The First Israel Fund, Inc. Announces Performance Data and Portfolio Composition

Fri Oct 2, 10:31 AM

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The First Israel Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") (NYSE AMEX: ISL), a closed-end equity fund, announced today its performance data and portfolio composition as of August 31, 2009.

The Fund's total returns for various periods through August 31, 2009 are provided below. (All figures are based on distributions reinvested at the dividend reinvestment price and are stated net-of-fees):


    Period                  NAV Total Return %    Market Price Total Return %
    ------                  ------------------    ---------------------------
                        Cumulative    Annualized   Cumulative      Annualized
                        ----------    ----------   ----------      ----------


    Since inception       214.3           7.0         182.0              6.4
    (October 1992)
    10-years               96.6           7.0         111.1              7.8
    5-years                67.9          10.9          83.2             12.9
    3-years                22.2           6.9          24.4              7.5
                           ------------------          ---------------------
    1-year                        0.7                            2.2


On August 31, 2009, the Fund's net assets amounted to US$61.8 million and the Fund's NAV per share was $14.47.

As of August 31, 2009, the portfolio was invested as follows:


    Portfolio Composition                                   Percent of
                                                            Net Assets
    ---------------------                                  -------------
    Financials                                                  38.4
    Other                                                       15.6
    Consumer, Non-Cyclical                                      10.9
    Industrials                                                  8.6
    Basic Materials                                              8.4
    Communications                                               7.3
    Diversified                                                  5.1
    Technology                                                   3.3
    Consumer, Cyclical                                           1.5
    Energy                                                       0.8
    Utilities                                                    0.1

The Fund's ten largest equity holdings as of August 31, 2009, representing 50.0% of net assets, were:


    Stock                                                    Percent of
                                                             Net Assets
    -----                                                    ----------
    Harel Insurance Investments & Financial Services             8.2
    Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited                       7.0
    Bank Leumi Le-Israel BM                                      6.6
    Bezeq The Israeli Telecommunication Corporation Limited      6.3
    Bank Hapoalim BM                                             5.7
    Israel Chemicals Limited                                     5.3
    Shikun & Binui Limited                                       3.1
    Israel Discount Bank                                         2.7
    The Israel Corporation Limited                               2.6
    Check Point Software Tech                                    2.5

Important Information

Aberdeen Asset Management Inc. has prepared this report based on information sources believed to be accurate and reliable. However, the figures are unaudited and neither the Fund, Aberdeen Asset Investment Services Limited (the Investment Adviser), nor any other person guarantees their accuracy. Investors should seek their own professional advice and should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before acting on this information. Aberdeen is a U.S. registered service mark of Aberdeen Asset Management PLC.

Total return figures with distributions reinvested at the dividend reinvestment price are stated net-of-fees and represents past performance. Past performance is not indicative of future results, current performance may be higher or lower. Holdings are subject to change and are provided for informational purposes only and should not be deemed as a recommendation to buy or sell the securities shown. Inception date October 29, 1992.

If you wish to receive this information electronically, please contact: InvestorRelations@aberdeen-asset.com

SOURCE The First Israel Fund, Inc.