-- Mr. Herb Blank, SVP, Quantitative Products, Rapid Ratings
International
-- Mr. Scott Burns, Director ETF Research, Morningstar
-- Ms. Mariana Bush, Closed-End Funds & Exchange-Traded Funds Senior
Analyst, Wachovia Securities
-- Ms. Amy Charles, Director Closed-End Fund Research, Raymond James &
Associates
-- Mr. Dennis Emanuel, Managing Director, Closed-End Fund & ETF Research,
Citigroup Investment Research
-- Mr. Paul LaRosa, Managing Director, Maxim Group
-- Mr. Jon Maier, Senior Director, Closed-End Fund Research, Investment
Strategy Group, Merrill Lynch
-- Mr. Dominic Maister, Executive Director, Markets Group, Morgan Stanley
-- Ms. Sangeeta Marfatia, Closed End Fund Analyst, Director, UBS Wealth
Management Research
-- Mr. Paul Mazzilli, President, Mazzilli Advisors
-- Mr. Alex Reiss, Analyst, Closed-End Fund & ETF research, Stifel
Nicolaus
-- Mr. Kristoph Rollenhagen, Sr. V.P. - Exchange-Traded & Closed-End
Funds, Oppenheimer & Co.
-- Mr. Jeff Tjornehoj, Research Analyst, Lipper - A Reuters Company
-- Mr. Joseph G. Witthohn, CFA, Closed-End Fund and ETF Analyst, Janney
Montgomery Scott
-- Mr. Darren Young, Product manager - Exchange Traded Funds and Notes,
RBC Wealth Management
-- Mr. Frank Mastromauro, Product manager - Exchange Traded Funds and
Notes, RBC Wealth Management.
The Most Innovative New Product Awards are presented to the Fund Sponsor
who came up with the most innovative product in CEFs and ETFs respectively
during the prior year.
The Best Shareholder Relations Awards are presented to the Fund Sponsor who
practices best financial disclosure and is proactive in investor and
shareholder communications. Among the criteria used were the quality and
regularity of financial disclosure by the Fund Sponsor. Also their
pro-activeness in terms of communication with the investment public through
frequent presentations, conference calls, webcasts, conferences, product
literature, etc.
The Awards for Best Investor Relations Websites are presented to the Fund
Sponsor who maintains the most informative and user-friendly financial
website, focused on Closed-End Funds or ETFs respectively.
The Awards for Contribution to the Closed-End Fund and ETF sectors are
presented to the individuals for their contribution during the last year to
the Closed-End Fund and ETF sectors respectively. Members of the Nominating
Committee cannot be candidates for these Awards.
The Most Innovative Index Award is presented to the Sponsor who came up
with the most innovative Index in 2008.
The Most Best ETF Focused Publication is presented to the publication that
best covered the ETF sector in 2008.
CLOSED-END FUND AWARDS - 2008 WINNERS
The Most Innovative New Closed-End Fund in 2008 Award was presented to
BlackRock by Mr. Lawrence Leibowitz, Group Executive Vice President, Head
of US Markets and Global Technology, NYSE Euronext. Member of NYSE Euronext
Management Committee
Mr. Brian D'Anna, Vice President, Product Management and Development at
BlackRock, stated: "It is especially gratifying to receive this award from
such a distinguished panel of industry analysts. BlackRock is dedicated to
the continued innovation of both product structure and composition, and
BlackRock Defined Opportunity Credit Trust (BHL) is an excellent example of
creating a product structure that appropriately matches the unique
long-term investment opportunity in the credit markets."
The Best Shareholder Relations by a non-US Closed-End Fund Family in 2008
Award was presented to Aberdeen Management by Mr. Dennis Emanuel, Managing
Director of CEF & ETF Research from Citigroup.
Mr. Tim Sullivan, Vice President, Head of Product Development, Aberdeen
Asset Management, who accepted the award, stated: "At Aberdeen we are
honoured to be recognized by our peers for our commitment to shareholder
communications, which we believe is essential to corporate governance. This
award comes at an important time as we are preparing to welcome the
shareholders of five Credit Suisse closed-end funds in a transaction that,
pending shareholder approval, is expected to be completed July, 1, 2009."
