Global's GCC Large Cap Fund achieves 49% returns

Mr.Talal Samhouri, Head of MENA Asset Management at Global, said that the Fund's consistent strong performance of the index is attributable to the Fund's dynamic and research driven investment approach.

The Fund achieved a return of 56.6% since inception, as of year end 2007, as opposed to the 45.1% return generated by the Global GCC 30 Index, the Fund's benchmark.

Samhouri pointed out that in 2007, the Fund outperformed its benchmark index by 4.5%, and proved to be one of the best performing Fund's in the region for the year.

The Fund adopts a disciplined investment approach that depends on a research intensive investment process. The bottom-up stock picking approach the Fund follows provides investors with an exposure to a diversified basket of leading regional companies in a risk efficient manner.

He emphasized the GCC region continues to enjoy a very strong macroeconomic outlook in the backdrop of record high oil prices. Despite the recent run up in the regional stock markets, valuations remain attractive for long term investments in view of robust corporate earnings growth outlook.

Benefits of investing in the GCC Large Cap Fund include weekly liquidity, a diversified exposure to regional equities and low minimum investment requirements. It is an investment vehicle that appeals to various segments of the investment community, including individual and institutional investors.

It is worth noting that Global currently manages over 35 investment funds with multiple investment strategies and objectives. A number of which have won regional and international awards and recognitions. Global's commitment to its investors remains strong as evident with their ongoing achievements in markets across the region.