The fund principally invests in equity securities listed or traded on exchanges in the Asia Pacific region (excluding Japan). Under normal circumstances, it invests at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in securities of issuers located in the Asia Pacific region (excluding Japan). The adviser considers equity securities to include common and preferred stocks, depositary receipts, and securities with equity characteristics, including, but not limited to, equity-linked notes and participation notes.