THE NETHERLANDS – Dutch investment group, Robeco, has launched a new fund, the Robeco Economic Recovery 02/04 fund.

The fund, with an issue price of €25, will invest in those sectors that are generally perceived to recover first following economic slumps. In the past, these sectors have included cyclicals such as chemicals, retail and media, as well as ICT, financials and bank stocks.

Investments in the fund have a limited life to maturity, corresponding in the main to the anticipated duration of the first phase of an economic recovery.

The value of the participating units will be paid in April 2004. It is not benchmarked and is aimed primarily at those looking for short-term supplementary gain.