are among the fund's top holdings.

T. Rowe Price New Era (PRNEX) seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation by investing primarily in the common stocks of companies that own or develop natural resources and other basic commodities. The fund also invests in stocks of selected non-resource growth firms.

The fund invests at least half of fund assets in U.S. securities, but may invest up to 50% of assets in foreign securities. It may also buy other types of securities, including futures and options.

The fund has been managed by Charles M. Ober since March 1997. The fund has an expense ratio of 0 .66%. The fund offers dividends and capital gains in December.

T. Rowe Price New America Growth (PRWAX) seeks to provide long-term capital growth. The fund invests primarily in the common stocks of U.S. companies that operate in the fastest growing sectors of the economy.

The fund's holdings range from large-cap to small companies, and are selected on the basis of earnings growth, fundamentals, management effectiveness, and valuations. Apple Inc. (AAPL), EOG Resources (EOG) and Medco Health Solutions Inc. (MHS) are some key holdings.

Unit holders have to make a minimum initial investment of $2,500 to enter the fund. The fund has an expense ratio of 0.91%.

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