The Latin America Equity Fund, Inc. Announces Performance Data and Portfolio Composition

Fri Oct 2, 10:31 AM

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Latin America Equity Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") (NYSE Amex: LAQ), 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       684.6          12.2         551.8             11.1
     (October 1991)
    10-years              407.8          17.6         514.9             19.9
    5-years               231.4          27.1         249.3             28.4
    3-years                42.1          12.4          36.6             10.9
    1-year                       -14.8                         -16.1


On August 31, 2009, the Fund's net assets amounted to US$212.4 million and the Fund's NAV per share was $34.54.

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

    Portfolio Composition                                   Percent of
                                                            Net Assets
    Basic Materials                                             19.1
    Financials                                                  18.7
    Energy                                                      16.4
    Communications                                              13.7
    Consumer, Non-Cyclical                                      11.0
    Consumer, Cyclical                                           5.6
    Utilities                                                    5.4
    Other                                                        4.7
    Industrials                                                  2.9
    Diversified                                                  2.5


The Fund's ten largest equity holdings as of August 31, 2009, representing 48.5% of net assets, were:

    Stock                                                   Percent of
                                                            Net Assets
    Petroleo Brasileiro SA Petrobas                           16.4
    Vala SA                                                    8.6
    America Movil SAB de CV                                    6.5
    Banco Bradesco SA                                          3.0
    Vale SA                                                    2.8
    Itau Unibanco Holding SA                                   2.5
    Fomento Economico Mexicano SAB de CV                       2.4
    Gerdau SA                                                  2.1
    Itau Unibanco Banco SA                                     2.1
    Organizacion Soriana                                       2.1


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 represent 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 30, 1991.

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

SOURCE The Latin America Equity Fund, Inc.