The Best Shareholder Relations by a US Equity Closed-End Fund Family in
2008 Award was presented for the fourth year in a row to Eaton Vance
Investment Managers by Mr. Alexander Reiss, Analyst Closed-End Fund Equity
Research, Stifel Nicolaus.
Mr. Jonathan Isaac, Vice President, Closed-End Funds of Eaton Vance
Management, who accepted the award, stated: "Eaton Vance is honoured to
receive this well-respected award for the fourth consecutive year. As a
firm we continue to recognize the importance of shareholder communications
and the need to effectively support of our closed-end funds trading in the
secondary market."
The Best Shareholder Relations by a Fixed Income Closed-End Fund Family in
2008 was presented to Nuveen Investments by Mr. Darrell K. Stone, Director,
Standard & Poor's Investor Relations Services.
Ms. Anne Kritzmire, Managing Director, Nuveen Investments, accepted the
award on Nuveen's behalf and stated that: "The challenges and volatility of
the past year have been felt by all those who participate in the closed-end
fund market, none more so than the investors we seek to serve. Because of
this, we are particularly honored to be recognized in these two categories.
We believe this recognition highlights our industry's continued focus, care
and integrity; and is a testament to our dedication to this product and
more importantly, our desire for the long-term success of closed-end fund
investors."
The Best Investor Relations Closed-End Fund Website in 2008 was presented
to Nuveen Investments by Mr. Kristoph Rollenhagen, Sr. V.P. -
Exchange-Traded & Closed-End Funds, Oppenheimer & Co.
Ms. Anne Kritzmire, Head of Marketing of Nuveen Investments, accepted the
award.
The Award For Contribution to the Closed-End Fund sector in 2008 was
presented to Mr. Jonathan Isaac, Vice President, Closed-End Funds, Eaton
Vance Investment Managers by Ms. Mariana Bush, CEF & ETF Analyst from
Wachovia Securities.
Mr. Jonathan Isaac stated: "I am delighted to accept this award. Winning
the Award for Contribution to the Closed-End Fund sector is a testament to
the hard work of many investment professionals at Eaton Vance and the
firm's commitment to addressing the issues that the closed-end fund market
faced in 2008. We are all pleased to be recognized for our actions on
behalf of our investors."
ETF AWARDS - 2008 WINNERS
The Most Innovative New ETF Product in 2008 Award was presented to Direxion
Shares by Mr. Lawrence Leibowitz, Group Executive Vice President, Head of
US Markets and Global Technology, NYSE Euronext. Member of NYSE Euronext
Management Committee
Mr. Andy O'Rourke, Sr. Vice President and Marketing Director of Direxion
Shares, who accepted the award, stated: "We are honored to receive this
recognition from our industry's analysts for developing the most innovative
new ETFs in 2008. As a firm, we strive to be pioneers in our field by
providing the type of truly unique and advanced investment tools that
today's sophisticated investors and advisors demand. As the first ETF
provider to offer 300% leverage, long and short, we look forward to
continuing to innovate with distinctive solutions that help investors
optimize their portfolio strategies in all markets.
"Direxion Shares Daily 3x Leveraged ETFs are short-term trading vehicles
that allow investors to navigate changing markets with bull and bear
flexibility. These investments are designed for sophisticated investors
who, understand the risks associated with the use of leverage, understand
the consequences of seeking daily leveraged investment results, and intend
to actively monitor and manage their investments."
The Best Shareholder Relations in 2008 Award was presented to Barclays
Global Investors: iShares by Mr. Dominic Maister, Executive Director,
Markets Group, Morgan Stanley.
Mr. Dodd Kittsley, CFA, Strategist, Barclays Global Investors, iShares, who
accepted the award, stated: "iShares is delighted to be the recipient of
this important award for the second year in a row. It acknowledges our
focus on doing the right thing for investors and empowering financial
intermediaries. We are committed to ensuring and fostering transparency by
clearly communicating risks, returns, taxes and costs in everything we do.
