The Gold Report: In the first decade of this century, the Van Eck International Investors Gold Fund gave its investors an annualized average return of about 25%. How has the fund performed since we last talked in August 2010?
Joe Foster: Gold stocks have had a tough time in the last couple of years and the fund was essentially flat during that period. The stocks have underperformed the gold price, which is up about 38%, and that is reflected in the fund performance.
TGR: How has the fund performed against the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index (GDM), its benchmark index?
JF: Since our last interview in 2010 their performances have been similar, roughly flat.
TGR: How much does the fund have under management and how many positions does it hold?
JF: We have approximately $1.4 billion (B) in the International Investors Gold Fund and have 55 stocks in the fund.
TGR: As of May 2012, the Van Eck International Investors Gold Fund was allowed to invest in a wholly owned Cayman subsidiary, which lets it invest directly in commodities and commodity futures. How has that changed your investment strategy? Continue reading "Look to Midtier and Small-Cap Gold Equities for Growth: Joe Foster"
