Seeing the Big Picture: A Global Approach Needed to Round Out an Investment Portfolio

International equity markets offer investors exposure to many key industries that countries other than the U.S. dominate.

Yet, research shows international stocks remain woefully underrepresented in most U.S. portfolios, according to ING Funds, the retail mutual fund unit of ING Group, one of the largest financial service organizations in the world.

The company has recently embarked on a "Going Global" campaign to introduce more people to international investing.

"ING is working hard to help more people understand how the world of investing is changing," said Bob Boulware, president and CEO of ING Funds "Those who are not thinking globally may be missing out."

Boulware says many U.S. investors do not realize to what degree foreign companies dominate some industries. For instance, eight of the ten biggest building product and metal companies are based overseas, and nine of the top 10 airlines, engineering companies and energy companies.

Even if they do not realize it, the lives of Americans are influenced by global companies. Perhaps it was the medication taken before bedtime, the car driven to work, or the soft drink that accompanied lunch. All are likely products of companies that operate across the globe.

Many Americans still view international investing as too risky. Although it does pose certain, unique risks not found in the U.S., such as currency fluctuations, political and economic instabilities, history does show, however, a globally allocated portfolio may actually reduce risk.

Just as you would build the domestic portion of your portfolio to include a range of investment options, the same goes for the international side. First, consider global and international mutual funds.

Global funds provide exposure to opportunities around the world -- both international and domestic. International mutual funds may be better suited for individuals seeking purely foreign holdings to complement their existing domestic portfolio.

Among both global and international funds, an investor may want to consider:

  Market Style: Determine if you are seeking value or growth stocks or a
  blend of both in your international portfolio.

  Market Capitalization: This represents the value of a corporation based on
  the underlying share prices.

  Specialty Funds: Designed for investors who wish to target their
  investments either geographically or to include certain key markets, such
  as real estate.

In addition, global financial market reforms have reduced worldwide trade barriers and capital surpluses have migrated across international borders. The result has been extraordinary world economic growth over the last two decades, and vastly expanded global investment opportunity.

As part of ING, a recognized leader in global asset management, ING Funds has been focused on providing a mix of global and international investing opportunities for U.S. investors through mutual funds. Barron's named ING the fourth best global fund manager in their annual survey of 73 fund companies.

This recognition of the company's global expertise comes, in part, because of its access to more than 700 ING investment professionals located worldwide with insight into the dynamics of markets in Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Americas.

ING Funds' latest White Paper, "Seeing the Big Picture: A Global Approach to Investing" provides a good primer of information on a variety of aspects of international investing. It can be downloaded from http://www.ingfunds.com/global, or requested from your investment professional.

ABOUT ING

ING is a global financial institution of Dutch origin offering banking, insurance and asset management to over 60 million private, corporate and institutional clients in more than 50 countries. With a diverse workforce of over 113,000 people, ING comprises a broad spectrum of prominent companies that increasingly serve their clients under the ING brand.

In the U.S., the ING family of companies offer a comprehensive array of financial services to retail and institutional clients which include life insurance, retirement plans, mutual funds, managed accounts, alternative investments, direct banking, institutional investment management, annuities, employee benefits, financial planning, and reinsurance. ING holds top-tier rankings in key U.S. markets and serves over 14 million customers across the nation. For more information, visit http://www.ing.com/.

For more complete information, or to obtain a prospectus on any ING Fund, please call ING Funds Distributor, LLC at (800) 334-3444 or log on to www.ingfunds.com. The prospectus should be read carefully before investing.

Consider the fund's investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this information and other information about the fund. Not all funds are available at all firms.

Principal Risks: International investing does pose special risks, including currency fluctuations, economic and political risks not found in investments that are solely domestic. Risks of foreign investing are generally intensified for investments in emerging markets.

SOURCE: ING Americas

CONTACT: Christina Divigard of ING U.S. Financial Services, +1-860-723-
2293, or christina.divigard@us.ing.com

Web site: http://www.ing.com/
http://www.ingfunds.com/
http://www.ingfunds.com/global