We are honored to be recognized for our efforts."
The Best Investor Relations Website In 2008 Award was presented to iShares
managed by Barclays Global Investors by Mr. Joseph Witthohn, CFA, Director
of ETF Research, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC.
Mr. Dodd Kittsley, CFA, Strategist, Barclays Global Investors, iShares, who
accepted the award, stated: "It is an honor to receive this award for the
third consecutive year and be recognized within the industry for our
unwavering commitment to transparency and education. A core business
objective at iShares is to offer a user friendly, information-rich website
for investors. Our website contains numerous portfolio tools, a wealth of
data and product information, as well as a robust educational web
component, and we are delighted to be recognized for our efforts."
The Most Innovative Index In 2008 Award was presented to WisdomTree
Investments by Mr. Mathew Moran, Vice President, Chicago Board Options
Exchange (CBOE).
Mr. Luciano Siracusano, Director of Research, WisdomTree Investments,
accepted the award and stated that: "On behalf of WisdomTree, I am honoured
to receive this award and recognition from our peers," said Luciano
Siracusano, Chief Investment Strategist at WisdomTree."We are committed to
developing innovative products that we believe meet a need in the market by
opening up a new asset class or improving upon the way investors have
previously gained exposure to important areas in the market. The
development of this Index allowed WisdomTree to open up India to investors
in a new way."
The Award for Contribution to the ETF Sector In 2008 was presented to Mr.
Edward McRedmond, Senior Vice President, Portfolio Strategies, Invesco
PowerShares Capital Management by Mr. Scott Burns, Director ETF research,
Morningstar.
Mr. Edward McRedmond commented: "I am honoured to receive this award. It's
been my privilege to work and interact with so many wonderful people in the
ETF and Closed-End Fund industry over the years. I'd like to thank Capital
Link for putting on this event that brings together so many of the
industry's top players; and a special thanks to all the analysts who
support and promote the industry through their work. They are an invaluable
resource for the industry and certainly for their firm's financial
advisors. And last but not least, all my colleagues at PowerShares, who go
above and beyond to support me every day."
The Award for the Best ETF Focused Publication In 2008 was presented to
Index Publications, LLC by Mr. Darren Young, Product Manager -
Exchange-Traded Funds and Notes, RBC Wealth Management.
Mr. Don Friedman accepted the award on behalf of Mr. Jim Wiandt, Publisher
of ETFR, Journal of Indexes, IndexUniverse.com and the Inside ETFs and
Inside Commodities events, and commented: "We are thoroughly delighted to
be receiving the award for ETFR as the best ETF-focused publication.
Receiving this award in such a competitive market from those most
knowledgeable about the industry is especially meaningful for us."
ANNUAL CEF & ETF ANALYST AWARDS - 2008 WINNERS
The Annual Closed-End Fund & ETF Analyst Awards, an initiative of Capital
Link, a New York-based investor relations and financial communications firm
with strategic focus on CEFs and ETFs, aim to identify and recognize
annually those firms and individual analysts who with their research work
contribute to the development of the CEF and ETF sectors respectively.
Nicolas Bornozis, President of Capital Link, mentioned that the CEF & ETF
Analyst Awards are based on nominations by committee of Closed-End Fund and
ETF sponsors respectively. Capital Link is not part of any of the
Nominating Committees. The Analyst Awards are presented within the context
of the 8th Annual Capital Link Forum on Closed-End Funds & Global ETFs that
took place on Wednesday, April 29 in New York City.
