RHB Unit Trust Launches Global Themes Fund, its first in Thematic Investing

KUALA LUMPUR, January 10, 2007: Investors who want a fund that will outperform in any market condition now have a new fund to add to their portfolio.

Global Themes Fund is a new feeder fund by RHB Unit Trust Management Bhd (“RHB Unit Trust”) as well as its first thematic fund (a fund that utilizes the thematic investing approach). It invests 95-100% of its Net Asset Value into DWS Global Themes Equity Fund (underlying fund) and up to 5% into cash or cash equivalent investments.

The main objective of the fund is to provide investors with long-term growth of capital through a diversified international portfolio based on a global thematic investing and is suitable for moderate risk investors who want an ‘all-weather’ portfolio, according to the Chief Executive Officer of RHB Unit Trust, Mr Michael Tan.

“The strategy behind thematic investing is to design a portfolio that will outperform regardless of market conditions, and is not influenced by perceived market direction. The portfolio for the fund consists of several themes that belong to 3 main market environments – Strong, Weak and Any. For example, the themes under Strong Market Environment will contain companies with rapidly rising revenues and operating returns that will contribute to the growth of the portfolio when the market is strong. Similarly, themes under the Weak Market Environment will be companies that provide consistent dividend and companies that are stable throughout market cycles that provide value to the portfolio for the Any Market Environment”, he explained.

“The fund is borderless, not constrained to geography or sector which gives investors true diversification. The fund is also forward looking, as it identifies secular trends that provide the best investment opportunities. Hence, it is most suitable as an all-weather, core investment as it is designed to out perform in all market conditions, free from the perceived direction of the global market”, Michael Tan added.

Global Themes Fund will be managed by RHB Asset Management Berhad, whereas the underlying target fund, DWS Global Themes Equity Fund, is managed by Singapore-based Deutsche Asset Management (Asia) Limited and sub-managed by Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc.. Globally, Deutsche Asset Management (DeAM), a member of the Deutsche Bank Group, has over US$683.6 billion (as at 29 September 2006) in assets under management and over 700 investment professionals, including research analysts, investment managers and relationship managers in 15 countries worldwide.

When asked about RHB Unit Trust’s first tie-up with DeAM, Michael Tan exclaimed “I am very happy with this collaboration; not only will we be leveraging on their (DeAM) experience and expertise, but on the brand name of Deutsche Bank Group as well. We will have lots of opportunities to leverage on each others strengths”.

Global Themes Fund will be distributed by HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad, CIMB Investment Bank Berhad, RHB Bank Bhd, United Overseas Bank (Malaysia) Bhd, its authorized agents and its business partners Oscar Wealth Advisory Sdn Bhd, Arrow Solutions (M) Sdn Bhd, Standard Financial Planners Sdn Bhd and Legacy Wealth Management (M) Sdn Bhd. For more information, please contact RHB Unit Trust Management Bhd at toll free 1-800-88-3656 or visit our website at www.rhb-unittrust.com.my.

Issued on behalf of RHB Unit Trust Management Berhad by Group Corporate Communications, RHB Capital Berhad. For more information, please call Yeoh Guan Jin at Tel: 603 92802536 or Akmal Baqi Mohammed Ariff at 012-6658704.