The fund pursues its investment objective by applying a hybrid research process which uses both quantitative and qualitative criteria. It will invest at least 80% of its net assets (including amounts borrowed for investment purposes) in a diversified portfolio of equity securities of small capitalization companies, with an emphasis on equity securities of U.S. issuers. The fund may engage in short-sale transactions up to 25% of its net assets. It also may invest in equity securities of Canadian issuers and American Depository Receipts.