AssetMark Investment Services has launched four new Fundamental Index Funds, which are no-load mutual funds based on the fundamental index concept. AssetMark has partnered with Research Affiliates, which has a pending patent on the Fundamental Index(TM) concept, to sub-advise the funds.

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AssetMark Investment Services, Inc., a subsidiary of Genworth Financial, Inc. (NYSE:GNW) today announced the introduction of the AssetMark Fundamental Index(TM) Funds, a new series of no-load mutual funds based on the Fundamental Index(TM) concept. AssetMark has partnered with Research Affiliates, which has a pending patent on the Fundamental Index(TM) concept, to sub-advise the funds. In constructing the AssetMark Fundamental Index(TM) Funds, Research Affiliates will be using a specialized process to create value- and growth-focused mandates that are designed for specific use in asset allocation portfolios implemented through AssetMark.

Fundamental Index(TM) is an innovative, alternate approach to cap- weighting indexing. Unlike traditional market capitalization weighted indexes, the AssetMark Fundamental Index(TM) Funds select and weight stocks based on accounting measures of a company's strength, including sales, cash flow, dividends and book value.

"The traditional cap-weighted approach to investing tends to overweight overvalued stocks and underweight undervalued stocks. We feel that Fundamental Index(TM) method does a better job of mirroring the composition of the broader economy as a whole," stated Robert Arnott, Chairman of Research Affiliates. "We're pleased that our new partnership with AssetMark makes it possible for more Advisors and investors to have access to this type of investment approach."

"We think that the Fundamental Index(TM) concept is incredibly powerful and will strongly resonate with Advisors and investors," noted Ronald Cordes, Chairman of AssetMark Investment Services. "By partnering with Research Affiliates, a leader in this area, we feel that our clients now have access to a truly revolutionary approach to indexing."

The AssetMark Fundamental Index(TM) Funds are part of the AssetMark Funds, a family of no-load mutual funds designed as an implementation solution as part of an investor's overall asset allocation strategy. The Fundamental Index(TM) Funds will initially be comprised of four equity funds, including a Large Company Growth, Large Company Value, Small Company Growth and Small Company Value Fund. The AssetMark Funds were introduced in 2001 and currently have over $3.7 billion in assets under management.

About AssetMark Investment Services

AssetMark Investment Services Inc. is an investment management and consulting firm dedicated to helping Investment Advisors take their businesses to the next level of profitability and growth. AssetMark provides one of the most comprehensive fee-based investment management platforms in the industry, in addition to client relationship management tools and business development programs. Founded in 1996, AssetMark currently administers 80,000 client accounts, representing more than $18 billion is assets. AssetMark is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Genworth Financial.

About Genworth Financial

Genworth Financial (NYSE:GNW) is a leading financial security company meeting the retirement, longevity and lifestyle protection, investment and mortgage insurance needs of more than 15 million customers. It has a presence in more than 25 countries. For more information, visit genworth.com.  

Edited by: Erin Kello


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