Europe offers a wealth of exciting investment opportunities for the long-term investor. The region is home to companies that are world leaders in financial services, energy, business services, branded consumer products, mobile communications and many other sectors. Despite rather lacklustre economic growth in Europe, the Fund has benefited from companies that have restructured to improve profitability and competitiveness.The Fund has also benefited from the increased prominence of the euro, which functions as a default currency for many global investors concerned about America's huge trade deficits. Moreover, all European companies are likely to benefit from the expansion of the European Community, which creates new opportunities for cross border trade at the same time as helping to keep operating costs low.