The Nominating Committee for the Closed-End Fund Analyst Awards is
comprised of:
-- Mr. Tony Clarizio, V.P. Product Management, Pioneer Investments
-- Mr. Steven A. Baffico, Director of Strategic Initiatives, BlackRock
Investments
-- Mr. Doug Bond, EVP & Portfolio Manager, Closed-End Opportunity Fund,
Cohen & Steers
-- Mr. Christopher Ferreira, AVP Closed-End Funds & Product Development,
Deutsche Bank Asset Management
-- Ms. Martha Douvogiannis, Vice President, Closed-End Funds, Allianz
Global Investors
-- Mr. Jonathan Isaac, Vice President, Closed-End Funds, Eaton Vance
Investment Managers
-- Mr. David Lamb, Managing Director, Head of Modeling & Analysis Group,
Nuveen Investments
-- Mr. Derryk Madsen, Vice President ETFs, Claymore
-- Mr. Jeffrey Margolin, Vice President and Closed-End Fund Analyst,
First Trust Advisors L.P.
-- Ms. Karen R. McColl, CFA, Vice President, Investment Product
Management, Evergreen Investments
-- Mr. David Schachter, Vice President, Gabelli Funds
-- Mr. David Schulte, Managing Director, Tortoise Capital Advisors
-- Mr. Tim Sullivan, Vice President, Head of Product Development,
Aberdeen Asset Management
-- Mr. Jake Tuzza, Vice President, Structure Assets & Innovation, ING
Investment Management
The Nominating Committee for the ETF Analyst Awards is comprised of:
-- Mr. Tom Anderson, CFA, Vice President and Head of Strategy and
Research, State Street Global Advisors
-- Mr. John Hyland, CFA, Chief Investment Officer, US Oil Fund
-- Mr. Dodd F. Kittsley, CFA, Strategist, iShares Barclays Global
Investors
-- Mr. Derryk Madsen, Vice President ETFs, Claymore
-- Mr. Jeffrey Margolin, Vice President and Closed-End Fund Analyst,
First Trust Advisors L.P.
-- Mr. Edward McRedmond, SVP - Portfolio Strategies, Invesco PowerShares
Capital Management
-- Ms. Melissa Nassar, Principal, Vanguard Financial Advisor Services
-- Mr. Adam Phillips, Managing Director, Van Eck Global
-- Mr. Carl Resnick, Senior V.P. & Managing Director ETF Business Line,
Rydex Investments
-- Mr. Howard Rubin, CFA, Senior Portfolio Manager, ProShares
-- Mr. Luciano Siracusano, Director of Research, WisdomTree Investments
The Best Research Team for CEFs & ETFs in 2008 Awards are presented to a
Firm whose Research team contributed the most to the CEF and ETF sector
respectively in 2008.
For Contribution to the CEF & ETF Sector in 2008 Awards are presented to an
individual analyst whose work contributed the most to the CEF and ETF
sector respectively in 2008.
The Winners were the following:
CLOSED-END FUND ANALYST AWARDS
The Best Research Team for Closed-End Funds In 2008 Award was presented to
Citi Investment Research by Mr. Steven Baffico, Director of Strategic
Initiatives, BlackRock Investments.
Mr. Dennis Emanuel, Managing Director CEF & ETF Research from at Citigroup
Investment Research accepted the award. He stated "Citi Investment Research
is thrilled that we have been recognized for our efforts in the Closed-End
Fund space. Our team's goal is to always strive to add value for our
investors and 2008 was an especially trying environment. It is gratifying
to see our efforts acknowledged."
The Award for Contribution to the Closed-End Fund Sector In 2008 was
presented to Ms. Mariana Bush, CEF & ETF Analyst from Wachovia Securities
by Mr. Jeffrey Margolin, Vice President, First Trust Advisors.
Ms. Mariana Bush commented: "It is an honor to receive this award. The
annual Capital Link CEF/ETF Conference is a highlight of the year for our
industry, and it is a privilege to receive this recognition from the
esteemed members of the Committee of Industry Participants. During these
challenging times, conferences like this one are especially valuable for
the exchange of current insights and ideas."
ETF ANALYST AWARDS
The Best Research Team for Exchange-Traded Funds In 2008 Award was
presented to Morgan Stanley by Mr. Luciano Siracusano, Director of
Research, WisdomTree Investments.
