SmartGrowth Funds Rank in Top 2% of Lipper Category for Three-Year Returns

PARSIPPANY, N.J., July 19 /PRNewswire/ -- SmartGrowth® Mutual Funds, a family of mutual funds designed to address the diverse objectives, time horizons and risk profiles of investors across the risk/reward spectrum, is pleased to announce that two of its mutual funds rank in the top 2 percent of their category for three-year returns as of June 30, 2010, according to Lipper. The Funds, which incorporate exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and asset allocation, seek to produce superior risk-adjusted returns for long-term investors.

"We are proud to reach the three-year milestone with a record of relative outperformance in one of the most difficult market periods in our country's history," said Kevin Mahn, Portfolio Manager for the SmartGrowth Mutual Funds. "Our funds deliver diversification and risk-return profiles that are distinctive among current investment opportunities and we look forward to their continued success."

The SmartGrowth family of funds consists of a series of three target-risk mutual funds. SmartGrowth® Lipper Optimal Conservative Index Fund (LPCAX) and SmartGrowth® Lipper Optimal Moderate Index Fund (LPMAX) both rank in the top 2% of their category, out of 714 funds, according to Lipper. In addition, SmartGrowth® Lipper Optimal Growth Index Fund (LPGAX) reached its three-year anniversary ranking in the top 5% of its category, out of 714 funds. Three year returns for the funds are: -2.18% (LPCAX); -4.24% (LPGAX) and -2.52% (LPMAX).  The three year return for the S&P 500 is -9.81%.  

Launched June 1, 2007, each target risk fund is benchmarked to one of Lipper's proprietary Optimal Target Risk Indices and offers investors three risk/reward options ranging from conservative to growth portfolios. Designed to provide investors with an investment solution that helps take the guesswork out of choosing the right blend of ETFs and exchange-traded notes (ETNs), the SmartGrowth Mutual Funds attempt to track the Target Risk Indices' carefully selected ETFs and ETNs whose historical returns, liquidity, correlations and expenses are analyzed to identify the appropriate mix for each index's risk/reward profile.

"The SmarthGrowth Funds were born out of the difficulty in building a properly allocated portfolio," said Bill Walsh, Partner of Hennion & Walsh, which serves as the investment advisor to SmartGrowth Mutual Funds.

"Our mission is to help individuals invest in accordance with their unique risk-return needs and objectives, with disciplined strategies that have the potential to provide superior long-term results," said Rich Hennion, Partner of Hennion & Walsh.  

To request more information or to speak to Mssrs. Mahn and Walsh, please contact Katrine Winther-Olesen at 973-400-1341 or [email protected].

About SmartGrowth Mutual Funds

Hennion and Walsh Asset Management serves as the Investment Advisor for the SmartGrowth® Mutual Funds.

The Adviser is an affiliate of full-service broker/dealer Hennion & Walsh, Inc. Founded by Richard Hennion and William Walsh, Hennion & Walsh, Inc. has been serving clients as a full-service securities firm, specializing in municipal bonds since 1990. The firm has built its reputation on developing strong, mutually beneficial relationships designed to last a lifetime. The firm currently offers 11 unit investment trust ("UITs") under the SmartTrust® brand, as well as managed money portfolios to both individuals and retirement plans. As of March 31, 2010, the adviser had $218 million in assets under management or supervision.

Additional information about the SmartGrowth® Mutual Funds is available at www.smartgrowthfunds.com.

Mutual fund investing involves risk, including loss of principal. There is no guarantee that a Fund will meet its objective.

Please carefully consider a Fund's investment objectives, risk factors, charges and expenses before investing. This and other information can be found in the Fund's prospectus, which may be obtained by calling 1-888-465-5722. Read carefully before investing.

Performance through 6/30/2010 is: LPGAX: 4.16% (one year) and -4.70% (since inception); LPMAX: 1.21% (one year) and -3.22% (since inception); LPCAX: 0.19% (one year) and -2.99% (since inception).  Inception date is 6/1/2007.  The performance data quoted represents past performance.  Past performance does not guarantee future results.  The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted.  For performance data current to most recent month end, call 1-888-465-5722 or visit the website at www.smartgrowthfunds.com.

Performance for the S&P 500 Index through 6/30/2010 is: 14.43% (one year); -9.81% (three years) and -10.16% (since inception, 6/1/2007).  Index returns are for illustrative purposes only. The S&P 500 Index is a broad based unmanaged index of 500 stocks, which is widely recognized as representative of the equity market in general.  You cannot invest directly in an index.

Net expense ratio for each fund is 1.50%.  The advisor has contractually agreed to waive fees and reimburse expenses until May 31, 2011.  In the absence of current fee waivers, total return would be reduced.  The funds impose a 4.75% sales charge on purchases, and impose a 2% redemption fee on redemptions of shares held less than 7 days.

For the one year ending 6/30/2010, Lipper rankings for the funds in the Multi-Cap Core Funds category are:  LPCAX: 828/830; LPGAX: 814/830 and LPMAX: 826/830.

The SmartGrowth® Mutual Funds are distributed by SEI Investments Distribution Co., which is not affiliated with Hennion & Walsh Asset Management or Lipper (a ThomsonReuters Company).

SOURCE SmartGrowth Mutual Funds