European banks are still burdened by bad debt, despite economic gains

March 07, 2018

Despite Europe’s economic recovery, the balance sheets of the Continent’s banks remain less than stellar relative to those of U.S. banks, says Boston Partners Portfolio Manager Christopher K. Hart, CFA. Chris and his colleagues at Boston Partners manage a non-U.S. equity strategy.

Foreign investing, especially in emerging markets, has additional risks, such as currency and market volatility and political and social instability. Value stocks may decline in price. Hedging and other strategic transactions may increase volatility and result in losses if not successful. Large company stocks could fall out of favor, and illiquid securities may be difficult to sell at a price approximating their value. The stock prices of small and midsize companies can change more frequently and dramatically than those of large companies. The fund may invest its assets in a small number of issuers. Performance could suffer significantly from adverse events affecting these issuers. Please see the fund’s prospectus for additional risks.

MF430876