William Blair Family of Funds Total Returns -
(Period ending
30.04.2012
)
Performance cited represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results and current performance may be lower or higher than the data quoted. Returns shown are average annual total returns, which assume reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Investment returns and principal will fluctuate with market and economic conditions and you may have a gain or loss when you sell shares.
The Fund’s relative performance may be significantly affected by the timing of pricing between the determination of the Fund’s Net Asset Value and the determination of the value of the Fund’s benchmark at month end. In essence, like most European funds the NAV encompasses prices as of noon, Luxembourg time, while the benchmark captures close of day prices in all regions. Local market performance on the last day of any given month may be captured in the benchmark performance, but not in the Fund performance. This may have significant implications for relative performance. The result of this “lag” may considerably understate or overstate the relative performance of the Fund.
International investing involves special risk considerations, including currency fluctuations, lower liquidity, economic and political risk. Investing in emerging markets can increase these risks.
Investments in initial public offerings (IPOs) during favorable market conditions have significantly contributed to the Emerging Markets Growth Fund's performance since its inception. As the Fund grows in size or as market conditions for IPOs become less favorable, the impact of IPOs is likely to diminish.
Investing in smaller and medium capitalization companies involves special risks, including higher volatility and lower liquidity. Mid cap stocks are also more sensitive to purchase/sale transactions and changes in the issuer's financial condition.