Mr. Dominic Maister, Executive Director, Markets Group at Morgan Stanley,
who accepted the award, stated that: "Morgan Stanley was the first firm to
provide comprehensive ETF research and strategy for our clients. Over the
past 15 years, the evolution of the ETF industry has been equally as
impressive as its growth, which has increased the need for insight and
analysis. We are honoured to receive this award, which continues to
recognize Morgan Stanley's leadership in the market."
The Award for Contribution to the ETF Sector In 2008 was presented to Ms.
Mariana Bush, CEF & ETF Analyst from Wachovia Securities by Mr. Tom
Anderson, CFA, Vice President and Head of Strategy and Research, State
Street Global Advisors.
SPECIAL AWARD - FOR CONTRIBUTION TO THE CEF & ETF SECTORS
Nicolas Bornozis, President of Capital Link presented a Special Award to
Mr. Paul Mazzilli, President, Mazzilli Advisors, in recognition of his
longstanding contribution to the Closed-End Fund Sectors.
Upon accepting the award Mr. Mazzilli stated: "It is a great honour to
accept Capital link's special award in recognition of my long standing
contribution to the Closed-End and Exchange-Traded Fund sectors. Indeed, I
have spent many years educating investors about the merits of these
products and assisting them in identifying attractive investment
opportunities. Capital Link serves similar objectives as the sponsor of the
leading conference for Closed-End and Exchange-Traded Funds and through
investor relations for fund companies. My experience with closed-end funds
and ETFs started in the early 1990s when I worked on Initial Public
Offerings of funds for Morgan Stanley Asset Management and the launch of
the World Equity Benchmark Shares (WEBS) ETFs in 1995. From 1997 to 2008, I
built and directed Morgan Stanley's research team responsible for covering
both closed-end funds and ETFs. During this time period I have formed
special relationships with many of those attending today's conference and I
look forward to continuing these relationships in my advisory and
consulting activates."
CLOSED-END FUND AWARDS Most Innovative New Closed-End Fund in 2008 BlackRock Defined Opportunity Fund (BHL) Best Shareholder Relations by a non-US Closed-End Fund Family in 2008 Aberdeen Asset Management, Inc. Best Shareholder Relations by a US Equity Closed-End Fund Family in 2008 Eaton Vance Investment Managers Best Shareholder Relations by a Fixed Income Fund Family in 2008 Nuveen Investments Best Investor Relations Website in 2008 Nuveen Investments For Contribution to the Closed-End Fund Sector in 2008 Mr. Jonathan Isaac Eaton Vance Investment Managers ETF Awards Most Innovative New ETF Product in 2008 Direxion Shares Direxion Shares Daily 3x ETFs Best Shareholder Relations in 2008 Barclays Global Investors: iShares Best Investor Relations ETF Website in 2008 Barclays Global Investors: iShares Most Innovative Index in 2008 WisdomTree Investments, Inc. WisdomTree India Earnings Index (WTIND) For Contribution to the ETF Sector in 2008 Mr. Edward McRedmond Senior Vice President - Portfolio Strategies Invesco PowerShares Capital Management Best ETF Focused Publication in 2008 Exchange-Traded Funds Report (ETFR) Mr. Jim Wiandt, Editor Closed-End Fund Analyst Awards Best Research Team for Closed-End Funds in 2008 Citi Investment Research For Contribution to the Closed-End Fund Sector in 2008 Ms. Mariana Bush, CEF & ETF Analyst Wachovia Securities ETF Analyst Awards Best Research Team for Exchange-Traded Funds in 2008 Morgan Stanley For Contribution to the ETF Sector in 2008 Ms. Mariana Bush, CEF & ETF Analyst Wachovia Securities SPECIAL Award In Recognition of his Contribution to the Closed-End Fund & ETF Sectors Recipient, Paul Mazzilli
Contact Information: For additional information please contact: Nicolas Bornozis President Capital Link, Inc. Tel. 212-661-7566 E-mail: fundforum@capitallink.com