Fund Description

The fund invests at least 80% of assets in equity securities expected to appreciate over the long term, including common and preferred stocks and American Depositary Receipts. Northern Trust Investments, Inc. selects securities for long-term capital gains potential and may also consider income potential. Holdings ordinarily emphasize large- and mid-cap equities. It seeks sector weights within 3% to 5% of the S&P 500 Index and uses statistical modeling and research to target profitability, cash flow, management efficiency, and lower volatility, using a proprietary quantitative ranking designed to provide exposure to quality characteristics and performing risk management analysis at the security, sector and portfolio levels. It may use stock index futures to equitize cash and enhance liquidity, generally limiting exposure to 5% of portfolio value.